The Damed- LA Punk at it Best

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The Damed

The interview conducted September 23, 2019

by Dan Locke

THE DAMED is an unapologetic punk band fronted by guitarist-vocalist Heather Hellskiss, bassist Suzanne Slade and drummer Watts Yoshizawa. Angular stricken guitar riffs soaked in chorus and fuzz feed the brooding driving bass lines that weave between the tom-ridden disco punk surf beats. The sarcastic, aggressive lyrics are thrusted at you like knives while still maintaining a comforting catchy melody. The Damed writes songs about feminism, equal rights and is fueled by angst caused by the Trump administration and their complicit allies. Their live show and music has been compared to the likes of Sonic Youth meets Sleater-Kinney

Band Members
Hellskiss – Vox/Gtr
Watts – Drums
Suze – Bass/Vox

Dan Locke: How did your band form?

Hellskiss: After the 2016 election I felt the need to form a new band to release angst and find some relief during this dark political realm we entered. Punk is all about community and uniting our voices helps to bond with one another while exposing raw truths.
WATTS: Heather hit me up. We’ve played together in several other bands. We write and play together very well. She had been wanting to form this band for several years and it finally came together.
Suze: I just moved to LA from NYC with a stop in Denver. I was looking to reform my Denver band, Battle Pussy and put an ad on Craigslist. Heather reached out and I joined her project.

How did you get your name?

Hellskiss: It’s a feminist play on words of the rad band The Damned.

How do you feel about Trump?

Hellskiss: He’s a racist sexist bigot.

What inspires your songwriting?

Hellskiss: Current events, politics, gender politics, personal experiences.

What year, make and model is your current instrument? And do you have any special names for them?

Hellskiss: 1965 Fender Mustang. My Baby Blue.
WATTS: 80’s Tama Custom Granstar kit. Gotta love those 9 ply Birch shells! So heavy!
Suze: Ibanez. Her name is Pally because she’s the color of a Palomino. She’s light and groovy.

Since you are a three-piece girl band, I am going to ask you to say something about the other three-piece bands:

ZZ Top
Suze: Beards and disappearing with a single strum? Jealous.
WATTS: Billy Gibbons. Blues Rock guitarist. “She’s got legs and knows how to use them”
The Jam
Suze: I was raised on The Jam and still listen to them today.
WATTS: Great songs!
Nirvana
Suze: Middle School memories and a need to find the best loose-knit crappy sweater.
WATTS: I was late on the grunge scene. RIP Kurt.
Cream
Suze: not my jam but appreciate them none the less.
WATTS: A great trio. Influenced many other great bands. 3 very talented musicians.
Doves
Suze: love this trio! What a fun indie drum and bass sound.
Jimi Hendrix Experience
Suze: I mean, come on! Hendrix is king.
WATTS: Wow! Ironically today is the 49th Anniversary of his passing. One of the greats!
Heather: Some of my favorite bands are trios. Slant 6. The Coathangers. Love and Rockets. Nirvana. All inspirations for this project.

Heather: Tell me about your band NAPS

We were an electro-post punk duo. I played keyboards and did backup vocals. This band was Paul Laughrige’s vision. He is a very talented songwriter/guitarist and thinks the blend of our two styles was really special and unique.

Watts: Are you still teaching Yoga and what type of Yoga is it?

Not currently teaching. Hatha Yoga.

Watts: Did you go see Bauhaus Reunion?

YES of course! Hoping to see them this year as well.

Suzanne: You are from Philly. How different is the music scene in Philly to LA?

I find all scenes, whether it be Philly, NYC or LA to be close-knit. It also depends on what kind of musician or band you want to be. If you’re open to collaborating, you will find an amazingly supportive scene in any city.

Describe your band’s sound?

Hellskiss: Punk, Riot grrrl, Post-Punk, Rock.
WATTS: dark, angled, powerful and loud.
Suze: garage, heavy and poetic

How do you see yourselves in 5 years?

Still making albums and rocking out.

Any plans for touring coming up?

We are planning on doing a pacific northwest tour in the near future.

What do you do to stay healthy while playing out in clubs?

Hellskiss: I just try to eat vegan that day. Greens/no heavy food. Yoga & meditation helps too.
SUZE-apart from finding the nearest taco stand for energy? Yoga and dance.
WATTS: Stay in my truth and remain present.

Anything in closing for your fans?