Boston Music – Queer Women in Music

Haidee J of Double Star

Posted on October 24, 2023 by tina

Bio:

Haidee J is the co-founder of the Boston-based band Double Star, which she formed with Dave Kurimsky. The band as is described by the Somerville Arts Council: “Double Star mixes punk riffs, high-energy horns, and lush harmonies to create pop tunes that defy easy categorization.”

Here is a historical bio of Double Star courtesy of Haidee J:

“I think I can write a song around that” Haidee said to Dave, when he shared some half-finished guitar riffs with her. It was a cloudy, cool day in March when these two seasoned musicians, both veterans of a number of bands on the East and West coasts, got together for coffee at Jamaica Plain’s iconic, cow-themed ice cream parlor.

Just two weeks later, their first song was complete; State Line, a song about a road trip along the Northern California coast, a favorite activity of Haidee’s when she lived in Portland, OR.

Before too long, these rising double stars had enough material to start filling out the band with bass, drums, and another multi instrumentalist female on keys/synth, saxophone, backing vocals, and percussion.

Inspired by the feelings that are stirred by the various chords and rhythms of Dave’s and her guitars, Haidee’s lyrics run the gamut from drug addict breakups in Holding Hands is For Lovers and Small Children, to surviving a hurricane in Thoughts and Prayers Are Not Enough. She also touches on standing up for yourself (Say Something Now), escaping the boredom of a small town (Small Town) and hearing voices (Late at Night Inside My Head).

Double Star was born and has been taking the Boston music scene by (solar) storm with their catchy melodies, pop sensibilities, and lovably quirky arrangements. Like a double star in the sky, that appears to be one star until you look closer, Double Star may surprise you!

Questions

What brought you to Boston?

I grew up in Brookline, then moved out to the West Coast for about 10 years after college, before deciding to move back East to be closer to family. I was in a band for six years in Portland, OR. We had some local success, playing the main stage at Portland’s Pride Festival, an audience of thousands. On the downside, we handed out CDs for free, but they had been burned on an early computer CD burner and didn’t work in most players. We also weren’t marketing savvy, and this was pre-Facebook etc., so struggled to build a big fanbase. Once back in Boston I kept my eye out and played with numerous people and bands until I met Dave and we formed Double Star.

Haidee J Photo by Caroline Elizabeth Photography

Have you experienced a strong scene for Queer women and gender expansive folx in Boston in terms of music/performers etc?

Not really, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. I identify as a rock musician first, and a woman in rock 2^nd. I can’t say I go out of my way to seek out queer oriented events. We applied to play at some pride events this past year and didn’t get in, or even hear back from some of them. The one we were invited to play at in the suburbs we couldn’t make.

Do you have any sense of a history of a Queer scene in the city?

I do have a sense of a history of a Queer scene in the City, mostly that there are gay clubs, for dancing, and of course, annual Pride month and related events.

Haidee J and Double Star photo by Caroline Elizabeth Photography

Are there any venues or spaces that have been particularly influential or accommodating?

Accommodating to queer or gender expansive artists, I can’t really think of any in particular. Nor can I think of any that felt unaccommodating. Some of my favorite venues have been Aeronaut brewing, both the Allston outdoor and Somerville locations, the Square Root in Roslindale, and the Midway Café in JP of course. We had our first show there and play there a few times a year. I’m amazed at how stable the staff has remained, even through Covid, and they are always friendly and seem happy to have us back. Also, shout out to the JP Music Fest. We had a blast playing there in 2022, the sound system was amazing, and I loved that they sold your merch for you. That felt like a Boston area highlight for us.

Are there any artists in the Boston scene or elsewhere that you admire or who have inspired your own music?

Yeah, definitely. Some of my favorite local bands to play with include Threat Level Burgundy, CE Skidmore and the Damn Fine Band, The Skirts, Pink Slip, The Spots, Battlemode, AZNjujube, Why Try?. I’m know there are more, but off the top of my head, those bands share our energy; some are ska which we draw from significantly, some are quirky but also poppy like us, and some have queer members, with whom I feel an affinity.

Do you think things are getting better for Queer performers or are there still barriers to overcome?

I haven’t noticed any barriers for me or my band. I feel like the arts scene in Boston proper is very Queer-friendly. I wear a shirt and tie for every show and have never gotten so much as a sideways glance.

What advice would you give to a Queer person thinking about getting into music?

Same advice I’d give anyone, Do it! Don’t be afraid. If it’s something you love and can do, it’s a powerful art form.

Are there any other current or former bands, solo artists, or DJs you would like to see featured by QWIMB?

Have you talked to CE Skidmore and the Damn Fine Band? We played with them once and saw them another time and they’re fantastic and queer-fronted. Also, Battlemode. Also the Spots.

Links to Music and Social Media

https://linktr.ee/doublestarband

Double Star on Bandcamp

https://www.instagram.com/doublestarband/

https://www.facebook.com/doublestarband/

Sorry, Ma!

Posted on September 2, 2022September 2, 2022 by tina

Artist Bio: Ash Landrein (she/they) is a queer musician and writer, and founding father of Sorry, Ma!, a DIY Alt-Punk band from Somerville, Massachusetts. Ash and guitarist, Tom, take influence from The Replacements, L7, Archers of Loaf, and other fringe favorites from the 80’s and beyond. Ash is also the Production Manager for ONCE Somerville, and works at different venues around the Boston and Camberville area. They currently live in Jamaica Plain, and enjoy spending time with their sweet and sensitive, Pisces girlfriend, eating Vegan fast food.

Sorry, Ma! Is: Alex Chaisson (Bass), Ash Landrein (Vocals/Guitar), Tom Nikiper (Vocals/Guitar), and Roman Zapata (Drums)

What brought you up to Boston?

