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LA’s Best Kept Secret
August 1, 2024 by Nancy Evans
A funny thing happened to me on the way home the other day. I received a call from our Editor-in-Chief. That in itself is not the story, but it was why he called me. He said there was a band he really liked, but felt he could not be un-biased in writing about them; he said he loves their music, and he thinks the bandmates are good people. He asked me to check them out and if I liked them, write a story on LA’s “best kept secret.”
I smirked and said it sounds like it’s going to be Cinderella-like if they are that good and aren’t the next big thing. He laughed and asked me to give them a chance. I reminded him that fairytales are always draped in some kind of tragedy; a hero and a villain, and drama would always be around the corner. This possible fairytale band already has drama in their name. Please meet Drama Dolls.
Photo Provided Courtesy of Drama Dolls by Andres Angulo
Once upon a time there were four women who really loved music, punk rock music to be exact. Like Musketeers, they are fierce in their chosen craft. Appropriately, they come from the City of Angels – Los Angeles, California.
Like most main characters in a fairytale, they had a dream of doing what they loved; for these ladies it was something as simple as playing music. Trust me, doing that is easy, but being good at it without a Fairy Godmother at the ready? Well, therein lies the challenge.
The quartet features Egg. She’s a Leo, plays guitar, and sings like her hair is on fire. There’s Mama T, who is a Libra and slap the bass into submission. The Morgalorian is a Pisces who plays a wicked guitar. Then there’s Scrambles, the Taurus that bangs the drums all day. Collectively they are magical, and I rarely use that word to describe a band.
Their rise to stardom took shape in early 2019; by October they put out their first digital EP, “Five.” Their debut music video was very funny, and it was just a small preview of not only their personalities, but their energy that translated to a sonic vision that cannot be denied.
The lead single, “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” did well and gained the attention of the right people. Other songs that caused a ruckus were “Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Larry,” “Stop Fucking with Me,” and “All My Friends Are Freaks.”
It was “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” was the bands first video that gave us the first glimpse into the minds, sonic souls and humor of Drama Dolls.
Here’s the drama part: It was about the time they were making waves in the industry that a very tragic event was taking place in the world. COVID drastically affected so much – including the music industry – and bands like Drama Dolls had to wait for their day in the sun as we navigated a worldwide pandemic.
But great artists find a way to make their music and Drama Dolls dropped singles throughout 2020. These tracks took their industry presence up a notch with “We Like to Party,” “Favorite Girl,” “Yes Man,” “I Hate Your Face,” and “Sometimes You Gotta Be a Bitch.”
By now, the ladies displayed an attitude that was undeniable and developed a swagger. They even described themselves as being “Unapologetic alternative punk rock spreading infectious energy to audiences far and wide.” it’s their humor and social commentary you can pick up on through their music.
Now let’s dive into just how good these ladies have become. Like all successful bands that have accomplished musicians, they often play with other artists.
For example, Scrambles was also working with the band No Small Children.
They had a single featured in the popular comedy/thriller starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, “A Simple Favor,” A Paul Fieg movie, more on him later.
The song, “Laisse Tomber Les Filles,” is a cover of a 1964 France Gall tune and it is not only very catchy, it is so well done, it draws you in.
Swinging back to Drama Dolls, there is more happening in their camp. In July of 2023, they released a full album, “Hey Listen,” full of new material and previously released singles (make sure to check out “Horchata” and “Poof Be Gone”). Also noteworthy, Drama Dolls music is produced by Bob Marellete. If the name sounds familiar, he’s worked with Rob Zombie, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the four ladies from LA.
Drama Dolls’ music is also making it to the big screen. “Sometimes You Gotta Be a Bitch” will be featured in the upcoming movie “Jackpot” that features John Cena and Awkwafina. The film will drop August 15th on Amazon Prime, it is directed by Paul Feig; that same Paul Feig who directed “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat,” and “Spy.” The same aforementioned Paul Feig from “A Simple Favor.”
As you can see, these ladies have been heard and are making waves. The word on the street is that we can expect more singles coming our way very soon. Until then what are some other barometer readers we need to consider?
Holiday music can be nearly fatal for bands, but for this band turns out they can even make a holiday song fun.
For anyone who says fairytales are just in the movies, pay attention to Drama Dolls because these ladies are making it happen. Make no mistake – this band has been LA’s best kept secret, but that secret is about to come out, big time.
If you’re on the East Coast, you can catch them on their August Busy Beaver tour. If you are in SoCal and like your music loud and in your face with a great beat, follow this band. They will be back locally playing The Escondite in Downtown Los Angeles on August 24th.
I guess if I had to describe them I would say think the Breeders meet the Go-Go’s and then they go on a date with Manic Hispanic, what could go wrong?
Get ready, because this best kept secret just might be the next big thing.
TO FOLLOW
SID 240802 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
