Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely’s Until We’re Done – Folk Rock at its Best

BY ND MCCRAY

Having opened for Lenny Kravitz and being the daughter of Sweet Honey in Rock co-founder Bernice Johnson Reagon, Atlanta-born, Brooklyn-based indie folk rocker Toshi Reagon and her band BIGLovely have no problems bringing folk rock back. With her seventh studio release, Until We’re Done - it’s folk rock at its best.

Having dropped out of college to perform, Toshi’s been holding her own since her 1990 release, Justice.

As a singer, songwriter, and musician she tapped into many emotions on this one. Though Until We’re Done clocks in under 35 minutes, it gets its point across sufficiently: indie rocker who loves hard. Toshi’s music is a lover’s paradise. On “Scorpio” her love for the lady scorpion is sensitive and genuine yet on the acoustic, “R.U.” she asks, “Are you the one for this time?” And on “Lonely Road” she’s out and proud as a single lady.

Over the years, Toshi’s had the opportunity to rock many stages with various artists from Nona Hendryx to Ani Difranco. She’s comfortable in any arena from Carnegie Hall to Central Park Summerstage/tribute to Joni Mitchell. She’s even owned a cover of Prince’s “1999” as a tribute to the elusive one. A true performer, she is. Though I’ve been a fan since her 1999 release, The Righteous Ones, I’ve seen her perform for a crowd of 20 people, and give it her all as if it were thousands.

Her voice is sweet and strong. Her band, BIGLovely, has performed together since 2006 and the name came from a love letter addressed to Toshi as “To My BIGLovely” from her girlfriend.

For more info on Toshi visit www.myspace.com/toshireagonandbiglovely and www.toshireagon.com.

Photo credits: JOMOTO/Molly Rubin and Tony DiPietro (Toshi on stairs), Sharon Farmer (Toshi singing).

Spotlight on Clear Channel’s PrideRadio.com

BY MATT SKALLERUD

Over the past few years, we’ve had a variety of satellite and online radio stations appear with some incredible content ranging from dance music to talk radio. We’ve also recently had real world, terrestrial radio stations bring their music online including 92.7 Energy out of San Francisco and 103.9 Pride FM out of Toronto. Now, we have PrideRadio, brought to us by Clear Channel, with content ranging from online music streaming to Internet on-demand music videos and podcasts.

What sets this new station apart is not only its corporate support by one of the largest radio media companies in the world, but rather its focus on reaching gays and lesbians wherever they may be, whether that’s online, in the car, in their homes or on their iTouch and iPhones. By having these multiple ‘touch points’ to the gay and lesbian consumer, PrideRadio.com can better command a marketer’s dream of remaining ‘top of mind’ in this cluttered media world, which is worth its weight in gold!

It’s not just this multimedia approach, however, which sets PrideRadio.com apart. By being able to tap into the company’s vast experience in music programming, PrideRadio.com is able to bring gays and lesbians music they love best, along with fun and edgy personalities such as Ryan & Caroline, radio’s ‘Will and Grace’ and program director Harry Legg.

Their website brings this all home, integrating all aspects of the programming into one easy-to-use interface, including an up-to-date ‘Gayly’ blog, photos and current gay and lesbian news clips from local content partners and from around the world. What’s unique is that each market that PrideRadio is in features a customized version of the website, so geo-targeting to specific markets can now be activated.

From a marketer’s point of view, this is a top-choice company to work with. Their experience in real world events has allowed them to do such promotions as their current ‘Win A Wedding in LA’ contest, capitalizing on the excitement of gay marriage in California, and teaming up with the musical ‘Wicked’ to offer winning couples the chance to be married on the Wicked stage, along with some of the Wicked cast members singing them the song ‘For Good’ from Wicked. Incredible stuff!

PrideRadio just finished a major promotion with Swiss Toursim, giving away a trip to Switzerland on air. Personality Harrison traveled to Switzerland and created daily travelogue features that highlighted travel partner’s destinations, and painted a picture in listener’s minds that made them visit the site to register for the trip. Banner ads ran across Clear Channel radio stations nationally to help drive traffic to the site.

Of course, they also work with their clients in more traditional marketing opportunities in the world of radio, but offering cross-platform reach in HD radio, terrestrial radio and online radio. That’s been enhanced by the release of the ‘iheartradio’ application for the iPhone and iTouch. This puts PrideRadio and all of Clear Channel ahead of competitors in new distribution methods for its content.

In the first two weeks, hundreds of thousands of consumers downloaded the application and now have access to PrideRadio. Director Brad Fuhr sees a bright future for the brand:”’We can now offer marketers an environment to get their message to the LBGT consumer via a variety of platforms and see the iPhone as a huge driver of online listening in the coming months.”

