Can you describe Dolls On Fire for our readers? How is Dolls On Fire different from your last group The Threes?
Our down and dirty synopsis of our sound is vocally driven, high energy synth rock.
The Threes were of a similar ilk, but we all feel DoF is a tightened evolution of the sound. With "Head Voices" (The Threes album), we made a conscious effort to make a huge bursting rock record. Turn every track on and let the speakers shake. "Ladies and Gentlemen ..." is still big, still jumps, still hits hard, but from an instrumentation standpoint, is more tastefully arranged.
We fully subscribe to a "what's best for the song" mentality. Any part generated goes through a "what is this really doing for the overall success of this song?" filter. It doesn't matter whether it is a vocal harmony, drum fill, guitar lick, whatever. If it didn't serve the song and interplay with the other chosen sounds, it didn't make the cut.
So what we ended up with is a collection of slick, well orchestrated rock songs, but were still able to keep them feeling big and impactful. We are super, super proud of this effort.
We fully subscribe to a "what's best for the song" mentality. Any part generated goes through a "what is this really doing for the overall success of this song?" filter. It doesn't matter whether it is a vocal harmony, drum fill, guitar lick, whatever. If it didn't serve the song and interplay with the other chosen sounds, it didn't make the cut.
So what we ended up with is a collection of slick, well orchestrated rock songs, but were still able to keep them feeling big and impactful. We are super, super proud of this effort.
Tell us a bit about your debut "Ladies & Gentlemen..." Where was it recorded? What was the writing process for the album?
"Ladies and Gentlemen ..." was recorded from February-July 2012. We recorded it in our own studio, Atzero Studios in Lees Summit, MO.
Rachel and I started this project purely as a recording idea. We wanted to get back to that level of unbridled creativity that we enjoyed while making Head Voices. Try as we might, we were never able to recapture that scenario trying to make the second 3s record, so after several months of hiatus in the latter part of 2011, we set out on our own.
We teamed back up with engineer/producer Mark Johnson (who served the same role for Head Voices), who ended up joining Dolls on Fire in a full time role about halfway through the recording process. Michelle Bacon was also brought on about that time.
Again, it was a full intention to just make the best record we could. We didn't worry about who was playing what part, how we would pull the songs off live, or if we'd even want to play live it all. The entire focus was on making the record the best it could be, truly all sense of self and ego checked at the door.
Our writing style is usually either Rachel or I bringing a structured demo to the band. At that point, our demo is transformed into a song through group practice, revision, trial and error. No idea is off limits, every idea is passed through the "what's best for the song" filter. Again, all 4 musicians in DoF fully buy into the that mentality. I am extremely humbled and elated to finally have a band fully bought into that idea.
Is this the concept album you started in The Threes?
Ah yes, the fabled 2nd 3s album. "Damn Good Times from Riot High" could be something awesome. None of that material is on "Ladies and Gentlemen ..." but there are many more DoF records to be made. Perhaps our high school themed psychological terror opus can see the light of day some day.
Planning a tour soon?
Definitely. We are super ready to spread our brand of rock to any crowd anywhere. However, we found out the hard way in the 3s that midwest touring in the winter sucks major ass (we'll never forget Omaha ...). There are some things in the works for spring already. We'll get the van rolling I'm sure.
Ok. We have to ask. Is Hosanna a real person & if so is that "bitch" actually "on the radio"?
Hosanna is not one specific person. She is kind of an amalgamation of several different people I've met and/or heard stories about over the years.
It bugs the shit out of me when a musician makes a conscious decision to change their musical style just to try and ride the coat tails of whatever genre is popular at that moment. I know that is rampant in the business and many people have had way more success doing it that way than I will ever have, but damn, this is art, people! For fuck's sake, just open up your mouth and your heart and belt out what is naturally in there. Fame whores water down everything that beautiful and awesome about musical expression.
Eh, I got a little worked up there. That's what Hosanna is about. I'm gonna do some deep breathing now.
Your music has a heavy pop & rock musical influence-is this a conscious choice? How do your influences affect the overall outcome of your creative process?
Well, it references back to the rant I just went on. I open my mouth and that's what comes out. I grew up on musicals, "oldies", Weird Al, TMBG, and the hooky alternative rock of the 90s (weezer, jimmy eat world, the rentals, green day, etc). So, inherently my music comes out kind of like that. So much of what kind of musician you are is dependent on what you listened to as a kid.
I have a great love for seemingly simplistic, yet witty songwriting, ala John Lennon or Ben Folds. To a much smaller and more humble degree, I like to think I pull that off as well.
There is a rumor going around that you are in another KC band---care to confirm?
It's true. I play guitar and sing a little for Drew Black and Dirty Electric. It's Queens of the Stone Age meets David Bowie kind of stuff. Sexy and fun.
I also really want try and be a drummer for a band at some point. Whenever I find that mythical 8th and 9th day of the week, I might pursue that.
Can we expect any music videos for this album?
We would love to shoot a few videos. Even though it seems like we took our time to release this record the right way, everything is kind of a whirlwind of activity at this point. As time allows, it will be something we attempt to get done.
Kill Your TV awards are coming soon-give us some of your picks for best KC music 2012?
I've been playing music in this town for over a decade and I can honestly say that this is the best I've ever heard the scene. There is just a ridiculous amount of great music going on in this town right now. It seems like the trendy or trite thing to say, but it really is true.
To name a few: She's a Keeper, Maps for Travelers, Molly Picture Club, Tiny Horse, the Latenight Callers, Thee Water MoccaSins, Radkey, the Grand Marquis, and so, so, so many more.
For any genre, there are dozens of bands that do it at a high level.
What's next for Dolls On Fire?
First and foremost, release the record. We've got two promotional campaigns running for help with spreading the word and press. Maybe shoot some videos. Play some local shows. Spring will see us begin touring. Ride that wave as long as we can. Then, the next record. Rinse and repeat until you tear the guitar out of my cold, dead hands. These will be damn good times for us.
--
Dolls On Fire • Album Release Date: Tuesday November 13
CD Release Party: Saturday November 10
Find them here:
facebook.com/dollsonfire and twitter.com/dollsonfire
dollsonfire.com will be coming soon
