A Dirty Dozen with DREA DOLL from THE VENOMOUS PINKS – April 2021

According to a recent press release: “The Venomous Pink’s newest album, Based on a True Story, lives up to its title. These tracks are the musical aftermath of their mid-tour, pre-COVID, Bridge City Sessions live recording. This release perfectly documents the band’s unproduced sound and raw energy. Plus, it’s a product of an unforgettable, fun adventure, through uncontrollable, intense, time restraints on the road. The Arizona-based punk trio is known for its addictive live performances that shreds from start to finish, and these cuts really show what “The Pinks” are made of.” We get guitarist Drea to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Based on a True Story is a live recording we did in Portland, OR – we were only allowed to do 2 takes of each song. It was a fun process organized by Bridge City Sessions. No tricks here. What you hear is what you get. A raw and live performance from the Venomous Pinks.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

In 1999, I was introduced to a band called MISFITS by my brother. I was drawn to the opening of “Where Eagles Dare” and knew I needed to explore this music. It wasn’t like anything on the radio or anything I had heard before. It wasn’t until I saw The Donnas perform live at Nita’s Hideaway in Tempe, AZ that I got my first exposure to women owning the stage and being in control. I knew I had to get serious about my own guitar playing and start my own adventure in being a musician.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

There are a few bands and performers that have guided my music, such acts like, The Donnas, Betty Blowtorch, Roger Mire of Agnostic Front and TSOL.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Our music taste as a band range from: Joan Jett, Transplants, TSOL, AFI, and Green Day.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Linh Le from Bad Cop / Bad Cop because she would push us to do better, her bass playing is phenomenal and her lyrics always resonate with current issues in the world and are catchy!

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Our music is a mix of hardcore and punk rock but female vocals that are in low range. I don’t recall ever cringing to a comparison of another band.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Have you met Gaby Kaos?

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Judy Cocuzza from Betty Blowtorch recently did an interview on our podcast called the Sound Sisters. Judy is an amazing musician and Betty Blowtorch is one of my favorite band so it was really inspiring to talk to her about herstory and the advice she gave was amazing.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part is the camaraderie and making memories with your friends on the road. I would love to explore a career in podcasting/radio host.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I would love to be asked on what band from our hometown they should be checking out next. Stop asking us what its like to be girls in a band.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

There are  a few but I wouldn’t change them. Our mistakes are what shapes us today. We needed to go through those heartbreaks to become the musicians we are today.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

It would be X – Los Angeles – its an LA staple that has influenced many over the years. Billy Zoom is the best punk rock guitar player.

BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?

Playing live music!

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Category: Interviews