INTERVIEW: RattleMag cover ground with Deap Vally on latest album 'Femejism'.

With an album titled 'Femejism', it's no surprise or small hint that we might be addressing feminism a little here. It's of course an essential subject, as it's still not a readily swallowed pill by many, however sadly that might reflect on modern society. With that said, as much as the following California grunge rock duo have helped to push the movement, as are their lyrics heavily imbued with it's suggestion, it's also essential that they are not bogged down in a mire of tired overdrawn comparisons and in the cast offs of the subject itself. Quite frankly, feminism included or dismissed, Deap Vally are a band of their own making, a brand with markings of their own magnetics. Yes they might be girls - but you don't (usually) operate any music producing equipment with your uh....personal apparatus, therefore, gender is largely obsolete when it comes to artistic merit.

Deap Vally grew roots in Los Angeles, perhaps unusually, not at a party or another music event, but at a crochet class. This waves modicum of the essence of the pair; fun, idiosyncratic, self expressive, rounded bluesy rock musicians and rightfully without apology for any of the above.

Femejism is an effort of shrewd, jocular, zesty scorn, splashed across record grooves in a grungy grind of thoroughly appreciative and seemingly effortless throaty rock and staccato riffs. It's an enjoyably unfiltered but filled out album, and a worthwhile addition to the rigors of your oversized headphone stroll down Venice beach, your long car drive, your work out routine, your city break in Rome or even your New York city commute. Some may accuse the foray into multiple genres and stray from the oblique of debut album 'Sistronix' as lacking, but it's potentially all the more refreshing and pliable for it. No matter what you like about the core of Deap Vally or their similar peers, Femejism might yet teach the fan in you a new trick or two.

The album is 13 songs long and was released in September of 2016, on Nevado Records, and produced by Nick Zinner. Stand out tracks include the easy blues rock feel of critically highlighted 'Royal Jelly', drum roll 90's punk rock sneer of 'Gonnawanna' and 'Julian', but also swaying metallic sister tracks 'Little Baby beauty queen' and 'Teenage queen'.

It is with deep appreciation of the band and this album, that RattleMag grabbed the chance to chat with Julie Edwards (Drummer and vocalist) from Deap Vally about yes...that album name, inspiring others, and where to go from here:

RattleMag: Femejism is a powerful follow up to Sistrionix, and another clever title. What led you to come up with the idea for the album name? Julie DV: I had been toying of years with the word 'Feminism' but spelled with an 'E'-- like 'feminism'. Not really for any particular reason than I thought it was funny, and fucked up for that word to be spelled with the word 'MEN' right in the middle of it. Then one day the 'n' became a 'j' and FEMEJISM was born. It was such a great word, we had to use it.

RattleMag: I think that records like this should be the kind that people not only play loudly, but actually spend time reading between the lines, and thinking about what is being delivered. What do you hope people receive from Femejism? Julie DV: In the end we just hope it makes them happy, energized and invincible.

RattleMag: Tell us a little more about the history of Deap Vally, was this beautifully incidental or something you'd always wanted to happen? Julie DV: I'd say a pretty even combination of both. Control is an illusion-- only by going with the flow will you be led to your destiny.

RattleMag: What lies in the future for the band? Julie DV: Some more touring of FEMEJISM, then on to record number 3....

RattleMag: I think all good artists are fueled by a passion and a rage for something inside of them and their music, what are Deap Vally's muses? Julie DV: Proving everyone wrong. Fucking with people's expectations. Being the good we'd like to see in music...

RattleMag: DV is (thankfully!) a band who doesn't shy away from trailblazers and intention, and you already have a lot of wisdom to share...so have you found yourself leading the way for younger or lesser known musicians lately? Julie DV: Hard to say, but that would be awesome if it was true. We are happy to be role models and lead by example. We'd like to serve as an inspiration to both men and women and boys and girls.

RattleMag: I'm sure that can feel pretty odd for anyone, but inspiration and good indications are the foundation of anything great. What kind of advice do you or would you give to musicians or fans in general who approach you in that way? (For advice or insight)

Julie DV: Go with your gut. Trust yourself. Other people are coming from their own weird shit, so don't ever let them determine your style or intentions. Only your gut is pure.

RattleMag: What should new listeners expect when they pick up a Deap Vally record? Julie DV: Drama, headbanging.

RattleMag: 5 things we need more/less of in the modern world? Julie DV: MORE... - free time - silence - contemplation - emotional maturity - unity

LESS... - judgementalism - namecalling - fracking - toxic chemicals - white drugs

RattleMag: What helped you to chose the right instrument for your current sound?

Julie DV: Whatever was free.

RattleMag: Something you'd never venture on stage without?

Julie DV: uh... drums?

RattleMag: In your opinion, can men and should men consider themselves feminists? Julie DV: YES. There aren't enough and it's too stigmatized at the moment. Men are and can be and should be feminists. Everyone should be HUMANIST. Which includes feminism....

In conclusion to the interview it's beautifully clear that Deap Vally have a good sense of principles and don't wish to be corralled into the usual boxes of critical define, and we certainly back them on that factor. In fact, with albums and potential like Julie and Lindsey's, we hope they supersede every single expectation that comes their way.

Deap Vally is Singer and guitarist Lindsey Tory, and singer and drummer Julie Edwards.

You can find the album and more about the band at their personal webpage www.deapvally.com

#DEAPVALLY #FEMEJISM #ROCK #GRUNGE