Interviews: Doll

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Doll from Canada. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? You planned it or came out just come out?

We wanted a one-word name based on our love of 90s grunge bands, and we wanted something that could be interpreted in both a happy view, like dolls that kids would play with, and then on the flip side, something more dark and ominous from our personal enjoyment of horror movies, and Chucky in particular.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

This was just something that happened naturally, we didn’t start the band with a preplanned style, it was something that evolved from our skill sets mixed with music that spoke to us, mixed together, and out came the Doll vibe.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, we were all friends from before, we were all very active in going to concerts and just having hangout listening sessions of bootlegs and music videos.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Nick would definitely have to be Tad, Christina, of course, was Hole, and Pete, Jack Off Jill.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

This is a very hard question to answer as I’m not really sure myself. There’s definitely long dry spells where everything you play sounds like shit, and then there are days when everything is just hitting and you’re able to come up with some really cool riffs.

6. Where was your last gig?

Oh, this was so long ago at this point, but most likely in Ottawa.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

In a fantasy land, it would definitely be Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails; he is a genius, and his spooky atmosphere that he can add would just be epic. Another artist would be Poppy; she’s amazing and can do any and all styles. I know it sounds like we’re jumping on the bandwagon as she’s done so many features recently, but we’ve loved her music for so long.

9. Whom not?

I can’t think of anyone just at the moment.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Absolutely, Pete was super nervous at the beginning, and living with anxiety is definitely a contributing factor, but the best advice would be that even though everyone is watching you in this case, since its your live show, to remember that everyone’s got their own baggage, and in the end they are more concerned about their own health and well being, and less concerned about if you’re shaky or sweating bullets and turning red. So as hard as it may be to just forget about it, as Eminem said, you just have to lose yourself in the moment, pretend you’re at your jam space with nobody looking, and you’ll be fine. After a few gigs, you’ll be a seasoned pro.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Jack Off Jill, Hole, Skid Row, AFI.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Hmm, that would have to be in Montreal when Pete was asked to dance with one of the fans after the show. It was hilarious as he couldn’t dance.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Love the fans, and it’s so humbling when you see people come out with homemade shirts, with your lyrics on them. Being a small-time band, you still have an impact on people. We’ve had fans stick with us for so long, even throughout the hiatus when we started a family, so it's impressive, and we are so thankful and appreciative.

14. What do you think of our site?

Wait, you have a site. Hahah. But in all seriousness, I love the Track by Track and the Behind the Artwork sections. Super cool to read about what the band's intention was and how that was actually picked up by the listener.