I moved up to Boston in late summer of 2019. I’d been living at home on Long Island for awhile, going back to school for my undergrad degree. In 2015, though, I suffered a head and neck injury, and it took me twice as long to graduate. I spent a lot of time in isolation, but I taught myself guitar! It took me like seven months to nail down that first ‘D’ chord, but after that I was hooked. It was gratifying when I could finally cover “New Slang”. I spent hours watching my favorite bands on YouTube. By the time I moved up to Boston for good, I couldn’t wait to join a band and meet others with the same ideology. I said, “Show me your queers with guitars.”

Have you experienced a strong scene for women here and gender expansive folx in terms of music/performers etc.?

Yea, there’s definitely a strong scene here. I came from a really conservative place, call it a “queer wasteland”, really. It was liberating moving to Boston and seeing so many gender-expansive people, expressing outwardly what I had been hiding internally for years.

But, it’s also been really tough, too. I met someone on day one in my new city that was a queer woman in an all-female band. We clicked instantly and I looked to her as a sort-of guide to the scene, someone with years of experience identifying with a sexuality I’d barely started to comprehend. I thought I’d met the Corin Tucker to my Carrie Brownstein. I was like “we’re going to form a band and be in love”, and I felt that reciprocated…until it wasn’t. I’d spent years hiding myself, just to come out and be silenced all over again. I was devastated, and suddenly in this gatekeeper situation, where I didn’t really know who I could connect with or where to go to feel included. Certain sects of the scene can be really insular, and that was addressed over the pandemic. I know that’s not super uplifting, but I do think it’s important. It’s really common for marginalized people, especially queer women, to idealize the coming out process. When you’ve been so deprived of a community and a sense of belonging for so long, you tend to fantasize situations in your head, just to get by. But there’s a lot of trauma in this community, people get hurt and they hurt other people in self-defense and self-preservation, and that’s just something I’ve had to contend with.

Then the pandemic hit, and all that shit got put to the backburner anyway. Aside from crying daily to “Punisher”, a one-off Rilo Kiley Zoom Sing-Along, and a back porch stick-n-poke, there wasn’t much connection to a queer music scene at all, let alone Boston.

I was lucky to have met my band before lockdown, though. Tom, our guitarist, and I clicked right away. He’s a North Jersey “emo kid”. He just took me in right away, and allowed me to scream and cry and heal and write my first songs. We just wanted to be Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson. And then Alex, our bassist, is just the best. I’ve known him for so long now. We actually dated back in my “hetero” days, and now we’re just best friends and act like puppies with each other on stage. He puts the biggest smile on my face. Roman is our silent but deadly drummer. He’s so talented and so prepared to slay you with his dry humor. Sometimes I get heady about being the only queer woman in the group, but then I see how sensitive and kind they are. It’s super healing. It doesn’t matter what you identify as at the end of the day, just be kind and lead with empathy.

But back to the scene. Now, I work for ONCE and help produce these summer series they’ve been doing with Boynton Yards in Union Square. JJ Gonson is amazing. We are a team of all queer women this summer. I’ve met so many amazing queer musicians these last two years, and made some great connections. There is so much local talent. It’s crazy I get paid to listen to such great music on a weekly basis. I’m always like, “how doesn’t everyone know about them?” I’m just honored to be part of the family and the history, and the future really. We’ve got big things in the works for the venue and the community, and I’m really excited to see how it all plays out, and contribute what I can. Like I said, it was a rough start, but I’ve finally found a place I belong in the city. It feels good.

Are there any venues or spaces that have been particularly influential or accommodating?

ONCE, like I mentioned, is pretty much the bar of how most venues should operate, in my opinion, in terms of inclusivity and respect. State Park in Kendall Square is awesome too. It’s got that cool dive bar feel, with a jukebox and table shuffleboard and cheap beer. I started DJ’ing there first- they have people playing records two or three nights a week with a wicked set-up. It’s awesome. They have live shows on Sundays. They are really nice about letting me play there. We‘ve got our first full band gig there in October. Nicholas Ward who books there is a super nice guy. All the staff are very kind and complimentary towards performers. It’s the closest I’ve ever gotten to having my own Cheers bar. The Jungle in Union Square is also great.

Are there any artists in the Boston scene or elsewhere that you admire or who have inspired your own music?

As far as elsewhere, and it’s very far elsewhere, Camp Cope have been one of my biggest inspirations. They are a three-piece from Melbourne. Literally from the moment I heard the opening bass line of “Done” I was like “yea, that’s what I want to do”. They’ve lifted a lot of queer women around the world up with them. Same with Mannequin Pussy, Palehound, Dump Him, Screaming Females, Cayetana, Sincere Engineer. I could go on. The number of queer women in music has exploded since I was a kid.

As far as Boston goes, the women in Thrust Club are like my older sisters. Erin Genett is my literal kin, and I’ve looked up to her since I was a kid, but she’s really taken me under her wing. She’s always first to introduce you to someone you should know, or include you in the conversation. She’s just the best Leo there is.

I’ve started being more intentional about booking shows with other queer women. I set up a show back in May with Cadderwall, The Skirts, and Bad Idea USA. The energy was amazing and everyone was so kind and inclusive. I’ve loved watching Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys, Muzzins, Grace Givertz, Naomi Westwater, Julie Rhodes, DJ WhySham and co., Happy Little Clouds, Trigger Discipline. Genie Santiago headlined for us right after the Dobbs decision in June. It was hard but we all really bonded in the lot that day.

What advice would you give a queer person thinking about getting into music?

Just do it. Don’t wait for anyone. If you’ve got the passion, you’ll find a way. Turn your pain into art.

What are you looking forward to in the future?

