• Playlist,  Song Playlist

    Local Men Inspiration Playlist: Part 2

    As a continuation from yesterday’s Local Men Inspiration Playlist, we are happy to present Part 2. Thanks to so many great Cincinnati guys for continuing to support Women in Rock! Happy Valentine’s Day!         Andrew Jody (Barrence Whitfield & The Savages)- “Nocturnal Emissions” by Shilpa Ray “When I was asked to do this I had a hard time making a decision… because when thinking about musicians who’ve influenced me, I don’t consciously compartmentalize them into ‘female musicians’ and ‘male musicians.’ Ya either got it or ya don’t. That being said, looking at the female artists that inspire me, I’ve noticed most of them don’t flaunt their sexuality superficially,…

  • Playlist

    Local Ladies Inspiration Playlist: Part 1

    The music scene in Cincinnati is abundant with talented female musicians. These woman are both inspired and inspiring. We asked as many as possible what songs have inspired them as musicians and why. Below is part one of the Local Ladies Playlist! Part 2 will be released on Friday, November 27th. Lillian Currens (Swim Team)- “Wild is the Wind” by Nina Simone “Growing up I listened to a lot of jazz and soul singers and constantly tried to emulate the way they sang because it felt so sad and real. I love Nina’s voice because it’s so beautiful, versatile and strong but still really unusual, a voice that you hear…

  • Artist Spotlight

    Good Things Come in 3’s: Catching Up with Makenzie of The Sundresses, Their New album and an Upcoming Show

    It was three years ago that I first sat down with Makenzie of the Sundresses to interview her for Women in Rock. With the release of their third album, This Machine Kills, it seemed like a good time to check in with her. The Sundresses started in 2001 as a political band. “We were a direct result of 9/11,” says Makenzie. “We would spew feelings about politics and make people dance.” But Makenzie notes that now they’re writing “life songs.” This Machine Kills was first recorded before drummer Dave Reid joined the band at Ultra Suede in Cincinnati. After he joined, the band decided to re-record as a four piece so they…

  • Artist Spotlight

    Venomous Valdez on being a Woman in the Music Industry

    When I arrived at Venomous Valdez’s house on Wednesday, I was excited to get an inside look at the career of one of the most powerful women in the music industry. As a well-respected booker, bands in Cincinnati know, “If I call you, you have a gig, you’re getting paid.” Born and raised in Cincinnati, Venomous got her start in the music industry 13 years ago.  She began as a DJ for WAIF FM Radio, co-hosting a program that broadcasted live from local concerts and after six months the show became hers. She also worked at WEBN for a year doing a local/regional music show, metal show and board engineer…

  • Artist Spotlight

    Makenzie Place of The Sundresses on Developing her Sound as Bassist

    Makenzie Place strolled into the Northside Tavern wearing a sundress (how appropriate), telling me she had been at a birthday pool party all day. If I was nervous before she came in, I quickly felt at ease because Makenzie, bassist of the Sundresses, is outgoing and easy to talk to. We sat outside on the patio and began a lengthy and enjoyable discussion about her band and what its like to be a female musician. IK: Did you grow up in Cincinnati? MP: I’m proud to say Hamilton. IK: How’d you end up in Cincinnati? MP: I ended up in Cincinnati because of a boyfriend. IK: So which came first,…

  • Concert Information

    The Women in Rock Coming Close to You (Cincinnati)

    There are many great shows coming to Cincinnati or close to Cincinnati this summer and I can’t let my Women in Rock fans miss any of them! So here’s a mini concert calendar for you! June 8- The Sundresses at MOTR June 12- The Black Belles at The Comet June 15- Santigold at Bogart’s July 13-15- Bunbury Festival (updates on the Women in Rock closer to the date of festival) Sawyers Point July 23- Best Coast with Those Darlins at Newport Music Hall, Columbus July 25- Lucinda Williams at Madison Theater August 15- Wazu at MOTR August 31- Wussy at Fountain Square September 9- Metric at Madison Theater Now, get…

  • Band Information,  Concert Information

    MWxSW

    This week I had the pleasure of attending the MWxSW kickoff party at the Redmoor in Cincinnati, Ohio. This very special event was a send off concert for the Cincinnati/regional bands going to SXSW. The concert included Oh My Me, Whiskey Daredevils, The Sundresses, and Wussy. I got there in time to catch The Sundresses and Wussy and man, was it a rockin’ show. I wanted to give a special shout out to Makenzie Place, bassist and trombonist for the Sundresses, and Lisa Walker, guitarist/vocalist of Wussy who represent the Cincinnati Women in Rock. Although I didn’t catch Oh My Me, Erin Reynolds will be another Women in Rock on…