"because the music business
is still run by men
like every business
and everything
but we can sing like a sonofabitch
make them twitch around their eyes
make them apologize"
Ponytail is an energetic experimental band from Baltimore. They often get compared to Deerhoof but I really don't think that makes enough sense. (although I love Deerhoof). I'm not even sure if the singer, Molly Siegel, actually has any set lyrics to their songs but, ya know what?...I don't care. They're fun!
also, playing Sonar in Baltimore November 12th! go!
Salome is a 3-piece (vox, guitar, drums) super slow super doomy metal band from Virginia. I'm not usually a avid listener of this type of stuff. But the vocalist Kat's screams and growls just get to me.
Playing the MarbleHaus in College Park November 16th, who wants to go?
Just when I thought the scenery was the only good thing about the state of West Virginia I came across the band APPALACHIAN TERROR UNIT. Staying true to their name, they play straight out brutal ass hardcore punk. Their songs address a variety of issues from mountain top removal to the legalization of marijuana.
I admit that if Made out of Babies wasn't fronted by Julie Christmas (also of Battle of Mice) I probably wouldn't enjoy them as much. This band creates a sort of post-something or other sludgy metal sound with really haunting and weird vocals. Think The Jesus Lizard with a female singer.
I know. It's been months since I've posted and I owe you A LOT more music. But today I bring you the Electro-punk rap duo called AVENUE D.
Debbie D. and Daphne D. pumped out hilarious ass shakin' tracks from 2001-2007. They take the usual raunchy approach of modern radio rap and tell it from a woman's perspective. The results yielded such anthems as "R2F" (Ready to Fuck!) and "Do I Look Like a Slut?". However, they weren't afraid to take on other issues such as the war on terror (check out: war sucks and Bang!), and American consumerism (U.S.A.=#1). While all Avenue D songs are more on the comedic side they definitely stand up for all the women who aren't afraid of their sexuality. Plus, it's so fun to bump their music from the car in traffic and see the reactions of the people next to you.
So it's a Easter Sunday afternoon and we're in the van on the way to our show with He is Legend (who sucked live by the way). As I'm falling in and out of precious naptime Dyl says, "dude Zoe, this is a girl". What I sat up to hear was some BRUTAL hardcore that goes by the name of KINGDOM. The vocalist, Davin, has literally one of the toughest voices I've ever heard. Not only can she yell/scream with power, her lyrics are creative and inspiring, and some songs even feature her (check out "Pythoness") rapping ,but with the same raspy growl. Similar to Gather, the band as a whole promotes a vegan straightedge lifestyle, and many of the songs are about these topics. What makes KINGDOM's message even more meaningful is how personalized the lyrics are. In a blog, Davin explains the words to "The Rage That Guides" by saying: Every word in this song was taken directly from conversations that my Dad and I have had about our society's physical and psychological war against the poor, women, people of color, non christians, the radically minded, the trans/gay/bi/queer community, and moreover, what it is like to watch the person you love the most suffer through the discrimination, hate, and abuse of this culture. "How," my Dad asked me on the day he found out I was drugged and gang-raped, "how do you face the world knowing how cruel it can be? How do you keep from locking yourself in a room and crying all day after what's been done to you?" That answer was easy. "For every time I should have cried, for every time I've been hurt, the only thing I've ever felt is hate and an all-consuming rage toward a society that allows this to continue. That's that's what keeps me focused and that's what keep me strong... this rage. This rage that guides me."
I have to thank Jeff for introducing them to me, and we'll be seeing them @ Charm City Art Space on Sunday. If you're in the area please come out and support this band. They represent everything that needs to be represented in this scene. THEY EVEN HAVE A VEGETABLE OIL FUEL VAN. ANd if you're not in the Bmore area, they're on tour now, so definitely check their myspace to see if they're comin to your town!
Last night my band, The Lost Tourists,(sorry... shameless self promotion) had the pleasure of playing with All or Nothing H.C. at the Sidebar in Baltimore. I cannot emphasis enough how great of mood this band's set put me in. To give you a general idea, I'd describe their music as having a Sick of it All sound with xLookingForwardx style vocals and positive messages all around. The lead vocalist, Renae, not only fronts the band but also runs On the Rag Records and Zine AND is a 5th grade teacher. Even though the place was nowhere near packed, the band didn't give us any less of a show. Renae had a story for almost every song, most notably, before "Knife to My Neck", she shared the fact that she was a rape victim and has turned a negative into a positive by raising awareness through the music.
Basically she's my new hero.
Without ever listening to them before that night, I had the chant from their last song stuck in my head on the way home.
"They are We" Live in Germany:
Here I have their newest release, but I highly encourage everyone to check out all their stuff and support ON THE RAG records in any way possible. California Bleeding
If you enjoy that traditional fast hardcore with heavy ass breakdowns, but are sick of the usual negative and violent lyrics, then California's GATHER is for you. With a sound similar to Walls of Jericho and the Vegan Straightedge message like that of Earth Crisis, Gather was able to tour both the US and Europe until they disbanded in 2007. I'd hate to try to put their message into my own words, so check out this video of them playing @ Chain Reaction in '06. The vocalist Genie says it all.
Unfortunately I'm missing Beyond The Ruins but here's: Total Liberation.
Yeah, I admit, I loved the Spice Girls, but they sure as hell didn't coin the "GIRL POWER" slogan. It was actually used in the Bikini Kill feminist zine started by Kathleen Hanna, Kathi Wilcox, and Tobi Vail at Evergreen college in Olympia, Washington. In 1990, with the addition of Billy Warren, Hanna, Wilcox, and Vail decided to start a band with the same name as their zine, and pioneered the Riot Grrrl movement. Playing straight and to the fucking point punk rock, Bikini Kill confronted misogyny with their no bullshit lyrics, and unique live shows. Girls were urged to come to the front of the stage, moshers were asked to stay to the side or back, and women were also invited to take the mic and talk about their personal experiences of sexual abuse. Disbanding in 1998, all the members moved onto other projects. Most notably, Hanna went on to front the Electro Punk group Le Tigre, still holding true to her feminist message.
Oh...and for a little side of random trivia, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana was actually inspired by Hanna, who was a friend of Kurt Cobain and spray painted the phrase on his bedroom wall. Apparently Hanna and Courtney Love were long time rivals too, but who hasn't gotten in a fight with Courtney?
Here's a clip of "Sugar" @ Kill Rock Star Records in 1993. Damn I wish I wasn't 5 when this happened...
Ever since I've been going to and playing DIY shows I've always been disappointed by the lack of women/girls in bands and in the crowds. This is for anyone else who feels the same way. Or anyone who wouldn't mind hearing something new. I hope to share as much girl positive music/film/art/ and events in the MD/DC/VA/PA area as possible.
Free Music is great! BUT you should delete these files after 24 hours - they are the property of the artists. If you download and end of up enjoying please support the band by going to a show and buying merch!!! and tell all your friends as well!!!