I’d like to record some songs we’ve just started playing live. I want to write more and book more shows. I think the future is bright for this scene, but it’s important to make an effort, and meet people where they are. My dream is to own my own queer, female focused music and book store. I’ve been working with Chris at Light of Day records. He’s such a good mentor and so inclusive. I want to highlight all of the music and literature from queer women that have inspired me over the years, and learn more about the ones that haven’t hit my radar yet. I want to continue the conversation, and continue to champion the ones doing the good work.

Are there any other artists you’d like to see featured in QWIMB?

Paper Lady, you’re up!

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorrymaband/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorrymaband/

Bandcamp: https://sorryma.bandcamp.com/

Special Thanks to JJ Gonson for lending their photographic eye, and Tina Lafleur for featuring us in this issue of QWIMB.

Links:

JJ Gonson: https://jj-gonson-photography.myshopify.com/

QWIMB: http://qwimb.org/

ONCE Somerville: https://oncesomerville.com/

Claire Passey

Posted on July 9, 2021July 9, 2021 by tina

What brought you to Boston?

I left Salt Lake City 2007 and moved to Boston for girl, I was 27. Ultimately, the relationship did not work out and staying in a city where I knew few people was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I did it and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Have you experienced a strong scene for Queer women and folx with marginalized genders in the city in terms of music/performers etc?

I’ve watched the queer scene grow in the past 10 years or so, especially for female and gender marginalized musicians and performers. I think this is largely attributed to the impact of empowerment and community building cultivated by the Girls Rock Campaign Boston (GRCB). We started bands, stayed in bands, and continue to show up for each other all over the city.

Do you have any sense of a history of a Queer scene in the city?

No, I don’t really, though I know we’ve had one. My feeling is that “the scene” was likely (and largely) dominated by gay men.

What made you decide to join a band?

My friend Heidi of Hurtr (https://hurtr.bandcamp.com/) convinced me to replace their drummer at the time in the band Rope or Bullets. I’d been playing a drums to music on my headphones for years but never in a band and was convinced I wasn’t good enough. I was wrong.

Are there any artists that you look up to or who have inspired your own music?

Oh Definitely. In my small town high school, I was inspired by John Bonham. In college, I picked up a copy of Punk Planet and saw a piece on two raging genderqueers I immediately identified with in the 1990’s Portland hardcore duo The Haggard. I’d never seen representation like that and it changed everything for me. Later that year, I went to Seattle to see The Haggard open for The Butchies and (holy shit!) watching Melissa York drum was so inspiring to me. Then a year later, I saw the Liars as well as the band Battles and started to really refine some of my stylings.

Do you think things are getting better for Queer performers or are there still barriers to overcome?

I think things are getting better but there are definitely barriers and stigma. I still get shocked looks from dudes in other bands who seem shocked after they hear me play and who I know are trying to find something else to say other than “you don’t play like a girl”. FUCK yes I do! Now get over yourself!

Red Shaydez!

Posted on July 2, 2021July 2, 2021 by tina

Red Shaydez, (a stage name she developed from a pair of red sunglasses her aunt bought for her as a child), is a woman of countless talents. “Red” represents her aura and the passion she has for all of her pursuits. “Shaydez” intertwines her nickname and symbolizes her vision of the world as well as her point of view behind her sunglasses. The Boston-native powerhouse (with roots in Macon, GA) is a Boston Music Award winning hip-hop artist, professional video producer, public speaker, educator, and youth mentor. Red’s undeniable talent and electric personality have been widely praised by both local and national media such as MTV, BET JAMS, Boston 25 News , The Boston Globe, NPR MUSIC, and more! Her music video/mini-film for ‘Little Sabrina’ was selected for the 2020 Roxbury International Film Festival as well.

Red Shaydez has been headlining shows and performing at festivals like A3C, Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta, BAMS Fest, and area universities in New England for over a decade. After being co-signed by the legendary MC Lyte, Red has released multiple EP’s, two studio albums, and was nominated for “Best Female Rapper of the Year” at the 2015 NYC Underground Music Awards. She has also been nominated for four Boston Music Awards including Album of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and more! Listen to Red’s 2016 Debut album Magnetic Aura, featuring standouts such as “Little Sabrina” and “Relapse,” her sophomore return Feel the Aura, with masterpieces like “Steppin Out,” “Come Here Lil’ Baby,” and “They Call Me Shaydez,” and fan favorite “Self Care ‘18” from 2019 EP Chillin in the Shade. Impressively, all of Shaydez’s work is entirely self-made, self-funded, and self-servicing. Everything from street team to video direction, from album art to beat selection is hand-picked and Shaydez approved.

Bio Courtesy of Red Shaydez website

Q&A for QWIMB

What brought you to Boston?

Born and raised baby!

Have you experienced a strong scene for Queer women and non-binary folx in the city in terms of music/performers etc?

Yes, I have actually. I was embraced with open arms from the Queer scene. That’s when my career began to take off in the city.

Do you have any sense of a history of a Queer scene in the city?

Not until 2018. I didn’t even know one existed.

Are there any venues or spaces that have been particularly influential or accommodating?

Club Café, Midtown Café (no longer with us), and last but certainly not least Bella Luna Lounge (also no longer with us)

Are there any artists that you look up to or who have inspired your own music?

Aaliyah for sure for her overall persona and approach to music/personal life balance. Her mystery. Probably one of the biggest reasons I wear the shades besides my social anxiety! Lol

I’m also inspired by Missy Elliot, J. Cole, Nas and Queen Latifah to name a few.

Do think things are getting better for Queer performers or are there still barriers to overcome?

There will always be barriers to overcome because people as well as institutions feel entitled, especially with the Transgender community. Opportunities given to queer folks often exclude them. That needs to change. With that being said–things are getting better in some areas.

What advice would you give to a Queer person thinking about getting into music?

You deserve to take up space. You have every right to be here.

Are there any other current or former bands, solo artists, or DJs you would like to see featured by QWIMB?

