Thunderpussy: What is in a name
Interview conducted November 06, 2019
by Dan Locke
If Thor’s Hammer of the Gods from “Immigrant Song” landed in the hands of four wise, willful, and wild women? Well, it would sound something like Thunderpussy. The quartet—Molly Sides [vocals], Whitney Petty [guitar], Leah Julius [bass], and Ruby Dunphy [drums]—do the most rock ‘n’ roll thing possible and quite literally fuck up every rock ‘n’ roll stereotype you know to be true, piercing the halls of Valhalla in the process.
Band Members
Molly
Sides – Vocals,
Whitney Petty – Guitar,
Leah Julius – Bass,
Ruby Dunphy – Drums.
Dan Locke: Are you ready for this year’s New Years’ Eve show in Seattle at the Showbox?
Whitney Petty : YES! This will be year number 3 working with the amazing crew at The Showbox. And after the venue’s brush with being sold and subsequent battle to be declared a historic landmark and permanently saved… we are just happy it is still standing.
You should go to the City of Seattle board and suggest that they should have a New Year Eve event like Nashville does. This year’s event includes Keith Urban, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit The Struts, Amanda Shires, Bren Joy, Kalie Shorr, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and DJ Dave Aude will rock this year’s Music City Midnight New Year’s Eve in Nashville celebration! And it all held outdoors. We all know that Seattle has better winter temp.
That’s the thing about the PNW– we know how to make the best of shitty weather. Honestly, our New Year’s show in Seattle has become the highlight of our year in many ways, and we always strive to make it feel like a total event, not just a couple of bands. I’d like to imagine that we could grow our Thunderpussy New Year’s Eve Extravaganza into a formal soiree at say, Key Arena, one day? Theater, art music, and dance done TP style… Or perhaps a new year’s rock opera for the kids?
What are the best and worst things about Seattle?
Whitney: The weather is simultaneously the best and worst part of living here. Yes, it’s rainy– but it’s a little known fact that our summers are perfect.
Who your influences were while you were growing up?
Whitney: Country was my first love so, Wynonna, Garth Brooks, and Tanya Tucker were huge for me at first Then the songwriting of the Highwaymen. Def Leppard was one of the first rock bands I heard and loved so I will always love them. Eventually, I fell in love with rock and the blues and great songwriters, so Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, Patti Smith, and Elmore James were and are some of my favorites.
What was your first gig together like? How many people did you play in front of?
Whitney: Well, the first time Molly and I performed as “Thunderpussy” it was just the two of us at a little club called the Pink Door in Pike Place Market here in Seattle. It was probably a 10-12 min improvised song, an early version of Make Me Moan (which is on the Danger Diva soundtrack). I was so nervous! It felt like forever. There were about 60 people there, maybe? I had a fender mustang through a little practice amp and played a toy kick drum with my right foot while Molly sang and danced all over the room. She was on stage for about 2 minutes and then she was off doing her thing — swinging from the rafters and sitting in people’s laps… It was fun.
Why did you cover Jefferson Airplane? Has Jefferson Airplane heard it yet?
Whitney: Our friend John wanted us to try it because he knew how great Molly would sound singing in Grace Slick’s vocal style and register. He was right! I believe that she reposted a video of us covering it a few months ago, so that’s neat!
How was it to play Sasquatch 2019 and Cal Jam 2019? How was it to play alongside Foo Fighters, Iggy Pop and Greta Van Fleet? Did you get the chance to check out Greta Van Fleet?
Whitney: RIP Sasquatch! What a great festival, it will be missed. Both festivals will forever be milestones for TP. We released our debut record on the day of our final Sasquatch performance in 2018, and it was an unbelievable show. Great energy. To Play CalJam was an honor and yes, quite the lineup.
Did you learn anything from any of the performers from these two shows?
Whitney: I learn something at every show, often, what I don’t want to do… But watching the older artists I love to interact with new ones is often the most rewarding experience. We have had the pleasure of meeting some very gracious and talented folks.
Whitney- I am going to ask you about some female guitarists. I would like you to make a statement about each one if you can.
Orinthi– Didn’t know about her until I saw Michael Jackson’s final film. Incredible shredder.
Joan Jett – Was lucky enough to see Joan open for Heart last month. I was dumbfounded halfway through her set that we weren’t even watching the headliner yet– her set was so tight and full of energy. Incredible writer, as well as a bandleader and rock visionary.
Nancy Wilson– I love the classical acoustic textures that she brings to hard rock music. Very original. And her vocal harmonies with her sister are nothing short of magic. Bonnie Raitt – Is there anything sexier than a woman playing slide like that? Great style and one of the best blues vocalists ever.
Lita Ford – I wish she could have had a longer career with the Runaways because that was an incredible band!!
St. Vincent – Love seeing women who are this multi-talentedd, especially who can produce and engineer. More women in the studio, please!
Sister Rosetta Tharpe – A true pioneer for both women and women of color especially, not to mention the entire genre of rock n roll. Unbelievable! And that white SG… sexy.
Molly – You have also been an actress. Of the films you’ve been in was there one where you felt the part was written for you?
Molly Sides: I haven’t been in many feature films but the one I felt the most connected to was Danger Diva. If you’re a fan of Sci-Fi underground indie cult vibes you may dig it We shot it over the course of a month and the crew, the cast the energy, the enthusiasm was ecstatic. It’s a nice reminder that the people who are involved are the ones who shape the experience and the outcome.
How did you get into acting?
Molly: I grew up going to a musical theatre camp where I learned how to write, perform, move, make costumes, etc. I fell in love with the idea that our whole body is a vessel for expression. And it’s one helluva instrument.
What would be your ideal role?
Molly: Ohhh I was just talking about this! I would love to do an action movie where I perform my own stunts. I like regiment and a good challenge. Perhaps a Lara Croft meets Atomic Blonde’s character. A female Bond!
Any more plans to do any more films?
Molly: Not at the moment but I’d love to.
Whitney- How did you start playing guitar?
Whitney: The first guitar I bought I didn’t even learn how to play. I just strapped it on, and jumped up and down on my bed in front of the mirror, imagining myself onstage with my awesome band. Eventually, I decided it would be even more fun if it was real, so I started studying.
What is your dream guitar which you don’t own?
Whitney: The ’59 Les Paul that I play is a relic. I would love to own a real one. There is only a handful of them out there.
Who would you like to jam with, if you had the chance?
Whitney: John Bonham Bonnie Raitt
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