The Pink Slips - Grace McKagan - Live - Review - Interview - Gallery

The Pink Slips – Interview with Grave by Sam Taylor

We caught up with Grave aka Grace McKagan the 17 year old front woman for up and coming pop-punk band The Pink Slips. With influences cited as Blondie, No Doubt and The Kills we were really excited to check out their set at Download Festival this June in the UK's legendary Donnington Park.

Sam: So, is it your first time here to Download?

Grave: No, I went last year but I think it's super cool as it is the first festival I've ever played, so really excited.

Sam: What do you think of women in punk and rock generally, have you experienced any prejudices?

Grave: I guess, I don't really pay attention to that. It's kinda like if people would be more respectful to you, like sometimes in soundcheck some sound guys are really f***ing rude. It's quite ridiculous, I don't know if it's just cause I'm a girl or what but they'll be like “sweetie … don't do that”

Sam: Growing up what were your musical influences?

Grave: I would definitely say David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper and there are so many more.

Sam: What was the first CD you bought?

Grave: Hilary Duff, Metamorphosis, I rememer it in like 3rd grade 'cause I knew how to spell it, and it's a really nice album, so it's pretty cool.

Sam: Is there anyone you're really into at the moment?

Grave: Someone I'm really into at the moment, I love Charli XCX's new album, she's so cool, it's so good, I'm all over it.

Sam: Do you think you are more anchored to female bands, and coming from Seattle the whole grunge thing, how do you stand on that? That was really a time when women in bands were really exploding onto the scene

Grave: Well I was born in '97 so I missed all that. I do love grunge music a lot of it was produced in Seattle where I'm from but no-one in particular stands out from that, I know Bikini Kill were around at that time but I wouldn't really classify them as grunge.

Sam: Is there anything you're amazingly passionate about that you want to tell us about?

Grave: My band!

Sam: Of course, we'llbe checking you out later today, looking forward to it!

Sam: Your band's name The Pink Slips, what is the meaning and how did that come about?

Grave: The name was kinda a joke, it's supposed to be like when you're fired from your job, and it's not like the worst thing in then world that can happen. We just thought it was funny and didn't really think about it that much.

Sam: Awesome thank you so much for talking to us. Looking forward to your set later!

So we went to check out The Pink Slips set and were not disappointed! Grave is the daughter of Duff McKagan but really is a force in her own right.

With the catchy “Googlie Eyes”, and full on sass of “Foxy Feline” Grave's confident stage presence was entrancing.

Ending with epic stage theatrics Grave whipped out the fake blood for a full on death on stage. She's a femme fatale, she's a foxy feline … meow!

We are expecting to see loads more from The Pink Slips, their debut EP “Say L' or Venus” is out now we strongly advise you to check it out!

Babes In Toyland / Skating Polly - Live - Review - Gallery

Babes In Toyland with support from Skating Polly – Live at Southampton Engine Rooms UK

Peyton and Kelli are teens who make up Skating Polly. They met Lori Barbero at one of their shows a few years ago and really hit it off. Skating Polly kicked off the show with their inspiring punk energy like a garagey lo-fi Babes In Toyland and we are sure you will be seeing a lot more from them soon.

Stand out song from the set was Ugly an unapologetic take on the perception of beauty. The aggressive screechy vocals and simple yet effective drum style had to whole crowd hooked. They switched instuments each showcasing their multiple talents and the general reaction seemed to be wow they are actually really good!

So finally it was time to see Babes In Toyland take to the stage. Closely associated while the whole 90's Riot Grrrl movement it was time for a treat for a whole new generation of music lovers as well as die hard fans.

With so many familiar faces in the crowd making their way from across the South of England to catch the show it is easy so see why they have just announced a comprehensive North American tour.

Out mingling and signing for fans before and after their set Babes In Toyland radiated with how much they love playing together and also took the time to support Skating Polly from the sidelines during their set.

Kat brought out the mad rolling eyes and sinister demonic performance raw punk energy snarling fiercely through the set Maureen was cool as ice and Lori was on form with her excellent drumming style and cheerful banter.

They were very well received and performed a good selection of songs from right across their three studio albums, notably including the classics He's My Thing, Won't Tell, Oh Yeah and Sweet '69. We're so glad they're back and hope to see more from them soon!

Slaves - Live - Review

Kicking off their headline UK tour Slaves have already sold out most shows and added new dates. Hotly tipped by everyone from the BBC and the alternative press to the broadsheets, there is a real buzz around this Kent duo.

 Isaac Holman (Kentish man / drums / vocals) and Laurie Vincent (man from Kent … and there is a difference you know / guitarist) are what the fuss is all about, two blokes who use a guitar and drums as their weapons of choice for their creative aggressive outlets.

Support came from Glasgow’s energetic Baby Strange and the thick sound of Joy Division-esque Crows speaking to the DIY hand-picked nature of the Slaves beast, Laurie previously siting Joy Division as influential.

The interval Ska tunes helped build an eclectic atmosphere and as the backdrop ambiance slowly turned into the dated likes of INXS and Fine Young Cannibals a far more jovial feeling descended over the venue. Within the first few seconds of the opening song drinks were already flying with the impatient rowdy crowd feeding off the pair’s raw primal energy. 

Soon Isaac's full lycanthropic transformation from smartly-dressed lad to the fully invested could give a **** performer was complete. Apparently “it’s nice to share” and the pinned in front row were treated to some much needed alcopop re-hydration. 

Both Laurie and Isaac took great pleasure diving into the crowd multiple times, this really was a show the audience could participate in. With a journalist skulking at the back the pair called him out to crowd surf the whole way through their latest release "Cheer Up London" which to his credit he did a great job of. Mind the gap indeed lads. 

Slaves were quick to spot an imposter mantaray in the crowd and brought the guy up on stage for the epic "Feed The Mantaray"for a mantaray fiiiiiight, much hilarity ensued the official mantaray skulked off stage. Slaves certainly inspire their audience ... the imposter mantaray went to considerable effort which was much appreciated by the lads and their shows are always inclusive and the crowd can really feel a part of the action. 

Constant amusing banter made the night run seemlessly. Slaves really prove how they have cut their teeth with extensively touring - how should a performer react when a crowd member randomly shouts something intelligable?  “That bloke is shouting at us. That’s silly he’s paid to come here, let’s all be silly together and have some fun” YES. And that is how it is done. WellHey, "A bleeding heart welcomes the sharks"

With so many great rousing tracks under their belts like "The Hunter", "Beauty Quest","White Knuckle Ride", "Ceasefire" and so many more the crowd still get a bit over excited prompting Isaac to advise "shut up about Debbie".  So as the show drew to a close out comes the Sasquatch story and "Debbie Where's Your Car" kicks in to a roar from a delighted and even rowdier crowd.

With their intelligent, upbeat and motivational brand of punk Slaves prove that if you are passionate and focused you really can make all your dreams come true, doing whatever they want from how they dress, the banter, the raucous and engaging music and primal delivery the pure entertaining showmanship ensured the crowd left with a smile and a story to tell.

Slaves debut album “Are You Satisfied?” is out June 1st. You should check it out or better yet catch them live and get involved.