DJ WhySham, DJ Live, Oompa, and Lik Meraki

Red Shaydez Website

Red Shaydez on Twitter

Red Shaydez Instagram

Bow Down to Brandie Blaze

Posted on March 13, 2020July 9, 2021 by tina

Brandie Blaze is a hip hop artist from Boston, Massachusetts. Heavily inspired by Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliot, Blaze spreads her message of “trap feminism” through her hard hitting bars and dynamic stage presence. Performing since the age of 3, she started writing poetry in middle school and transitioned to rapping in high school. Blaze has had the pleasure of opening for such artists as JPEGMAFIA, Junglepussy, STL GLD, Oompa and Cliff Notez. She has also been featured in publications like Boston Hassle, the Dorchester Reporter, Vanyaland, Allston Pudding, Dig Boston, Boston Magazine, Elle Italia, Madame Rap and grammy.com. Brandie was nominated for 2 Boston Music Awards in 2019 and dropped her sophomore LP, Late Bloomer, this past December.

QWIMB Q&A with Brandie Blaze

What brought you to Boston?

I’m born and raised in Boston. I’m the 3rd generation of my family to be born here.

Have you experienced a strong scene for Queer women in the city in terms of music/performers etc?

Yes! It’s actually one of the things that I love most about the city and inspired me to come out of the closet in 2018. Before even knowing my orientation, the queer music scene really embraced me and showed me nothing but love and support. I felt at home and comfortable with who I am in my personal life in a way I had never experienced before.

Do you have any sense of a history of a Queer scene in the city?

I just remember being really young and going to Paradise in Cambridge or Club Cafe with my cousin and just having the time of my life. It just felt really freeing, even when I was still questioning who I was.

What made you decide to start performing?

I’ve been performing since I was 3 years old, so I don’t remember not ever being on stage. I grew up performing, but I’ve changed mediums since being a toddler. I started as a dancer, which I did for 15 years. I started writing poetry in middle school and transitioned to rapping in high school. After I graduated in high school, I still danced for maybe a year, but I gave that up as well. I was 26 years old when I decided to give rap a serious shot because I was missing the stage and felt really empty without it.

Are there any artists that you look up to or who have inspired your own music?

I grew up with Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot and all the other amazing rap queens. They inspired me the most in developing my sound and style. Oompa, Red Shaydez and Moe Pope inspire me to continue to grow as an artist and to never stop working on my craft. They’re the bar I set for myself lyrically.

Do think things are getting better for Queer performers or are there still barriers to overcome?

Absolutely, there are barriers to overcome. Especially, as a hip hop artist. The genre is becoming more friendly to queer women, but we still have a ways to go. I want to be able to live in an age where people don’t feel like they have to be in the closet to be a rapper.

What has been your proudest moment performing music or as a musician in general?

Releasing my second album has been my proudest moment so far. The release party was the biggest crowd I’d ever had as a headliner, and to see people’s reactions to hearing the album for the first time was incredible. I’m also really proud of the strides I’ve made as an artist and performer in the 3 years between my first and second album.

What advice would you give to a queer woman thinking about starting a band or learning an instrument?

Do it! Life is too short to second guess yourself. The first step is going to be the hardest, but once you start and stay consistent, good things will happen for you. Also, open mics are a God send and an amazing way to hone your performance skills and get noticed.

Are there any other current or former bands or solo artists you would like to see featured by QWIMB?

Red Shaydez, Oompa

Meet Elliot Wren

Posted on February 21, 2020July 5, 2020 by tina

Elliot Wren is an 18-year-old emerging Indie pop singer-songwriter who hails from the Boston area.

Elliot Wren’s music takes you on a journey through their experiences with their raw lyrics and expressive sound. Elliot reveals their substantive soul through the lyrics and arrangements they write and the ease at which they capture your heart.

Elliot Wren has been fortunate to have been an artist on the All You Got Tour for the 2019 season, Countdown To Christmas Concert in Celebration, FL, and First Night Boston in Copley Square. Whether they are performing at a larger venue or smaller more intimate venue, Elliot is always excited to meet new people and share their music. Elliot Wren plays festivals, coffeehouses, microbreweries, and bars/pubs in New England. They can be found weekly playing at open mics at all the well-known venues in the Boston area or rehearsing in the Strega Studios in Brighton. As an 18-year-old solo artist, Elliot Wren has had the pleasure of playing with some of the incredible local music artists on the Boston music scene. Look for more DIY collaborations and new music coming out this spring.

QWIMB Q&A with Elliot Wren

at Article 24 in Brighton photo by Lisa Teeter

Q What brought you to Boston?

A For me, music was always a way to express myself when I didn’t have much else. Whether it was singing or writing, it was a way for me to cope because I never really fit in growing up. I was always different and singled out, and the music was just my way of dealing with it. It probably saved my life if I am being honest.

Q What’s one message you would give to young queer music artists just getting into the music scene?

A It’s going to be hard but my honest advice is to just be who you are. Don’t try to be someone you aren’t. People will see you being authentic and will respect you for that and eventually you’ll find the people who will support and love both you and your music.

Q Are there any artists who you look up to or who have inspired your own music?

A One of my biggest inspirations is Hayley Kiyoko. She is an incredibly talented queer music artist who changed a lot for the LGBTQ community and musicians. I have followed her music career for a long time now.

Q Do you think things are getting better for queer performers or are there still barriers to overcome?

A There are definitely still barriers to overcome and there probably always will be but as long as we continue working to break down barriers it will keep getting easier. One of the best ways to help in this process is to actively support other queer music artists on social media and by attending shows. I love the DIY music scene and the opportunities to highlight the diverse talent in this city.

Q When do your ideas for songs come to you?

A It’s been at the weirdest times and because of the weirdest things. I’ve written songs in the car while my mom drove (safety first), at friends’ homes, at performance venues before a show, you name it. Most of the time though, it’s late at night after everyone’s asleep that I get my best ideas. I end up writing them all in my notes and coming back to it in the morning.