This article was reprinted from Pink Banana Media, www.PinkBananaMedia.com/MarketReport.

Featured photo by Diogo Valério. Tabber photo by Amanda Downing.

Blair Hansen Brings Acoustic Melodies - With An Edge

She’s young, talented, kind, and extremely passionate about music and its power to make the world a better place. With a steadily growing fan base who appreciate her sound, thought provoking lyrics, and true love for what she does, Blair Hansen is likely to become the next big lesbian rock star. Here, Cherry Grrl discusses with the San Franciso based artist her career so far, influences, and future plans for her music.

Cherry Grrl (CG): How and when did you first discover your love of music?
Blair Hansen (BH): Wow, I think I’ve always loved music! When I was nine years old however, is when I really got into it. I started taking voice lessons - mainly learning the techniques, then that turned into being trained for opera. Well, lets just say that I fell in love with rock n’ roll and my want to be an opera singer changed into a want to be a rocker chick when I started playing the guitar at 14.

CG: How do you describe your musical style?
BH: I find that my music style is always changing. When I started out it was very folk-like. Now, on the new album coming out, you can expect to hear more rock/pop than usual. So, I’d say Acoustic/Pop, but that sounds so mainstream. Someone once told me, “It’s acoustic melodies with an edge!” Guess that has kind of stuck.

CG: Who are some of the artists or bands that have influenced you and your style?
BH: The Dixie Chicks inspired me to pick up a guitar and Natalie Maine’s voice is so powerful! Definitely Melissa Etheridge, Garrison Starr, Sarah McLachlan, Indigo Girls, K’s Choice and my friend’s band Double Plus.

CG: Did you grow up in San Francisco? If not what brought you to the city?
BH: Actually, I grew up in Castro Valley. I usually tell people that I’m from San Francisco because well, people know where that is! Castro Valley is about 30 minutes from SF. It’s a little itty bitty town that is known for the most fast food/Starbucks in an unincorporated area! I believe that’s even on record in the Guinness Book of World Records! Crazy, huh? Not to mention a bit disturbing!

CG: You spoke out against the gay marriage bans in a blog on your myspace page. Do you bring these issues up often at your performances and if so what is the reaction that you get from your audiences?
BH: I most definitely did bring it up on every bulletin/blog/video blog I could! I don’t bring it up at shows, however. I guess I feel that that’s when I stick to music and leave politics out. That’s not to say it’s an important issue that isn’t dear to my heart, because it is. I just feel that that’s the time when people can get out of that stressful mind frame, leave any worries that they may have and be taken to another world for at least 45 minutes. That’s my main goal with music. It’s an escape for me, for them, for you, for anyone really. Then, after, we can do the worrying!

CG: Do you find that you have a strong lesbian fan following?
BH: In recent years, yes! I took some time off from music for a bit - I was young and still couldn’t find my niche or pinpoint my audience. But now, I find that my audience is mostly lesbian, bisexual, questioning and even straight women! Also, I’ve met a lot of guys who come to many of the shows. So, I guess the audience is very mixed, but yes, come to a show and you’ll more than likely meet A LOT of gay chicks.

CG: You are a young artist on the music scene right now but what has been the highlight for you of your career so far?
BH: Hmm, it’s a toss up. I’ve had some awesome highlights thus far. I’ll list my top four: SXSW in Austin, Texas; opening for Susan Tedeschi; being in Curve Magazine; and playing the same night at the Fillmore SF with Dar Williams. Also, She Rocks 2005 was HUGE. It was this amazing show put on in the civic center of San Francisco that featured female fronted bands. That was wonderful!

CG: Who are some artists currently performing that you would most enjoy collaborating with?
BH: Hint hint: Garrison Starr (brilliant!), Adrianne (wow), Halcyon (these chicks rock it), Missy Higgins (her voice brings me to my knees!), Melissa Etheridge (for sure!), Indigo Girls (haunting melodies and harmonies), and definitely Sarah Bettens (what a sexy voice!).

CG: What can people expect from your 2009 album?
BH: It was originally going to be very acoustic and then I had all of these ideas! So, with that said, I had to bring in my guys (Daren Wilkerson-Drummer, Clay Bigham-Guitarist) to help me make my ideas come alive! You’ll expect some very (hopefully) catchy tunes. I really tried to experiment a lot on this album, especially vocally. Just you wait!

