Pouring out of California, this three piece band is beginning to make one hell of a statement in the music scene.  With a recent hot single, “Because I’m Awesome” Kelly, Luis, and Chris are on their way toward being more than just your average bubblegum pop performers.  I was graced to interview Kelly O., although as sick as she was she was still a blast to talk with!  On behalf of The Dollyrots, here’s what she had to say:

     

Popular Underground Magazine: Let’s start at the beginning, how did “The Dollyrots” form?

 

Kelly: I’ve known Luis since the eighth grade!  Finally in college Luis was in a band and I was like, “Hey, I wanna be in a band”.  So originally I started off as background rhythm guitar player.  Eventually I really wanted to sing so we switched things around and I became lead vocals!

 

 

PUM: Where did the band name come from and what does it really mean?

 

Kelly: To start we had a different name, however we wanted to change the name.  Being the scientific people Luis and I are, we approached the name like this: Since I had a cute, nice voice we came up with a bunch of “nice/candy” type words and put them in a pile.  Then we put a bunch of harder, punk terms in a pile and matched them up.  Hence we came up with The Dollyrots!  We wanted a name that wouldn’t take away from our band, but would become our band.  Like Nirvana, when you think of the band name you think of the band not the meaning of the word itself.

     

PUM: Wow, you guys are really creative!  That’s awesome!  If you could describe “The Dollyrots” in three words, what would they be?

 

Kelly: Hm… let’s see… how about RAW, REAL and SEXY!

 

 

PUM: How does it feel to be the only girl in the band?  Does that make for an uncomfortable touring situation ever?

 

Kelly: Honestly? It’s awesome!  I never had brothers growing up, only sisters.  They take care of me.  They’ll actually go out of their way to let me hang out with my girlfriends if they know they’re going to be in town.  It does get frustrating sometimes though.  Sometimes I don’t want to be the girl.  I’d rather them see me as a guy then worry about carrying things for me, etc.

 

 

PUM: Wow, sounds like you guys have a great bond!  From my experience working in an advertising company I think it’s really interesting to hear who bands think their demographic is.  That being said, who do you think your fan base is?

 

Kelly: Honestly, I believe we have two.  The first is the cool fan base of 11-18 year old girls.  The second type is the older punk rockers; 35 years old plus.  For instance, we get radio play on Radio Disney, some of the punk stations, as well as the Top 40.  Our lyrics are something easy to sing along to.

     

 

PUM: How do you try to appeal to them?

 

Kelly: For the young group I think they like my voice.  It’s something new.  Also, our music is not overly serious but we still sing about things people can relate to like, growing up, not understanding relationships, politics.

 

     

PUM: Who are your personal musical inspirations?

 

Kelly: Joan Jett!!!  She totally rocks her whole life.  She’s my idol! Other than that, Riot Girl and other 90’s alternative groups like The Pixies, Nirvana.  Also 50’s girl groups too.  Luis is a British punk rock fan.  Chris is more of an east bay punk.  So we draw from all of those.

     

     

PUM: Now let’s dissect your songs for a sec, “Because I’m Awesome”… what’s the deal behind that song?  Is it like a power-tripping song or does it mean something completely different?

  

Kelly: “Because I’m Awesome,” is about being frustrated at people who think they’re better than you.  It’s meant in a silly, joking way.  Not serious. 

    

PUM: How about “Kick Me to the Curb"?

 

Kelly: This song is about waiting for that other person to make the move.  Like you know you want to break up with someone but don’t have the balls to do it.  So you’re like, “c’mon break up with me already, kick me to the curb!”

    

     

PUM: What song off of your newest album would you recommend to listeners?

 

Kelly: If it’s someone’s first time listening to us I would suggest “Because I’m Awesome”.  However, one of my favorites is “My Best friends Hot!” or “Nobody wants you.”  Those are both fun to perform.

     

PUM: What is one word of advice would you tell aspiring musicians?

 

Kelly: If it’s what you want and you’re passionate about it, then you gotta work your butt off.  Everyone has to work hard, nothings completely natural.  But, it’s not work if it’s what you really want to do.

 

PUM: So what’s on the forecast for 2008?

 

Kelly: Hopefully, finish writing and recording another album.  Play on Warped Tour, maybe another fall tour.  Also hopefully end the year working on another album.

 

 

PUM: Sounds like you guys have quite a busy year!  How about long-term? What are the band’s ultimate goals?

 

Kelly: To do exactly what we are doing now.  Meaning: traveling, writing, having control of our music.  A house down the road with a little time off would be nice too!  Maybe?

     

     

PUM: Where would you say the best place to party while on tour is?

 

Kelly: Boston!  I’m an Irish Catholic and I feel comfortable partying in that city.  Louisville, KY is also a fun place.  Although I’m not allowed to drink bourbon and whiskey anymore!

 

 

PUM: Ha, no questions asked!  Ok one last question; is there anything else you would like to add?

 

Kelly:  Well, this is going to sound really weird but I lost 10 pairs of black underwear today! 

 

PUM: Ten?  How does that happen?  I could see maybe one or two but ten?

 

Kelly: Yeah I have no idea, I did laundry today and they’re gone!  It was a little uncomfortable when I had to ask my band members to check around for it.  Ha!

By: Kim Evans - Contributing Writer