Q Describe your creative process.

A I will start with a song idea, usually a concept of the type of song I want to write or a line idea. I then grab my guitar and will play the chords that come to mind initially. After that, it’s usually a stream of consciousness. After that, I will go back and clean up the chords and the lyrics I have written. Once it’s all cleaned up and I have a first version of the new song, I will send it to my manager and if it ends up getting shortlisted for recording, it will go through some slight changes before actually being recorded in the studio.

Q Have you ever dealt with anxiety about going on stage?

A Oh absolutely. I just try to take a couple of deep breaths and I remind myself that I will be fine. I have to consciously remind myself that people are there to support me and even if I do mess up a chord or something, I can grow from the experience and hopefully never repeat it. One thing’s for sure, in live music anything can happen, but that’s part of the fun.

Elliot’s New Single, RIP My Diary, Out Friday February 21, 2020

Check out their new video for RIP My Diary on Youtube.

Elliot Wren Online Presence:

Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/elliotwrenmusic

Instagram – @elliotwrenmusicofficial

Twitter – @Elliot_Wren

Website: https://www.elliotwrenmusic.com

For more information, please contact peggy@stregamarketing.com.

Welcoming 2020 at the Rock Mansion

Posted on January 5, 2020January 6, 2020 by tina

Have you been to a show at Rock Mansion? If you haven’t, you’re missing out! Amy Tyson rebuilt the Dorchester home herself over a period of years and it’s the most welcoming place in town to play a show. She sets up her PA from her home studio in the dining room and it’s an instant safe space for Queers, misfits, artists, and their allies to debut new material, new projects, and show off their talents.

Pam Nicholas welcomes you to Rock Mansion

On December 31, 2019, Rock Mansion welcomed the end of a tough year by celebrating 3 bands and one artist. Up first was New Recording 23, which is Pam Nicholas from Pop Smear, Shiva Speedway, and the current Dowager, and Amy Tyson of Fur Purse and Rock Mansion ownership. They are an instrumental rock project and are amazing. Pam is a force on the drums and Amy Tyson wails on her Ibanez like nobody’s business.

David Champagne played solo next. He was a small package with a lot of heart and I linked here to his web page for more info about his music and upcoming shows with his other projects. Most of his other shows, if not all, are sold out, but you can get a sense of his sound at the link provided.

After a short break came Bicker. According to Eve Belfer-Ahern, Bicker can be described as, “Bicker is me n claire (Passey) (of FurPurse with Eve and Amy Tyson) and Ella from lady pills and Adam from Stompbox and Chris from black cat guitar, FIRST SHOW!!”

Bicker ruled! If you like Fur Purse, watch out for Bicker! I took like 50 photos I swear to God. I wish I had a video, but you’ll just have to keep your eyes open for their next show.

If you want to see New Recording 23 again, you have to bother Amy and Pam to keep it up, which they better!

Holy Ghost was supposed to play, but one of the women, Mary Beth Cahill got sick. Suzanne Hinton says about Holy Ghost, “This will be the first show for Holy Ghost, me and Mary Beth Cahill (we used to have a band called Looker).” I hope to see Holy Ghost come together again in the new year.

New Year’s Eve at Rock Mansion 2020 Flier by Suzanne Hinton

The final band of the night, Argo Arkestra, was supposed to bring the extravaganza with sci-fi covers and the like, but I missed it because I had to leave before they went on. Christopher Carmelovich describes the Argo Arkestra as, “Argo Arkestra is Noell Dorsey (Guillermo Sexo/Major Stars/Beautiful Weekend), Aaron Bennett (Crystal Understanding/Death Shepherd/Planet of Adventure), Ernie Kim (Tristan Da Cunha), me (Planet of Adventure), Adam Brilla (Broken River Prophet), Bear Brown (Ho-Ag/Gun Mother), Tyler Derryberry (Ho-Ag/Planet of Adventure/Squirty Worm), and Brian Church (Tristan Da Cunha, who won’t be there this time).”

There could not have been a better party with a better group of people to ring in 2020. The Rock Mansion 2020 is a place to watch. Words can’t really describe what the Rock Mansion means to me and I hope you have the chance to experience it for yourself so you don’t have to wonder what all the fuss is about. It’s not open to the public,it’s a private home with small private parties, but if you’re nice and get to know these amazing women, maybe you’ll be invited to the next show.

In Thrust We Trust : Q&A With Thrust Club

Posted on July 25, 2014 by tina

Thrust Club is a four piece band hailing from Boston, which band member Sally Bunch describes as:

Thrust Club’s sound is a garage dance party where everyone is invited—a kick-drum that lifts you out of your seat, crunchy guitar chords under a layer of keys that’s sometimes smooth, sometimes ominous, and vocals that coo, scream, and everything in between, warning and complaining about but also celebrating the experience of being a woman. Thrust Club formed in February 2012 at Ladies Rock Camp, a 3-day fundraising event for Girls Rock Campaign Boston where women pick up instruments they have likely never played, form bands, write a song, and perform it live. After rocking the showcase at TT the Bear’s with “In Thrust We Trust,” singer Bethany Leavey, keyboardist Bonnie Joyce, drummer JC Climent, and guitarist Sally Bunch decided they were having too much fun to call it a weekend.

In spring 2012, they began practicing in a JP basement and pulled together a 5-song set to play at their first show, at the Middle East Upstairs in July 2012. Since then, Thrust Club has performed at Great Scott, the Midway, Milky Way, O’Brien’s, Precinct, and elsewhere, and in July 2013 released the EP Greetings from Mt. Thrustmore, available by download at http://thrustclub.bandcamp.com/. All members volunteer at GRCB’s summer sessions for Girls and Ladies Rock Camp, and believe in demonstrating and promoting girls’ and women’s to express themselves through music and other means.