CG: What are your goals for the future of your career?
BH: Short term - after my next CD is released in February, I’ve been invited to Australia and look forward to touring there with my fellow musician friend, Aimee Francis. We’ll be doing the tour there in May and will be touring America in June/July of ‘09. Long term - I would love to have my art pay all my bills and be in a position to just sing for my supper! One day be able to purchase a house to raise a family in. I have huge goals and hopes with music, but that’s essentially what I’m trying to do!

For more about Blair visit http://www.myspace.com/blairhansen.

The Indigo Girls Go Independent

It’s been three years since our favorite musically gifted lesbian duo have put out a new studio album and it seems Amy and Emily have been busily making it worth the wait. Two decades ago the Indigo Girls launched their career with their independently released debut album, 1987’s Strange Fire. Now, after entertaining millions of fans with their 10 major-label studio albums (nine on Epic Records and one, 2006’s Despite Our Differences, on Hollywood Records), Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have come full circle with the independent, early 2009 release of their 2-CD album, Poseidon And The Bitter Bug, on their new label IG Recordings, distributed through Vanguard Records.

The album was recorded in Atlanta in a whirlwind three-week session – they wanted to keep a sense of spontaneity and discovery to the process. And it’s the songwriting that shines on Poseidon, with the duo exploring new approaches to melody, harmonics, and rhythm. Poseidon will also include a second CD that features acoustic versions of all the songs, plus a bonus track, “Salty South.” It’s a chance for listeners to hear stripped down, organic versions of the songs – just the Girls in a room with a few mics – before the arrangements changed with the addition of the band.

With a Grammy, six Grammy nominations and a legacy of releases and tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have outlasted many of their peers and forged their own way in the music business. They’ve always thought independently, and have always balanced their commitment to music and performing with an unwavering commitment to social, political and environmental issues – Ray and Saliers don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. In 1991, Ray and Saliers co-founded the non-profit organization Honor the Earth to raise awareness and financial support for indigenous environmental justice, and over the years they have supported groups fighting for women’s rights, civil rights for same-sex couples, and the abolition of the death penalty as well as voter registration.

Now with their own imprint, the Girls have come full circle; they’ve weathered the ups and downs of the music industry and come out with their musical vision and enthusiasm intact.

“I am overwhelmingly excited to be independent because it really is where the heart of music sits for me,” says Ray, “I don’t have many regrets about the major-label life of the band because we certainly got a lot out of it. We were lucky enough to be on Epic when Pearl Jam and Rage Against The Machine were our label-mates and the company was developing bands with the intent of creating catalog artists. That has all changed, and it’s just not worth being on a major. It hasn’t felt worth it for a long time. Beyond that, it never fed my soul the way an independent career can.”

“I feel a great sense of freedom in finally being rid of the major-label world,” Ray says. “It’s been a burden for a while for me. I felt an honesty and sincerity making Poseidon, because I fully believe in independence.” Saliers says, “It fees liberating and centering, even in the midst of change.”

The Girls are set to tour in the spring and summer of 2009. Check back with Cherry Grrl soon for more coverage of the Indigo Girls and their upcoming release.

Photos by Jeremy Cowart.

From Vegas to Brooklyn - Jasper James Rocks

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, singer/songwriter and producer Jasper James has wandered the world playing with a wide variety of amazing musicians – and lent her acting talents to several indie films along the way - before eventually developing her career as a solo artist in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Exposed to music at an early age, James has used her talents and passion to entertain her audiences while simultaneously working to bring visibility to the gender-queer community through her many projects. Here, Cherry Grrl learns more about the rising star, her career goals, and her upcoming debut solo album release, “Vibrator.”

Cherry Grrl (CG): We read that your father worked security for some pretty amazing musicians when you were growing up. How did that exposure affect you and help shape you musically?
Jasper James (JJ): All I can say is that I was lucky to be in an amazing position in my early youth. Las Vegas during that time was truly magical. Everyone was there…Sammy Davis Junior was one of the first people to hold me as a baby. Musically, I still have a soft spot for big band and orchestra music. I also have a great affinity for classic country and the cowboy aesthetic that I could probably trace back to my upbringing as well.

CG: How did growing up in a very religious household affect you as an artist?
JJ: As an artist I think it compelled me to search for my own truth in all things, especially music. I’m always reaching for something meaningful. I also love to laugh because my childhood was so serious. Today, I realize that there is freedom in being able to laugh at those times that cause the most drama. I spent most of my youth with church folks that were miserable when you got down to it. I vowed to not be that person, and I’ve been actively pursuing what I feel to be a more honest form of expression throughout my adult life.

CG: At what age did you know that you wanted to be a musician?
JJ: When I was six and my parents asked me what I wanted to be and I said, “A Star.” I then also proceeded to give a speech of thanking all the little people…

CG: How do you describe your sound?
JJ: Funk-rock, electro-pop with a post-punk vibe.

