London duo Dolls’ have been making quite a stir around the capitals live scene. Their latest track, ‘Armchair Psychiatrist’ has seen them working closely with Bad Seed and Grinderman, Jim Sclavunos -whose production credits include The Horrors, The Wytches and Du Blonde – and should see them break out the local scene and storm their way round the country.
We grabbed them for a chat to get the low down on who they are and what they do…
BMafia: Who’s who and where ya from?
Jade & Bel: Jade plays guitar and sings and Bel plays drums and backing vocals. We are from London and Spain!
Bel: We met via a mutual friend on Facebook. I was in Spain at the time and decided to come back to London quicker than expected as I couldn’t wait to start jamming with Jade!
Jade: When I first sent Bel some demos she said they reminded her of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Kills which we both loved. Over time our influences have slightly changed but I knew she was the drummer for me when she mentioned those. We then did lots of bonding over red wine and veggie sausages.
BMafia: How did you choose Dolls as your name?
Jade: Thinking ‘DOLLS’ was really original… then realising loads of bands have that in their name. Ouch.
BMafia: I’d call it garage – pop, but how would you describe your sound?
Bel: I usually say “COME SEE US LIVE ;)” … but I guess we have big influences from the Riot Grrrl movement as well as more recent bands/artists such as Courtney Barnett, Pixies, Pavement, Parquet Courts, Thee Oh Sees, etc.
Jade & Bel: Between the both of us we have quite varying influences so when we come together I think our music is a good balance between us both. As a duo we have to focus on making the songs sound diverse and full so that always challenges us creatively and keeps us experimenting with our sound.
BMafia: Did you grow up in a musical households?
Jade: Yes! My dad is a guitarist and my mum is a singer so music was around me all the time. My Dad played me Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin throughout most of my childhood so I have a real fondness for them. Also I was a massive fan of Abba at 6! I even had leopard print platforms…
Bel: Unfortunately this wasn’t the case for me. None of my parents or siblings played any instruments and I had to beg for a drum kit 3 years in a row. I do remember my dad playing Bob Dylan and The Beatles quite often and I still listen to those records ☺
BMafia: You’ve played loads of gigs what has been your favourite to date? And why?
Jade: Hmm there’s a lot, but I think the Dance Like I’ve got Diamonds gig we did at The George Tavern was the most fun. It was sold out and there was so much energy in the room!
Bel: Yeah that was such a fun gig! I also had a great time when we headlined a festival in Cologne, Germany last summer. There was such a great turnout for our set time even though it was raining!
BMafia: And the worst?
Jade: I get something good out of every show we play.
Bel: Yeah me too! Although, on a funny note I did have to play drums in a toga once. That wasn’t fun.
BMafia: You obviously love playing live, but what do you think is most important – stage or studio?
Jade & Bel: Playing live!! Recording is important and definitely makes you tighter as a band but we enjoy performing so much more.
BMafia: Cool! So where can we catch you next?
Jade & Bel: At our single launch: The Shacklewell Arms in London on October 6th! Projector, Krush Puppies and Gay Girl are also playing and it’s free!
BMafia: Sounds like a great line up, are their any other bands you think we should be looking out for?Jade: I play in another band called Long Teeth and I really love Porridge Radio, Dream Wife and Calva Louise.
Bel: I actually really love Long Teeth too, you can often find me at their gigs hiding in a corner.
I also love my friend’s band Curse of Lono, they have this haunting dark Americana vibe going on and amazing lyrics.
Do check out my good friends The Nyx – they are awesome and can’t wait to see them live again.
BMafia: And finally, remind us when’s the single out?
Jade & Bel: We’re releasing it with Roadkill Records on October 6th. The A side is titled ‘Armchair Psychiatrist’
And for the B side… you’ll have to wait for the cassette! It’s a HUGE surprise! ☺
‘Armchair Psychiatrist’ is released via upcoming DIY label Roadkill Records on October 6th and will be available digitally and on limited edition cassette. The launch party comes in partnership with We Can Do It Promotions and features special guests Projector, Krush Puppies and Gaygirl at The Shacklewell Arms.
www.thisisdolls.com – www.facebook.com/thisisdolls – www.twitter.com/thisisdolls – www.instagram.com/dolls_music
Live dates
The Shacklewell Arns (single launch) – 06.10
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