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BAND OF THE MONTH: THE DOLLYROTS


The Dollyrots are a pop/punk three-piece band comprised of Kelly Ogden (vocals/bass), Luis Cabezas (guitar) and Chris Black (drums). Their debut album "Eat My Heart Out" was released in September of 2004, followed up with their second album "Because I'm Awesome" in March of 2007. Their third and latest record was released January of 2010, called "California Beach Boy"The two founding members Kelly and Luis (who had been friends since 8th grade) started the band just for fun while they were attending New College of Florida, and according to Kelly Ogden, the decision to go professional was due to the results of the 2000 United States Presidential Election.

"We were watching the 2000 presidential election results, and at four o'clock in the morning, when we found out that George W. Bush had won, Luis and I were like, "The world's probably gonna end anyway, and I don't want to go to med school," so we thought, "Let's just do the band... So that's when it happened. We had no future anyways, so let's just be in a rock band!"

After that success followed quickly with setting up a base of operations in Los Angeles in 2002, self-releasing their debut album, appearing in an HP commercial performing "Feed Me, Pet Me". They were signed to Lookout!/Panic Button Records who re-released their debut "Eat My Heart Out" in 04. They switched to Blackheart records in 2006, and released their second album two years later. They had massive success with the title-track of the album "Because I'm Awesome" being featured on several popular TV shows, and in commercials. Later this month, The Dollyrots have slated a release of their third studio full-length called "A Little Messed Up".

I first heard of the Dollyrots a few years ago when a friend of mine took me to see a show of theirs. I hadn't had the time to look them up and see what they were about before the show, so I went in blind, and I loved what I saw! The trio gives an awesomely high-energy performance, gets the crowd jumping around and singing along and generally having a great time!

I highly suggest checking out their MySpace, and of the songs offered to you there, I recommend listening to "Because I'm Awesome", "Kick Me To The Curb", "Jackie Chan" and a high-energy kick-ass cover of Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation". Catch them on tour in North America with BUZZCOCKS through June, and with Bowling For Soup for all of July. (October they'll be over with you guys, UK, never fear!)

Oh, and for you Etsy fiends (guilty as charged!) check out Kelly's Etsy Storefront: PrettyPunkShop.



Our dearest Caity introduced first hit me with The Dollyrots a few months ago; I remember it perfectly. I was having a bad day, I don't think she was aware. But, it was the kind of day in which you look in a mirror, and just think "Ugh. Look at you. I've never seen something so pitiful, or so downright pathetic as you.". I'm sure we've all had days like this; the kind where you can't even think up a REASON to feel positive or happy.

On this particular evening, myself and Caity were discussing something; I don't recall what exactly, but it was likely of little importance. I was feeling very arduous, very bored and dull. Then, out of absolutly no where, I recieved a message that went something along the lines of "DUDE. DUDEDUDEDUDEDUDEDUDE. YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS SONG."

The song was "Because Im Awesome", by The Dolloyrots. Now something you can't realize before hearing it, is that this song makes you FEEL awesome. You listen to it, and suddenly you are incredible; no, AWESOME! Perhaps it is not the same experience for everyone, but the upbeat rythym, and preppy vocals that The Dollyrots so modestly forced upon me, gave me a slight musical high! I couldn't help but feel optimistic; couldn't help but be uplifted with this song's assistance. I've relyed on it for the same cheering effect, several times after that!

The Dollyrots. Now, what's unfortunate is that I honestly have mixed feelings for the band itself; that is, I can only stand so much of them at a time. Even then, there are certain songs that I just can't take. Because I'm Awesome, My Best Friends Hot, and New College (being my personal favourites) are three that I most strongly suggest you look into.

If you are a fan of really fun, humorous, upbeat rock music; I think The Dollyrots may be a missing piece in your musical collection. Go check them out! You might find that they aren't really your style, and you might find that you only REALLY like a few different songs out of many, but it's worth a shot, right?! You're Awesome; what do you have to loose?!



The first time I heard of the Dollyrots was a very unique experience in my opinion anyway. I am addicted to this game called Tap Tap Revenge, and I was able to unlock a song called California Beach Boy. As I was tapping my way to greatness (yes I know bragging but oh well) I found myself really enjoying the song. I had been planning on looking them up when the next day I open messages to find out that the Dollyrots are our band of the month for August! I was beyond excited to be able to find out a little bit more about this band from California.

I took a gander through their myspace, and truly enjoyed what I was presented with. I love the dynmanic of the band with a female lead. There are not a lot of bands out there that just don't work when there is a female lead. This band has a fantastic sound with amazing catchy songs, that trust me won't get out of your head when you listen to them. Hence why I am now addicted to a fantastic summer jam called California Beach Boy. I have caught myself numerous times just breaking out singing the chorus. Another song that I enjoy is Bad Reputation. I think that you all should take the time and go to their myspace and take a listen to these tracks. If you are a Tap Tap Revenge fanatic like myself you should also get the song on their and tap your little heart out.

Kelly (vox/bass), Luis (guitar/vox) and Chris (drums) are currently on tour with one of our previous bands of the month, Bowling For Soup, I think you should check out the show, you won't be disappointed (especially with the videos I have managed to catch on youtube). After that tour they are heading off to the UK. I am not sure if this tour had hit Toronto or not (it probably might have and I more then likely missed out), but if you get a chance to go we would love to hear about your experience. I love hearing from the fans and what they experience at live shows. Therefore, I think if you've caught this tour hit us up and let us know what you thought of our fantabulous band of the month The Dollyrots!



I never did too well at math in school, but I do know that The Dollyrots = awesomeness. That's really all there is to it. The band has the energy of a great punk band, but the undertones of laid back California music. The best way to describe it is a combination of the Ramones and the Beach Boys, and then make the lead singer a chick. That's the Dollyrots.

From The Dollyrots' myspace offerings, I really dig "California Beach Boy" (a great summer song to counteract Katy "dead eyes" Parry's "California Gurls"), "Because I'm Awesome," and "Kick Me to the Curb." All these songs have already made it into my regular ipod rotation, and only a week after I started listening to the band.

So, if you're looking for a new band to send the summer out with a bang, listen to the Dollyrots. And then tell you're friends to listen to the Dollyrots. Then, you guys can go together to a show (Texas and Illinois residents, I'm specifically looking at you), and tell all your classmates in September about the awesome band you saw play live (play the music to them too, it helps). Then, your classmates will be jealous that they didn't know about this awesome band before summer was over, and were stuck listening to Katy Parry on the radio OVER AND OVER AND OVER.*

* scenario also works for offices, post secondary education settings, and other adult-y type situations.



Okay the first thing I have to say is jokes! But in a REALLY good way!! I'm not going to lie, I really didn't think I would like The Dollyrots...simply because I don't know how I feel about female "pop/punk" singers, as I am not a fan of a lot of the bands with female singers these days. (I apologize, really. Just a lot of women think they can sing, so they start a damn band but they can't. I'm looking at you Mersa.) Anyway, the first song I heard was "Because I'm Awesome," off their 2007 album 'Because I'm Awesome.' Which is why the first thing I said was 'jokes.' But like I said, in a really good way. I absolutely love this song!! It is hilarious yet awesome all at the same time.

Short and sweet, if you like pop/punk music and females who can ACTUALLY sing, listen to The Dollyrots...Listen to them even if you don't like pop/punk. They are fun. And that is a great thing!!





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