CG: Who do you consider to be your musical influences?
JJ: There are so many and they are so varied… I guess Elton John, Depeche Mode, the Eurythmics, Stevie Wonder, Jazz, and space music. I also can’t forget my origins, which were steeped in the gutbucket blues tradition and gospel music as well. I even like old country music.

CG: Who are some current artists that you admire/ would like to collaborate with?
JJ: Ahhh… man, I would love to meet Ryan Leslie. I’m a huge fan of Justin Timberlake and I would love to do something with the Scissor Sisters someday.

CG: As an out musician and someone who is vocal about LGBT rights and issues, do you feel that other, perhaps closeted, artists should publicly come out about their sexuality in order to help strengthen our community?
JJ: I feel everyone needs to do whatever they feel is best for themselves throughout their lives and career. Who I am to say what someone should or should not do? One person’s politics is another’s private life.

CG: You have a lot of interests and projects that you are working on in addition to your music. Can you tell us about some of those – specifically those that involve the queer community?
JJ: My interest in community building runs deep. I am working on raising funds for a community initiative called “Health in the Hood,” right now, which looks to tackle the problem of childhood obesity in minority youth. I also try to bring visibility to the gender-queer community through my music and public sexuality. I would love it if folks thought more about letting others enjoy themselves and bringing more love into the world than focusing on telling people what they should or should not do, or who they should or should not love. Just finding a person to love you and care for you is hard enough in this world.

CG: Tell us about your latest album and what fans can expect from it.
JJ: The album is called “Vibrator.” It’s extremely sex-positive, and unapologetically pop. With that said, this album was somewhat of an experiment. I touched upon this “sound” when the Jetset (my former 10 piece band) came up with “This House,” which is on the “Shortbus” soundtrack. When Augustus Skinner, one half the production company “Crispin Thump,” and I came together, it was important for me to hone in further on this successful sound. A few of the songs we did just for the sake of doing them. We experimented and we were looking find the core of something fresh and exciting to us. In many ways it’s also a very queer album. I wrote a song in memory of Lawrence King, a boy who was shot because he was gay. He was shot around the time I was beginning the album and it affected me deeply. It really made me realize this could happen to any one of us in the community.

Aside from the serious stuff, from what I’ve seen at my shows in New York, you can expect from Brooklyn to Berlin there’ll be dancing and debauchery!

CG: What are some other upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
JJ: I’m working with some producers from Norway called “Nasty Kutt” on a new song to be released separately and I’m opening for Debbie Harry in December. My official record release party is in January and I’m touring throughout Europe in support of “Vibrator” beginning at the end of January. I’ve also started writing some tracks for my second album. Overall 2008 has been amazing for me and I’m looking forward to 2009.

CG: What are your goals as you look forward in your career?
JJ: My goal is the same as it has been for the last five years…to be able to make music, take care of myself and my family with my art and have a lot of fun on the way!

For more about Jasper visit www.myspace.com/jasperjamesmusic.

Photos by Leslie Van Stelton.

Extreme Maggienificence

BY ULLA KELLY

Maggie Faris, according to some, is “just a fat old lady into extreme sports.” According to Curve Magazine, she’s also one of the top 100 funniest lesbians. I first stumbled across this extreme Maggie-ness on a wordpress blog, then I wandered across to her website and decided the most appropriate word for all of it was “offbeat.” I like offbeat. Offbeat doesn’t dress like society wants it to - it’s well outside of the mainstream and doesn’t care. Offbeat does whatever it wants and doesn’t apologize afterwards. So, if you haven’t already, meet Maggie…

I’ve never heard of a web designer/comedian before - got any funny web design stories?
Really? Are there funny things about web design? Nothing funny has ever happened to me while designing a website. I was never the person whose hand slipped off the keyboard into an electric eel pond. Although I did have a loft bed while I lived in New York and my laptop committed suicide by jumping out of the loft bed. Since then I have had to carry an external keyboard around. To me that’s more tragic than funny.

You say your eyes are hazel and phinnius… who are they?
Julia Roberts’ twins. My eyes are really just hazel but I’m so used to hearing phinnius after hazel I stuck him in.

You describe your dress sense as “old English paper boy” - what does the discerning OEPB wear?
Oh my God I love wearing old English paper boy. I wish I had more OEPB clothes. OEPB is really just what it says. Like the newsies of yesteryear. It’s a lot of wool, cords, browns, generally too big because it’s handed down by a brother or cousin, and a cap. Always a cap. Nary a day I don’t wear a cap.

