Written by Courtney Ludwig on Sunday, 27 March 2011. Posted in Tucson Music Scene
East Tucson, a newly remodeled Whiskey Tango and under new ownership once known as Fenderskirts, has only been open for a few months and is home to sports and great music. Thursday night was a great example of this by having one of Tucson’s up and coming all female bands, Sugar Stains, show us what they accomplished by filling the room with fun and enjoyment to start the evening.
Erica Rios (Bass), Amy McDaniels (Drums) & Amy Mendoza (Vox) Originally formed an all female Ramones Tribute band, although they have a love for the Ramones, they got bored with the tunes quickly, the band added Holly Dodge (Guitar) after some gypsy left her on there doorstep and poof there became the start of Sugar Stains and their name like there music is sweet yet in your face and reflects all four of their personalities.
Each of the girls definitely has personality that compliments the band as a whole, with Amy Mendoza dressed like similar to a naughty catholic girls like that of Alicia Silverstone in the Aerosmith video “Crazy”, Holly Dodge a female style like that of Green Day, Erica Rios reminds me a bit of Joan Jett and Amy McDaniels has the surf girl edge to her.
Sugar Stains’ music, all original with the exception of a cover here and there, (then again I think all original bands do that from time to time to keep the crowd’s attention and throw a twist into their set), has amazing feel and vibe similar to that of L7, Civet, The Runaways and a female version of the Ramones.
I not only got the opportunity to watch the show and photograph but I also had the chance to interview these girls and here is what they had to say, keep in mind these girls are not only musicians, wives, mothers or girlfriends but they have a comedic side to them as well.
Courtney Ludwig: When & why did you start playing?
Sugar Stains: Erica: 7 months ago (in a band full of bass players she's our baby), Holly: a Tucson music vet, she’s been playing in punk bands for years, Amy McDaniels: Amy’s a musical vet from So Cal, she’s been playing covers and original music for years, Amy Mendoza: Also a musical vet from Cal, been playing since the age of 18 in cover and original projects.
Courtney Ludwig: Which famous musicians do you admire & have you learned from?
Sugar Stains: Erica: Um as far as a musician, I just started playing the bass about 7 months ago, so I really don’t have a favorite bassist yet, But I do enjoy, Geddy Lee (Rush), and the bassist from sublime.
Amy Mendoza: Geezer Butler, Mike Watt, Kim Gordon, Dylan, L7, absolutely love Black Sabbath…my first rock album was given to me at age 10…. "We sold our soul for rock n’roll"
Courtney Ludwig: Being that you perform in public, describe those occasions
Sugar Stains: We just launched our gig schedule, but from our experience we tend to surprise people. Most folks expect some bohemia barefoot cutesy docile acoustic chick show, and are usually surprised when they realize we can actually play our instruments. We also like whips, and cookies and shit
Courtney Ludwig: Where have you played? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Sugar Stains: We recently started playing out; we spent a ton of time solidifying our original tunes to make sure we weren’t rushing out to randomly play half-assed at shows. We have some gigs set up at ECLIPSE: 4/16 with Pork Torta and The Fisters, also 6/4 we are playing at the Rock opening for Daisy of Love alum ‘Daisy’ with her band Beautiful Disaster, definitely a show to not miss.
Courtney Ludwig: How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
Sugar Stains: We pretty much point at each other and laugh really hard. Then at practice we talk about it over and over again. We also film it and obsessively replay missed notes, out of tune guitars, wrong beats and off key singing.
Courtney Ludwig: How often & for how long do you practice?
Sugar Stains: We practice once a week for a few hours. Hard to find time, some of our members are involved with other projects and life in general.
Courtney Ludwig: What advice do you have for those that want to start a band?
Sugar Stains: Do it, don’t think about it, don’t talk about it, do it....
If you missed this show for sure you need to go to their next one, check these girls out and like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Sugar-Stains/164822913544646, on Reverbnation:http://www.reverbnation.com/SugarStains or in person.
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