A Conversation with Allison of The Donnas
The Donnas in Los Angeles' Legendary Viper Room Photo By: Leslie DJ
They’re perhaps the most respected all-female hard rock band to hail from Palo Alto, they’ve been making music since the early 90s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they achieved commercial success. Since then The Donnas have gone on to release 5 studio albums on a major label (8 in all) including their latest, a greatest hits album titled, Greatest Hits, Volume 16.
Allison shredding the guitar during The Sunset Strip Music Fest Photo By: Leslie DJ
Over the summer I got a chance to catch them on tour alongside Blondie and Pat Benatar and again in Los Angeles as they partook in this year’s Sunset Strip Music Festival. This week we got to chat with Allison Robertson (guitarist) formally known as Donna A, about their summer of touring and what’s to come.
Sinister Girlz: I saw you ladies open up for Blondie and Pat Benatar at the Coney Island show, what was it like opening up for them?
Allison: It was really fun to open for both bands; Blondie and Benatar have so many great songs and both have killer frontwomen that we respect the hell out of. We watched the show almost every night of the tour (the nights that we didn’t were merely because we had long van rides of course!).
SG: How were you approached to participate on that tour?
Allison: Through our agent at William Morris.
SG: What’s your favorite song to play live?
Allison: I personally have been enjoying playing “Get Off” off our latest release “The Donnas Greatest Hits Vol. 16.” It kicks ass and is simple in a no pressure kind of way!
SG: Which song gets the best crowd reaction?
Allison: I’d have to say “Take It Off” and “Get Off”. The ending of “Get Off” gets so loud and thunderous like a runaway train that the abrupt ending always seems to impress new audiences!
The Donnas on stage in Brookyln, NY opening up for the Call Me Invincible Tour Photo By: Leslie DJ
SG: What do you think is the biggest misconception about all-female band?
Allison: The fact that it’s even thrown out there that there’s a difference between females playing an instrument and males playing that same instrument.
SG: In an interview with LA radio station 98.7 FM when asked about upcoming shows you responded that, that show was it for now, since you won’t be touring anytime soon what will you ladies be working on?
Allison: We plan on working out some new material for a new album next year. We have some other Donnas-related ideas that we’re working on in the meantime but they are top secret for now!
SG: What have you learned from one another from playing together for so long?
Allison: I think we’ve all learned valuable lessons in respecting one another as friends and we’ve definitely learned to listen to our hearts as opposed to succumbing to pressure coming from trends, money, quests for fame and etc…
SG: Are you ever approached by fans for advice? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given someone?
Allison: Yes we are approached for advice often, and all four of us usually have the same advice: Practice, practice, practice and don’t form a band with anyone unless you really like them as a person!
SG: What has been the craziest thing a fan has ever done or said to you to get your attention?
Allison: Dropped trousers onstage to reveal a small one.
SG: Describe each Donnas (including yourself) member in 1 word
Allison: Maya: rad, Torry: cool, Brett: awesome, Allison: killer!
For more on The Donnas visit their official website www.thedonnas.com. The Donnas are: Brett Anderson (Vocals), Allison Robertson (Guitar), Maya Ford (Bass) and Torry Castellano (Drums/Percussion).