Your photos - especially the skydiving one on your blog - are freaking hysterically awesome. Describe a typical “Extreme Maggie” photo-shoot?
First of all, most of the “photo shoots” you are referring to take place in front of my computer in a little program known to some as “photoshop.” Although I did do a photo shoot with an incredible photographer named Britt Lundquist. I was dressed as a ballerina in a jewelry box. That was a very fun shoot because I got to kick down the set like a rock star when it was all over. It was quite scary too as I had the most uncomfortable toe shoes on and I was on about a ten inch platform about four feet off the ground. Oh the pain of a good photograph. I thought for sure I would end up a splat ballerina.

And the videos… you’re the queen of video - how did that happen?
As a stand-up comic you dream of what kind of show you would have if you ever made it. I just took that show and started filming on my lil video camera and the videos are what I have come up with. It’s just a rough and loose idea of a show called Extreme Maggie. I spent a lot of time trying to “make it” - but now I just have fun doing my own thing and in some ways these little videos are way better than if my show was watered down for the masses. Although I wouldn’t mind the paycheck of the big production sitcom star.

The red page. Stroke of genius. How did you come up with it? (Go to Maggie’s website to see what I’m talking about.)
Seriously, I didn’t have a lot of things I wanted to link to and I needed another link for the column to look right so I made up the red page.

Is there anything you consider absolutely not funny?
Crab cakes. Crab cakes are not very funny.

Do you get homophobic heckles much?
Nope. Never. I used to do a joke in the beginning of my set about being mistaken for a man and I had a drunk lady yell out that yes I did look like a man. I flashed her my boobs and told her I was no less a woman just because I didn’t look like a trashy drunk whore like her. That was the ONLY show where I got a partial standing ovation. OK it was like one table, but still. I was excited.

Should celebrities come out, or are they entitled to their privacy?
They are entitled to their privacy. I think it’s good for the GLBT movement when they do come out but everyone has their own process and time frame and I think we should all be respectful of that. Except Clay Aiken. I mean c’mon, we all knew.

Groupies! Got any? And if so, what kinda stuff do they send/give you?
Ba Ha!!! I wish! No I have no groupies. I know a few people who have my sticker on their car but that’s the extent of it. If anyone wants to apply though…

Anything to declare?
A couple of melons, some t-shirts, a pineapple, and some other random souvenirs.

For more about Maggie visit www.extrememaggie.com and http://extrememaggie.wordpress.com.

Record Label Support for Queer Musicians

Based out of San Francisco, California, Queer Control Records (QCR) is an independent non-profit (501(c)(3) status pending) record label for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning (LGBTIQQ) community. Since May 2007, QCR has existed for the purpose of providing charitable assistance to LGBTIQQ musicians. They have a simple goal: to bring you the best music you haven’t heard… yet. In the changing environment of independent punk music, they seek to provide an outlet for emerging artists to share their visions.

“QCR is all about bringing life back to queercore and riot grrl music. A big part of accomplishing that is recognizing that there are still a lot of great queer bands out there that even tend to be better than most of their ‘straight’ counterparts. We want to give these bands an extra boost through our support, because they will ultimately help build up the community of queer music and musicians just by being heard,” described QCR Co-founder and President/CEO Marlene Melendez.

The Bands. Pariah Piranha is an eclectic alternative rock band out of York, PA with a raw and amorphous sound. Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and all-around leading lady, Tara Gordon, is joined by funky, comedic drummer, Andrea Shearer, and ridiculously talented bassist, Tony Garber – known to his label mates as “Ginger Bear.” Based in San Francisco, Box Squad is a tongue-in-cheek political dykecore trio that’s true to its riot grrl roots. Featuring former members of The Alter Bois and Fabulous Disaster, these ladies are hilariously politically incorrect and an absolute blast on stage. Tough Tough Skin is a
Minneapolis-based ball of energy that draws on musical backgrounds in old school punk, riot grrl, folk, bluegrass and indie rock to take queer-core in a whole new direction.

At QCR they are extremely dedicated and eager to work towards their goals and to be the PA system for the next voice of music. They want to inspire musicians - both young and old by encouraging those who are new to the music scene to establish their own voice, while showing older artists a way to rediscover their original motivation.

They also recognize and respect the visionaries who have come before them and inspired them to strike out on our own and represent the next generation of GLBTIQ musicians. Their team is comprised of passionate young professionals – many who are musicians themselves. Because of this, they bring forward a unique blend of strong business management skills coupled with insightful creativity.

For more information about QCR, please visit http://www.queercontrol.com.