The ladies answered some questions for us about Boston, queerness, women, and rock n’ roll.

What brought you to Boston?

Bethany: I was born and raised in the Boston suburbs and went to college at Northeastern University. With the exception of a short six-month stint in Chicago, I’ve never lived anywhere else. I’m what you’d call a lifer 🙂

Bonnie: My family moved to Ipswich when I was 16 and I bopped around throughout Massachusetts then finally moved to Jamaica Plain when I was 25. My brother’s girlfriend at the time had a room in her apartment that needed subletting, and I had a wad of cash in a tissue box rather than a bank account. I stuck around!

Sally: I came here in the 80s to attend BU and after graduation I made Boston my permanent home. I knew I wanted to attend college in a city, to be near cool radio stations, clubs, and bands, though I didn’t start venturing out to the Rat or TTs and other clubs until I was a senior.

JC: I moved here on a whim with my boyfriend 12 years ago for absolutely no reason other than we had a brief discussion one night where I said, “I’ve always wanted to live in Boston…” and he said, “me too…” and then we just did it! We move here in the middle of a blizzard in February 2003 with $500 savings, no job prospects and no friends here. I think we’ve done pretty well for ourselves.

Have you experienced a strong scene for queer women in the city in terms of music/performers etc?

Bethany: Ladies Rock Camp Boston and Girls Rock Campaign Boston have introduced me to the HUGE number of queer women involved in the Boston music community! It seems like I hardly ever go to or play a show where there isn’t at least one queer woman on the bill.

Bonnie: Thrust Club has been living in a bubble of it for the past two years, so I’ll have to say yes, because it’s something we’ve gravitated towards. We’ve been mentored and supported so well by the Girls Rock Boston community. We’ve played exactly one show where there weren’t women in any of the other bands on the bill and I’d like to keep it that way.

Sally: I do, and feel part of this growing community of bands I go see and play on the bill with, including Fur Purse, Weather Weapon, Viva Gina, Sleep Crimes, Kitchenettes, etc.

JC: I hadn’t paid attention until I attended my first Ladies Rock Camp (LRC) in February of 2011 and met the most amazing group of women I have ever known! I have since done LRC twice more and now consider myself a retired camper. I still volunteer for LRC and Girls Rock Campaign Boston (GRCB), where I teach bass and coach bands.

Do you have any sense of a history of a queer scene here or is the past a faded memory?

Bethany: Like Bonnie said, the queer scene wasn’t something I really knew a whole lot about until I became involved in GRCB/LRCB. I was aware of a handful of queer women in the folk and singer/songwriter scene, but I didn’t really have a sense of a queer presence in the Boston rock scene until the last few years.

Bonnie: I don’t have a sense of it, but I wasn’t so keenly paying attention until a couple years ago.

Sally: I don’t have a sense of it; there may have been stuff going on that I wasn’t aware of, particularly in the nineties and early 2000s when for various reasons I wasn’t paying attention

JC: There is definitely at least a mini queer scene happening here! Bands like Viva Gina and Unstraight are definitely holding it down.

What made you decide to join a band?

Bethany: I joined my first band in high school (Holla, LittleMatchGirl!) I’ve always felt like being in a band was an inevitability for me. I knew that I wanted to make music, but I didn’t know quite how to go about it. I was lucky enough to have a few friends who felt the same way, and we decided we’d figure this whole “writing music” thing out together. We were an all-girl band by default because none of the guys we knew wanted to play with us.

Bonnie: Man! For a while there I was going out to see bands play like every dang night. I knew I wanted to do it but I had this really limited view like all the people who were in bands probably started out when they were wicked young or were so much more talented than I could ever be or whatever. I was hanging around with Radio Control and Streight Angular a lot, both bands with lady drummers–Kristina Otero and Theresa Polk, and was really inspired by them. Kristina blew me away with this story about playing a show on a Brookline Community Access TV show after having only a very brief experience of playing drums. My memory is fuzzy but it was something like a few weeks or months. (NOTE: I have contacted her asking for details but it’s early on a Saturday morning so I haven’t yet heard back)

When I heard about Girls Rock Camp I had a reaction you hear about a lot of women having, like, “Ugh! I wish they’d had this when I was a kid and then I’d be living in this alternate reality where I’m in a band!” And then the next year they ran it for adult ladies but I was too shy to do it. I became friends with Charlotte, Stud, and Tam, who were involved as campers and counselors and they urged me to sign up. I’m so lucky Thrust Club wanted to stay together!

Sally: I had these opportunities through Ladies Rock Camp that I never thought I would have. I just thought I’d come away with some friends to see other bands with. But in 2011 two of my rock camp band mates invited me to join the band they were forming. And then the following year Thrust Club wanted to keep going, and though at the time I didn’t really think of myself as a guitarist in the long term, I’m glad we’re still at it.

JC: After my first LRC, I realized that I wanted to start a band but didn’t really know how or whom to ask. I was already in Adam PC, but I wanted my own thing too. When Thrust Club formed during my second LRC in 2012, I got extremely lucky to join a band where all the members were local, we were making music we were all into, and decided to keep going!

Are there any artists that you look up to or who have inspired your own music?

Bethany: I would not be the vocalist that I am today without Monique Powell of Save Ferris and Beth Ditto of Gossip. Bif Naked, Gwen Stefani, and Carrie Brownstien taught me how to yelp and twist my voice and, of course, Kathleen Hannah showed me how to scream my head off.

In terms of songwriting, I really admire the poetic simplicity of Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers, Kimya Dawson, The Moldy Peaches, The Mountain Goats and The Ramones.

The Ramones and Velvet Underground have served as a general inspiration for me – They didn’t have any special musical training, they just had instruments and a desire to make noise.

