FROM THE JAN./FEB. 2000 ISSUE:

New York Dolls: The Hissyfits
By Rosemary Pepper (p.28&29)

Sometimes what counts is on the outside. I confess to being lured by blatantly female band names like Free Kitten, Babes in Toyland, and the Donnas. I deliberately seek out women who rock. When faced with a set list of over 300 possible bands to see in a single weekend at the 5th annual NXNW Music and New Media conference in Portland, Oregon last fall, the Hissyfits leapt right off the page. Although the Hissyfits performed at one in the morning in the most remote part of town, I was far from alone in the crowded Tonic Lounge. With rock drums, distorted guitars, and lush pop harmonies, the New York-based Hissyfits are unafraid to show their rock and roll roots. [When asked to try to "label" their sound, guitarist Princess attempted with "pop-punk, girl rock!"] But their songs are ultra-catchy, and even if there isn't a pat, umbrella term to describe their music, there should be. All three members sing and when their voices intertwine and cascade, it's sheer, cathartic bliss.

Princess, bass player Fly [a.k.a. Fever-Lin], and P-Girl on drums genuinely want to see other girl bands thrive. Their friends are starting an all-girl band, so they're sharing their practice space and their gear too. In this interview, the three members of the Hissyfits talk about their background and share advice for other would-be rock stars just starting out.

[EXCERPTS FROM INTERVIEW]

Princess: There is a great network of music resources for women, especially online. At the grassroots level in your community, make friends with other girl bands. When we first started, we were the only girl band in this group of bands that were friends. I felt like we got dissed a lot. When we were successful, the guys would say, "It's just because you're girls."

P-Girl: Girls shouldn't put themselves at a disadvantage. Do it because you love it. And play hard. It's never too late to start playing. Go ahead and start a band. Girls can be extremely helpful to one another in forming a rock scene and an environment where it's acceptable for girls to play music.