The Locals Go Big

Fronted by singer and songwriter Yvonne Doll, the Locals have been a part of the Chicago music scene for the last decade. With three talented musicians who together share a passion for the unique and exciting sound that they create, the band has earned themselves a dedicated fan base while playing extensively in the Midwest. Once a four piece, the Locals have downsized and are now made up of Doll, bassist and long-term partner of Doll, Christy Nunes, and drummer Kirk Snedeker. Cherry Grrl recently interviewed Doll about her band, “Big Picture” – their fourth studio effort and their first full length CD in almost six years, and the other very cool projects that she’s currently working on.

Cherry Grrl (CG): How would you describe the musical style of The Locals?
Yvonne Doll: Plaid. Like catholic schoolgirls’ skirts that needs to be ironed. We’re unkempt and multifarious. (I only use that word “multifarious’ because it’s at least a $5 dollar word and I want the Cherry Grrl readers to think I’m one of those deep, brainy, artsy chicks, else I could just have just said “diverse.”) Multifarious. Sounds kind of naughty to me, I like it.

I’m told our songs don’t sound the same from one to the next. It’s either because we have very diverse musical influences or it’s that I have a very short attention span when writing. Our music gets called “poppy, alt-rock” quite a bit.

CG: How did the three of you come together as a band?
YD: Well Christy (bass player) and I started this band about 11 years ago; we’ve had a couple of different line-ups. Kirk (drummer) answered an ad we placed after a band member shake up left us bangerless. (And you have to have the banging.) Kirk was the first person to answer, the only person we auditioned (cause he is awesome, he also is an amazing chef, so yeah, he was IN!), and he actually lives like three blocks from us. It was kismet!

CG: What is behind your band’s name, The Locals?
YD: Pain, suffering, and controversy. OK I’m being a little dramatic. But I will tell you that there is a band from Oakland called “The Matches” that got so pissed when they had to change their name (they were originally calling themselves “The Locals” and I actually own the trademark on it) that they named their first release on Epitaph Records “E.Von Dahl Killed The Locals.” I even have a nickname “Evil Yvonne.” I thought it was hilarious and a great name for a disc. It’s been years now and I still get some insano emails from their fans. Clearly I can never go to Oakland. It’s too bad. Oakland seems nice.

Christy and I actually saw the name graffiti’d on a wall in Cincinnati (my home town) in like 1996 and liked the way it sounded so “The Locals” were born.

CG: What experience did you have with music and performing prior to creating your band?
YD: I was a solo acoustic performer for a bunch of years. I have a solo cd called “Bliss” that I wrote after a three month road trip in a massive brown Buick with my best friend Anne. I also briefly played bass in my sister’s band right after college.

My mom was a music teacher when I was growing up, so I played piano and was always writing little songs and singing them to my cat. I used to sing into vacuum cleaner handle to Heart, when I was a kid. Heart - oh yeah… that is when I knew I wanted to be a rock singer.

CG: How is this 4th album different than previous releases that you have had?
YD: It is actually a pretty big departure. The Locals used to be a more folky rock kind of thing. We had a couple of great guys in our band for seven years. (A violinist - think Dave Matthews band - and really blue-collar hard-hitting drummer.) It was a lot of fun. But then those guys decided to settle down (not with each other) and left the band.

So Christy and I took the opportunity to do something totally different, harder, louder, more GRRR. So this cd “Big Picture” is more reflective of that. We also had an amazing producer - Steve Gillis (Filter) - who really helped us tighten our sound. It’s definitely the most evolved CD we’ve done.

CG: What other bands/artists do you consider to be your musical influences?
YD: The Pixies, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Foo Fighters, PJ Harvey, Elvis Costello, Sonic Youth.

CG: How often do you all perform and do you ever go on the road out of the Chicago area?
YD: Well we’ve been working really hard for the last year with studio stuff, we just released our disc in June and released a new video for “Big Picture” this week (Nov 12), so our touring schedule has been more lean than usual. We usually are playing in Chicago every six weeks or so and on the road a couple of weekends a month.

CG: What is it like being in a band with your long-term partner?
YD: It’s great. We get along famously (even after 12 years) and love touring. It’s easier when you’re not leaving someone at home. It’s funny because in the context of the band we really are just “band mates.” We’ll go on a road trip and when we get back we’ll be like “I missed you.” We don’t bring our relationship stuff into the band “arena.” The band is so important to the both of us, we try and keep our relationship stuff separate.

