Women Rock

Friday, October 8 @ Forward Hall

PlayErie Interview by John Johnston

PlayErie spent some time talking with Sybil Drew, electronic musician, filmmaker,organizer of the Woman's Rock Festival, and all-around groovy gal!

Q. So first off, who are you, what do you do?

My name is Sybil Drew, I am an Electronic genre-based Musician, Independent Film maker and Edinboro University student living in Erie, Pa.

Q. What's the inspiration behind a women' rock festival?

I had the idea to hold a Women's Music Fest because I felt Women musicians weren't getting proper recognition in the Erie music scene, and in actuality, it is that way all over the world. I hope to bring local Female performers some overdue respect and unite them for one great concert. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, so the proceeds benefit SafeNet, an incredible organization that helps local Women who have been victims of abuse.

Q. How bout' some details about where it is, price, time, etc?

The Women's Music Fest is on October 8th at Forward Hall in Erie @ 7PM. Tickets are $5... what a deal! Also, it is a 21+ show, so bring your IDs.

Q. Who are the artists that will be playing? Order of appearance?

The concert features (in order of appearance) The Date, Torn Curtain, Jocelyn Porter Project, Canadian Friday, Angry Red Planet, The Telefonics, 20goto10 and The Killerinas.

Q. What was the criteria for a band to be considered for this show?

Each band has to have a Woman in it.

Q. Is this a benefit for any particular cause?

Proceeds from the concert go to SafeNet, an organization that helps battered Women escape their abusive relationships and gets them back on their feet. I was putting up fliers several days ago and a woman approached me, she said SafeNet saved her life by helping her get out of a 12-year-long abusive marriage. Then she thanked me for what I was doing. It was at that moment I realized, with renewed determination, that what I had organized was a tremendously good thing.

Q. Have you ever set anything like this up before?

No, I have never played a live show, let alone organized a concert. I guess when I do stuff I like to go all out.

Q. Some of my favorite artists are women, Sleater Kinney, Le Tigre, Bikini Kill, Blondie, the Go-Go's, etc., etc., etc. who do you feel are some of the significant female artists out there today?

Significant? Well, there are two kinds of female artists today. The ones who move incredible amounts of CDs thanks to showing their goods off at every chance they get and acting ditsy (i.e. Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica & Ashlee Simpson etc...) and the ones who want to be taken seriously. A few qualities I look for in a Female artist are Ôtalent' and the guts to push boundaries. I like Laurie Anderson, Bjork, Ladytron, Peaches and Madonna.

Q. What's it like being a female artist in a generally male-dominated genre (rock/pop/electronic)?

It's been tough to gain respect and recognition for myself. That's why I'd like to help other Women get ahead.

Q. Did you have a hard time finding bands to play?

It was easy to find people to play once I told them about the concert and the cause we'll be championing.

Q. Any words of wisdom out there for the aspiring female rocker?

Just get out there and do your stuff, don't worry about what anyone else thinks of you.

Q. Finally, the desert island question: 10 CD's that you'd have to have - female artists only of course.

Puffy AmiYumi, Nice
Ladytron, 604
Freezepop, Freezepop Forever
Fannypack, So Stylistic
Madonna, Like A Prayer
Cyndi Lauper, She's So Unusual
Tom Tom Club, Tom Tom Club
Aimee Mann, Lost in Space
Bjork, Post
Tomoe Shinohara, Megaphone Speaks