DEAP VALLY
Deap Vally, are a sassy female dueo from Los Angeles, who I saw at Latitude Festival, birthing wild feminist soundtracks. Consisting of Lindsey Troy (vocals and guitar) and Julie Edwards ( vocals and drums). Their rock heavy, electric tones have come a long way since the beginning in 2011. Deap Vally have reached the top 50 for both albums in the UK album charts and opened for the likes of Marilyn Manson and Queens of the Stone Age.
They have also supported The Vaccines in 2012, who also made an appearance at Latitude.
I was lucky enough to have the chance to see this empowering greatness of a band at Latitude Festival, they performed on the BBC stage, playing tracks of both albums, 'Femejism and Sisrionix'.
They also gave us a tease for their new album.
Deap Vally were vibrant both in their performance and style. I watched in awe, as they put on a powerhouse show.
I had previously seen Deap Vally perform at Reading Festival on the mainstage in 2017 and both times their courageous attitudes have shown. It was compelling to see this act develop so much in just under a year.
​
Deap vally bought a big fat fuzzy sound, I was shocked that they produced such unique 70's, gritty-blues tones with a limited amount of guitar pedals, much like The White Stripes. However trying to relate these two to any other act is a task in itself, simply because their vocals doubled up to make a sound I hadn't yet discovered, I was infatuated. They unleashed a creative, party-like chaos to Latitude, an explosion of rebel sounds, which by the crowds dancing, they also must have loved!
I had watched their music videos, listened to their audio's but I had no words for their live performance - You're not ready! And Even though I knew this band was a roughed-up, undiluted, word play dueo. (Neither was I.)
This band is a definite recommendation of mine to see live. They are Lustful, passionate and partners-in-rock-crime.
​
They inspire me as two such wonderful women, standing up for what they believe, in a position to take such judgement, they don't give a damn! They take societies misconceptions on the power of women by the balls, through each new single. Edwards, even tours with her baby Mira, showing being a mum isn't just about changing nappies and cleaning up puke.
These girls are beautiful, with a beautiful message. I love Deap Vally!
Deap Vally perfoming at Latitude Festival on the BBC stage.
​
What / who helps your music grow the most ?
Listening to other music I love it, it always is a huge inspiration for me. We’ve currently been working on a collaboration record and it’s been incredibly inspiring bringing new people into the mix. I work really well bouncing my ideas back and forth with someone else, which is why I love being in a band.
Name your top 5 songs which empower women?
Of our songs? We don’t have any of those…JK.
I guess:
Gonna Make My Own Money
Smile More
Walk of Shame
Woman of Intention
Royal Jelly
How does music make you feel / has it ever been your therapy ?
Of course. Its the best therapy. Music is like sex and dreaming and candy and crying and everything wonderful in the world. On the other end of the spectrum is the music industry, which is more like the CAUSE for therapy, but isn’t that the irony of life.
What makes music so important to you?
Music is transcendent. It takes you to somewhere higher. Its also the great connector of people.
What was it like to play latitude festival ?
So fun! We loooove Latitude Festival. It’s so dreamy.
What was it like as an American band to play to English fans for the first time, what were your first thoughts / impressions / emotions ?
Well it’s been many years—we played our first show in England back in 2012. But I remember it being exhilarating and a dream-come-true.
What / who inspired the bands name and style ?
The band name comes from a geological reference, the Valley. San Fernando Valley to be exact. Ya know, like the movie Valley Girl from the 80’s. It also conveniently doubles as an anatomical reference...
How long have you two been friends / known each other for and does that help the chemistry on stage ?
We met at the end of 2010 and formed the band shortly after, so we got to know each other over the course of being in a band together. We’re basically family now. That’s what happens when you’re in a band together. We have a good thing going!