CG: Do you find that you have a lot of lesbian fans?
YD: In Chicago, I think we do, yeah. But we’re always looking for more! We have a great fan base. I love Locals fans. I want to have a beer with all of them. The people who dig our music tend to be people who just out and out crave new music and love discovering new bands. We have a pretty diverse fan base, though. It’s not just a sea of lesbians at our shows (although I had a lovely dream like that once…), we really enjoy that our music appeals to a large variety of people.

CG: You are also a photographer and painter. What are some other projects that you are working on?
YD: Well my largest piece right now is Sleepy Urbanite (sleepyurbanite.com). I take pictures of people sleeping on the train with my cell phone and make portraits of them, then post them to sleepyurbanite.com. It’s been VERY interesting because of all of the privacy issues it’s raised. The blog is full of people who both love and hate the project. But I find it to be fascinating – people doing this very intimate thing, sleeping, in such a packed and public place. I mean think about it, usually the only people that see you sleeping are people who are closest to you. There is something, at least for me, very beautiful and moving about seeing people in this state of absolute unguarded grace.

This project has landed me on The Today Show, NBC News, The Chicagoist, Time Out Chicago, Newstalk Radio (Ireland), and most recently the photos were featured in VOXPOP, a really cool pop culture /arts magazine in France.

I’m also working on a more collaborative, public piece called “The Big Picture Project.” It’s sort of the visual companion to the new disc. It’s basically a living mosaic online: http://www.showmethebigpicture.com. It’s basically asking the question: “What does life look like this second? Get out your cell phone and take a picture right now.”

“The Big Picture Project” is a living mosaic. It’s all the things big and small that we visually digest each day - all strung together into one big-picture-paragraph. The mosaic is like taking our everyday lives and shooting it through a funky kaleidoscope… multiple vantage points, locations, perspectives all at the same time.

So I hope the Cherry Grrl readers will take some shots and send them. Stop, look, shoot anything that catches your eye, pisses you off, that you love, that you see each day, that you’ve just seen today… anything..

Anyone can text or email it to Bigpicture@localsrock.com and it’s automatically added to the mosaic.

CG: What are your goals and hopes for the future of the Locals?
YD: We’d like to spend a lot more time on the road. National tour would be great. But overall I just want to put out great music, reach more music fans and just keep swimming. We’ve also been getting some good radio support in the UK - we’d love to tour there as well!

For more information about The Locals visit http://www.localsrock.com and www.myspace.com/localsrockchicago.

Grrl Rock! With Christine Martucci

Christine Martucci had an early introduction to music and she hasn’t looked back since. She was nine years old when her musician father gave her a guitar for the first time and she remembers having fallen in love with it, and music, instantly. Throughout the years since she was first introduced to what would be her life’s passion, Martucci has worked hard to establish herself as a unique and talented artist who, with her band, is now putting on shows in her home state of New Jersey and beyond in support of their sophomore album, “I’m All In.” Here, Cherry Grrl talks with the out lesbian rocker about her career, fans, and why for her, “music is like breathing - I have to do it to stay alive.”

Cherry Grrl: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard it before?
Christine Martucci (CM): My sound is rootsy, rock and roll, acoustic driven. Vocally I have been compared to Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge, which is not bad at all.

CG: Where did you grow up and how did that affect your musical style?
CM: I grew up in the country area of central New Jersey, Hunterdon County, farmland and woods and trees, and a sense of freedom I loved. I got on my bike and would just ride for hours. I loved the woods and the fresh air. It was the best place for me to grow up, as nature inspired I would build tipis in the woods and explore with my three brothers, it was our escape from reality, a very good place to start if you want to be an artist.

CG: Who do you consider to be your musical influences?
CM: Musically, I am in love with Motown sound, and soul and blues. Vocally, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin - powerful women. I relate to strength and power especially in women; the songs they sang and the hard road they traveled was very inspirational for me.

CG: Have you had a lot of support from the lesbian community throughout your career?
CM: OH yes, shout-out to my Tucci Train! My core fans, I love them. I never really “came” out publicly, I didn’t have too. It’s funny no one ever asked me, are you gay? Mainstream media never asked. I love the lesbian and gay community. I cannot do enough for my fellow brothers and sisters. Again, for me, it comes back to strength and we are a strong community. I am very blessed with all the support I have received and still receive.

CG: What were your goals with your latest album, I’m All In?
CM: My goal for this album was to put out a rocking, feel-good CD. With the songs I wanted to kick it up a notch from my first CD, which I thought was a bit laid back. This being my second CD I wanted to bring new life and energy to my songs and my vocal performance. I think I really captured it in this one.