Bonnie: Like Sally, a lot of my longtime listening has been to dudes. Whatever, I’ll name them. I love Bruce Springsteen, Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers, The Mountain Goats, The Magnetic Fields, The Kinks. Right now I’m trying to figure out how to make my keyboard to make sounds like The Doors made.

Since becoming a lady in a band I’ve become more lady-centric in my tastes. I’ve loved Tegan and Sara forever and I’m super enjoying this pop turn they’re taking these days. We can sound pretty Riot Grrrl but I’ve only started listening to a lot of those bands once we’d already begun doing it. We just like yelling, so that’s how it turned out. There’s a lot to yell about!

A lot of my idols are Boston women in bands who I’ve actually had the chance to interact with, and who over time have become my peers.

Sally: I must admit that most of the music I listened to when I was younger was created by dudes, with a few exceptions including Tina Weymouth, Chrissy Hynde, and of course Patti Smith. I guess I identify with Patti the most because she’s a writer who stumbled into playing music. Going back now and listening to some of the female bands like Sleater Kinney made me realize how they are influencing me know. And I have guitarist envy every time I see Marisa Paternoster play.

JC: When I was about 6 or 7, I wanted to sing like Debbie Gibson! But I’ve also been into Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and Heart for as long as I can remember. Kathleen Hanna has been a huge influence on me ever since I discovered Bikini Kill around the age of 16. Kim Deal is my biggest bass inspiration and Janet Weiss is my biggest drum inspiration! And I’ve had a crush on Carrie Brownstein since high school.

Do think things are getting better for queer female performers or are there still barriers to overcome?

Bethany: There are always barriers to overcome, I think, but it seems like things are getting better. There is definitely a growing queer female presence in the Boston music scene with performers going out and supporting each other.

Bonnie: I hope so, because it’s something that we’re actively trying to achieve. You’ve got to do a lot of good stuff to edge out the bad stuff. There’s nothing like a shopping trip for your gear to remind you that discrimination still exists, though.

Sally: I imagine they are, though I’ve only been at it for a couple of years and we’re in a progressive city and part of this amazing, supportive community.

JC: Things can ALWAYS get better for females and for queers everywhere! But I think as long as we have each other’s backs and continue to nurture and support our scene, shit is good.

Are you in any other bands?

Bethany: In addition to Thrust Club, I front Boston riot-doom band Sleep Crimes. I also have several ongoing side projects: The Sitcom Moms, my acoustic, punk rock, mashup cover band with my hetero lifemate (and former LittleMatchGirl bassist ) Eve Gravel, Das Oopsie, a ukulele duo with Rainy Logan of Eye Witness/Rotating Strawberry Madonna, and Muscleshucker, Sleep Crimes’ acoustic corporate events alter-ego.

Bonnie: Not right now, but I would be open to it. In 2013 I played bass in a second Ladies Rock Camp band, a hip hop band called Slam Juice. We had a mere 3 days of bliss and sort of tried to stay together after camp, but it didn’t happen. Ladies if you are reading this, know that I still love you and would jump at the chance to reunite.

Sally: Until last summer I played bass in another band, Seamstress, with two other women from my LRC band and another friend on accordion. We had a unique sound and I was proud of what we accomplished those two years we were active.

JC: I am also in Adam PC, where I play bass and some percussion, as well as do back-up vocals.

What has been your proudest moment as a member of a band?

Bethany: Oh my gosh, so many! I don’t think I could ever pick just one. My very first show with my very first band was huge for me. It sort of felt like we were pulling off this huge ruse, like “Oh my God, they actually think we’re a BAND?!?!?” Playing NYC on Thrust Club’s first band-iversary was so amazing. I was standing on stage thinking “…A year ago, we didn’t exist, and now we’re recording and EP and playing Brooklyn!” It is also the most amazing feeling to have people singing the words of your song back to you. I don’t think that will ever get old. AND HOW COULD I FORGET OPENING FOR JD SAMSON & MEN?!?!?!? That might be my biggest fangirl moment.

Bonnie: This is a really tough question, because there have been so many and I always feel so lucky to have them. Sorry, Tina, I can’t pick a single proudest moment so here’s a list. Playing our first show at the Middle East Upstairs was a huge honor. Being asked to open for JD Samson & MEN was another thrill, and I tip my hat to our drummer for having the guts to send them our music when they put out a call. JC is a promotional dynamo. Our first band practice after we got the news, we kicked things off with a group squeal. I was a nervous wreck at the show itself and could barely speak to JD Samson, but I’m proud I managed to eke out a thank you. Playing the TomTom/GRCB Lady Drummer showcase was certainly a highlight, and watching the video that was made at that show makes me so happy. I’m excited we’re booked to be a lunchtime band at Girls Rock Camp in July. Anytime we’re mentioned in print or on blogs, I’m like, “What?! This is happening?! Cool!”

Sally: I’d have to agree with JC about playing that show with JD Samson and Men is up there, as well as earlier that month playing at the Tom Tom/GRCB benefit. In addition, having our first post-LRCB gig at the Middle East, and pulling that together. I could go on…I guess the whole Thrust Club experience has been one proud moment.

JC: I think the biggest “holy shit!” moment for me was Thrust Club being asked to open for JD Samson & MEN for their Boston tour date at Great Scott. The proudest moment is every single second I spend with Thrust Club and being grateful/ astonished at how well the four of us work together.

What advice would you give to a woman thinking about starting a band or learning an instrument?

Bethany: Do it. Just get out there and do it. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re good or bad or not sounding the way you want to. Get involved in GRCB/LRCB. You will meet so many inspiring women, even if you just come to an event. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, either.

Bonnie: You don’t have to lock yourself in a room until you’re perfect before you start performing. Just get out there. As for the people you form a band with, just go with your gut. Have patience with yourself when you’re struggling on the learning curve. If there is someone at a show you’d like to emulate, go up to them and talk to them. Most people in bands are just regular people and they’ll be friends with you. Blab nonstop about what you’re doing. Write to Thrust Club. We’d love to book a show with you.

