Death Valley Girls play this year’s Echo Park Rising Fest Aug. 16
Death Valley Girls are a rock and roll group easily able to be mistaken for a motorcycle gang as they say so themselves. They are Bonnie Bloomgarden, Rocky, Laura Kelsey and Larry Schemel from Los Angeles who are known for their mysterious vintage biker vibe. They are hitting the stage for three LA dates later this year – Aug. 16 at Echo Park Rising, Sept. 30 at Echo and Oct. 8 at the Bootleg Theatre.
They recently played the Burger a-Go-Go alongside Best Coast, Dum Dum Girls, Bleached and so many other bands. Death Valley Girls are influenced by bands such as Stooges, Black Sabbath and MC5. Adding to their mysterious allure not much is known about the Death Valley Girls other than Rocky can go outside during the day.
The OCCG caught up with the girls of Death Valley Girls and asked them a couple questions about their name and their upcoming shows in LA.
OCCG: What brought Death Valley girls together to form a band?
DVG: Magic! I told Rocky we had a month to find a drummer and guitar player, or I had to get outta this town. Two days later we met Patty, a day later we played with her and Larry, and it was rad. Magic’s how we found Laura too.
OCCG: Is there a meaning behind your band name?
DVG: Yeah we are a gang. Like a desert cult/Hells Goodtime House Band. But funnier.
OCCG: How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard your stuff?
DVG: Rock and Roll (dystopian future punk)
OCCG: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
DVG: Stooges, Bo Diddley, Black Sabbath, MC5, Little Eva, Velvet Underground.
OCCG: Since you guys have a mysterious allure vibe — what is something about you girls that no one knows about?
DVG: Rocky can go outside during the day.
OCCG: Is there a city you are most excited to play on your upcoming shows? Why?
DVG: Can’t wait to play every city. But, Burger A gogo should be too fun, all the girls taking over Orange County! Gonna be so fun.
OCCG: What are your favorite songs to perform live?
DVG: I dunno what the fellas like best, but they better like playing em all, or else!