CG: What is your favorite part about being a musician?
CM: My favorite part is having an outlet for my creative side. It is what keeps me sane. I love the fact that my imagination can help me come up with new songs and sounds, and of course perform on stage. It goes back to my childhood where I escaped realism and was in another place and time. I equate that to being on stage, I am safe up there and I love to perform live. I also love the fact that I have developed a relationship with my fans - we are family. Love is around me all the time because of my fans. I am truly blessed.

CG: What would you consider to be the most difficult aspect of making a career out of what you do?
CM: Being heard. I think that is the obstacle that musicians face, being heard by the one person that can take you from playing bars and nightclubs to touring the world. Also, musicians can be so hard on themselves; it is difficult as we are our own worse enemies sometimes.

I was told once if you want a lifetime of heartache and disappointment, peppered with moments of greatness, become a musician. If we can get past that, if I can get past that which is a struggle sometimes, and focus on the moments - those special once in a lifetime moments when you and the crowd are one, like we are all taking the same breath and our hearts are beating at the exact same rhythm - those moments will stay in my heart forever.

CG: What’s next for you in your career?
CM: I am working on my next album (so this winter I will be inside my head creating) and also a play, “Breakfast with Janis.” It is about my life and the hard times and the good times. It will be a musical - a lot of the songs on my new album will be incorporated in the musical - so my CD release party will also be opening night for my play. Something different.

For more about Christine visit www.christinemartucci.com and http://www.myspace.com/christinemartucci.

Kelsey Montanez: A New Favorite for the Grrls

Once in a while you come across that new, somewhat unknown artist that truly blows you away with their skill. With so many performers out there getting major record deals and becoming famous, it’s easy to forget the difference between natural raw talent and the majority of the songs that we hear on the radio every day. Kelsey Montanez is one of those extremely gifted up-and-coming talents whose voice, lyrics, and musical abilities remind you of how enjoyable music can be. Cherry Grrl wanted to learn more about the Chicago singer/songwriter and recently had the chance to ask some questions about her obvious passion for music and where she hopes to take it next.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): How would you describe your musical style?
Kelsey Montanez (KM): I think this is always a difficult question for me. I write acoustically but they aren’t typical acoustic songs. They have a heavier feel to them. Here’s a perfect example - I’m currently working on a new demo and Charlie Benante (drummer from heavy metal band ANTHRAX) is laying down drum tracks on it. But all the songs will still sound very acoustically driven. I guess you can call them pop songs with a twist.

CG: Who are some artists, past or present, that you particularly admire?
KM: ANI DIFRANCO. That woman inspires me so much. My dad introduced me to her when I was a lot younger and took me to one of her shows. I was in awe. Her show was so powerful and her message was so beautiful. She inspires me to be a better musician and a better person. I am also very inspired by Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie and Arcade Fire. But recently it’s been all about Atmosphere and Aesop Rock.

CG: What inspires your sound and lyrics?
KM: Emotion. Experience. The need to just get it out. I never know what my next song will be about. Sometimes I don’t even know as I’m writing it. Sometimes I have to wait until I’m done writing a song to understand how I feel about something! So I just try to dig my hands into everything and live as fully as I can and the songs come when they want.

CG: What is your favorite part about being a musician?
KM: I love all of it so much. I don’t know what stands out as my favorite. Being a musician is like being in a relationship or being in love. It’s all about passion and dedication. I love the freedom I feel when I’m writing a song. My favorite part is there will always be room left to learn more and create something else.

CG: What are some of your interests outside of music?
KM: I like to read whenever I can. When I’m not writing songs I just like to write in general. It usually always boils down to music though. I think about it all the time. My mother always yells at me and says I need to find a hobby that has absolutely nothing to do with music because I’m going to drive myself crazy one day. I tell her it’s not possible.

CG: How does living in Chicago affect you musically?
KM: I think that there are so many places to go for music and it’s so accessible. When you’re in Chicago music will have its impact on you whether you’re aware of it or not.

CG: Lesbians have a reputation for being extremely supportive of LGBT artists. Have you had a positive response so far from the lesbian community?
KM: Oh absolutely. I have fans of all different backgrounds, ages, genders, etc. But the LGBT community is extremely receptive and welcoming. A show always feels more like a movement than a performance.

CG: Are you planning any tours soon? Where can people find you performing next?
KM: Right now I’ve been working on a new demo and that is taking up a lot of my focus. But in the coming months I plan on doing a lot of shows in the coffee house scene all around Illinois until I can find a full band to accompany me.

CG: Where would you like to take your career next?
KM: I would like to finish the demo I’m working on and shop it around to a bunch of labels. Then I want to get the actual album finished and tour it all over the place!!

To learn more about Kelsey visit her at http://www.myspace.com/kmontanez.

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