Seek out spaces where you truly feel like anything goes. If you can swing it, get your butt to Ladies Rock Camp. It is both the most fun and the most empowering thing I’ve ever done. If you can’t afford it, volunteer for them. They still need volunteers for the Girls’ sessions in June and July. If that’s not possible, go to a GRCB-affiliated event and talk to everyone; we’re a friendly bunch. We got really advice at Rock Camp that I often think of to this day. One of Thrust Club’s band coaches, KJ Parish, was a taskmaster extraordinaire that weekend, and she said, “Being in a band is all about making decisions and moving on.” Just keep at it. Another bit that stuck with me is when Angela Sawyer of Weirdo Records told us something along the lines of, “It is your job as a musician to be as yourself as you can possibly be.” I think back to that one whenever I start to feel inadequate or like I ought to affect more of a persona or look better onstage.

Sally: I would say just go for it. Get involved with Girls Rock Campaign Boston to meet other female musicians and help inspire girls. If that’s not available, go see and support other bands and get to know them. And if there’s some little gremlin on your shoulder saying you’re not good enough at your instrument or you’re too old tell it to shut the fuck up.

JC: JUST GO FOR IT!!! Attend a rock camp session, meet some ladies, go to all the rock shows, meet some more ladies, practice your instrument, sing in the shower or in front of the mirror, and don’t ever be embarrassed or let anyone tell you that you can’t do something

Are there any other current or former bands you would like to see featured by QWIMB?

Bethany: Well, Sleep Crimes DOES have the Improper Bostonian’s Most Eligible queer woman banging the skins 😉 Viva Gina is a fucking force of nature, I would like to see them featured everywhere.

Bonnie: Sleep Crimes. Haven’t you heard that their drummer Jasmine Hagans is the most eligible lesbian in Boston?!

Sally: Any of the above-mentioned bands who haven’t been featured. Also others we haven’t played with including Unstraight and Wet Dress.

JC: Definitely loved the features on Fur Purse and Shepherdess.

An Introduction to Anjimile

Posted on January 4, 2013November 22, 2015 by tina

Meet local artist and student, Anjimile!

Juxtaposing the subtle warmth of an acoustic guitar and harmonious vocals with biting, sardonic lyrics, Anjimile is a musical force to be reckoned with. She grew up in Richardson, TX but moved to the bustling city of Boston in hopes of becoming a part of its thriving music scene and escaping the pervasive homophobia of the south. Anjimile’s first full-length LP, In the Garden, was produced by Eric Santagada, professional bassist and recent Northeastern graduate, in Santagada Studios. A labour of love, In the Garden touches on the universal themes of lust, loss, love and learning how to grow up. Some of her influences include indie-rock band Born Ruffians, The Jackson 5, Freddie Mercury, Sufjan Stevens, Say Anything and Violent Femmes. She currently attends Northeasern University, her favorite author is William Faulkner and she is Kanye West’s biggest fan.

Something of a tongue twister, Anjimile’s name comes from a little-known language called Chichewa which is spoken in the east-African country of Malawi, where both of her parents were born and raised. The name ‘Anjimile’ means ‘denied a boy’, as her parents desired a son after giving birth to two girls already. Ironically, Anjimile is a full-blown lesbian. (Bio courtesy of artist)

QWIMB asked Anjimile to answer the standard questions we love to ask about her views on various aspects of queerness in Boston. She was gracious enough to provide us with the following responses:

Did you grow up in the Boston area? (if so where, if not, why come here?)

No. I was born in West Virginia, then my family moved to Iowa (where my brother was born), and a few years after that we settled in Richardson, Texas. So I’ve lived the majority of my life in Texas, from about age 4 or 5 to 18.

Do you think there is a strong community of queer women here either performing or supporting a music scene?

I’m just getting into the Boston music scene so I’m not I have enough experience to say, but I suppose from what I’ve seen I’d say not particularly. Then again, maybe I just don’t know where to look.

Are there any artists/performers who have been particularly influential to you?

I’m a big Michael Jackson fan. When I was a kid my parents would blast the Jackson 5 and I grew up imitating the way baby-Michael sang. I also love Freddie Mercury and Stevie Wonder. I’d say my biggest influences by far have been Sufjan Stevens and Born Ruffians. The Born Ruffians kind of catapulted me into the wide, wonderful world of indie rock and Sufjan Stevens is straight-up amazing. Vocally and lyrically he’s just the best.

What has been your experience with the various in venues for music in Boston? Have you played many of them? What was the crowd like?

I’ve had pretty limited experience playing venues in Boston. I like to tell myself it’s because I’m extremely busy with school and don’t have a lot of time to spend trying to book shows, but honestly I know I need to get out there and play. Mostly I frequent the Boloco on Boylston and Mass Ave. They have Open Mics on Wednesdays and performances on Thursday where they have a featured artist a lot. When I have the time I get myself signed up as the featured artist. It’s pretty awesome. The crowd is chill and they pay you with free food.

Why did you get into playing/performing music? Is there anything specific you would like listeners to hear when they connect with your music?

I’ve been surrounded by good music since I was born. My parents would play the greats: Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson. I grew up in a very musical household. My two older sisters are also great singers and my little brother plays the drums, bass and guitar. I’ve always been surrounded by music and I learned to love it. Now it’s everything I am. My music is a representation of who I am as a person. Generally, I have an extremely difficult time expressing my emotions. Music, I have found, allows me to express myself exactly how I need to. I want listeners to hear the melodies and the harmonies but I also want them to listen closely to the lyrics. I don’t hold anything back when I write and my music is as honest as I get. When I sing I sing with emotion, and I want listeners to feel the music like I feel it. Performing is a really cathartic experience for me.