Women of Rock - Dorothy Martin
Just one feel of Dorothy's powerful, bluesy voice and you’ll be hooked. The California based front-woman is making serious waves in the Rock’n'Roll world and we have a feeling she’s just getting started.
Dorothy released her second full-length album ’28 Days in the Valley’ this spring and we couldn’t be more obsessed. Not only was the album recorded the old-school way, live and real, but the Budapest-born singer also led meditation sessions with her band before each take to set the right intention and loving energy.
We recently caught up with the creative artist and songwriter to get the deets on her new album, what inspired her to start a Rock’n’Roll band and a funny anecdote from life on the road.
Your new album '28 Days in the Valley' was released in March of this year. Tell us a little bit about the album and what inspired you to create it?
I wanted to embrace my feminine energy and take risks with my sound. I wanted to create an album that would feel good for running through nature, road trips through the desert, camping under the stars, you get the idea. It’s more psychedelic for sure. I was able to be more vulnerable as a writer and artist and I love the sounds my band created.
There has been an in-depth and stylistic transformation in your songs. How did Linda Perry influence your songwriting process?
Linda creates a really safe space for artists to be themselves. She is brutally honest and doesn’t hold back. She is also the dopest songwriter I have worked with to date and has taught me a lot about opening up and finding the answers inside yourself.
One of the songs on the album 'White Butterfly' describes your recovery from addiction. You've always been very open about this, which is usually not something too many artist talk about.
What message do you have for people that are dealing with that particular struggle?
That they are not alone. Addiction can make you feel completely isolated and not want to ask for help. It’s amazing that this condition brings people from all walks of life together in one room (I’m referring to recovery program rooms), people who would normally never meet but have this one thing in common. They are there to help each other recover.
You've been in the music business for quite some time now. How did it all begin and what did get you into singing?
I started the band a few years back just wanting to play rock and roll. A music video we made caught the attention of a label executive and we started recording and touring from there. I always wanted to sing, ever since I was a little girl. It was a way to escape for me. My dad left me his vinyl collection, which is very dear to me. He is responsible for my exposure to rock and roll.
You've been touring extensively during these past months. What's the funniest experience you had on the road?
I put one of my wigs in the laundry by accident. When I opened the lid I though it was a dead animal and freaked out. We kept it on the bus, because it looks like something out of a horror film, and because my manager and I almost died from laughter when we realized what it was.
You're a style icon for many of your female fans. Where do you look for style inspiration?
I love thrift and vintage shopping. I never had money for expensive or designer clothes and I’m a hippie at heart so I think my style evolved from that. I’d say its a mix of grunge, hippie, and witch.
If you could be another person for one day who would it be?
Elvis Presley
Tell us one thing that no one knows about you?
I’m not a fan of broccoli, but I eat it because it’s good for you.
What's next for Dorothy?
We will be playing ARROYO SECO, LOLLAPALOOZA, SUMMERFEST, AFTERSHOCK, VOODOO FEST, and a headlining leg of our own FREEDOM TOUR.
Follow Dorothy on Instagram and check out her music on www.dorothytheband.com
Photo by Kristin Burns