Tanya recently filmed me for Women Of Rock Oral History shortly after The Return Of The White Trash Debutantes show at The Los Globos... What was met to be an hour interview ended up being alot longer because it was so much fun... I hope that Tonya gets to interview all the kick ass women musicians out there.... And I also wish her much success and really appreciated being included in the project..
Punk Globe: Give us some background on the project?
Tanya: I went back to school later in life. I transferred from community college to Smith College in 2013 and had been working in the archives. I took a class on the history of censorship in the U.S. and decided to write a paper about women's lack of documentation in mainstream media as a form of censorship. I decided to focus on L7, Veruca Salt and The Breeders; three bands who were successful in the 90s and were not Riot Grrrl bands. I googled L7 and ONE article came up-- this was before the documentary and reunion. Basically, I couldn't find enough source material to write the kind of paper I wanted to write. And at the time there was this Riot Grrrl resurgence happening- there were zine collections and archival collections popping up all over the country and bands were either getting lumped into the Riot Grrrl category or being left out of that history as well. I had already conducted one oral history interview for the college and I loved it, so I thought maybe I could start documenting rock musicians.
Even now, I'm shocked that it's worked out! I didn't have any money, equipment or connections but, coincidentally, Veruca Salt had reunited and were playing a show in Boston. I stood in line after the show with these business cards I'd printed and told them I was "Curator of the Women of Rock Oral History Project at Smith College" which wasn't true because it didn't exist yet and I hadn't asked permission! Nina and Louise both said yes so I got a small travel grant through the American Studies department because I had to get to Los Angeles somehow; and then I contacted Kristin Hersh who lived locally at the time, and Lydia Lunch who was playing in Providence, RI. When I had conducted the first five interviews, I took it to the Director of the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College and said "Listen, I've been doing these interviews. Our music collection is lacking. Would you house this collection?" She said yes, and that was a relief because it offered a sense of legitimacy.
Punk Globe: Tell us how the name of your project Women Of Rock An Oral History came about?
Tanya: Well, I thought long and hard about this and I asked for other people's opinions because I know how irritating and problematic gendered categories can be. Honestly, I didn't know what else to call it! I knew I wanted it to be inclusive and to represent all women who identify as women, but I was not interviewing cis men. I have no interest. I'm not attached to the name and I'm sure it will change in the future, but I needed something short and succinct.
Punk Globe: Tanya , what part of the country are you located in? Tell the readers where all you have traveled to film thus far?
Tanya: I live Easthampton, MA, "out west," about 3 hours from NYC and 2 hours from Boston. I moved here when I went to back to school and I'm still in school so I'll probably be here until I finish. I try to do as many interviews as possible on the east coast to avoid travel expenses. I've done interviews in NYC, Hudson, NY, Woodstock, Rhode Island, Boston and in my own apartment. I've also gone to Arizona and California (Los Angeles and Oakland)- I travel to Los Angeles a few times a year at this point and try to do as many interviews as possible while I'm there.
Punk Globe: The idea of just filming the women and allowing them to tell the viewers there story is unique and very interesting. How many interviews have you completed? And how are you getting the word out to all the women?
Tanya: I think we're up to 42 interviews. I don't upload them without explicit permission from the narrators so there are only about 20 available to the public, presently, but I upload as permissions come in. The post-production process is pretty tedious and it takes some time to edit them, get them back to the narrator for review, etc. These are long-form, conversational interviews and I ask open ended questions, so the interview is guided by the narrator. I wanted to give women a chance to tell their own stories and histories however they choose. When I started the project I emailed potential interviewees, or their managers and publicists, and hoped for confirmations. Now that I've met so many people and had such a great response from people I've interviewed, I get referrals which is really helpful.
Punk Globe: Are you using your own money or is there a private funder who is helping you with the costs for the Women Of Rock An Oral History?
Tanya: I spend a lot of my own money and I'm ALWAYS looking for donations, private funders and kindly benefactresses. While I was at Smith, I had access to small grants and travel funds--mostly money for a plane ticket. When I graduated, I applied for and received a large grant and I tried to get a day job and continue working on this in my spare time but it was impossible. I applied to a graduate program and started in September. So, basically, I'm getting a Ph.D. in order to continue the project! I teach classes, take classes, do as many interviews as I can schedule, locally, and then travel to conduct interviews out of state during my breaks. I apply for a lot of grants and funding through the school- I don't always get them- but it's better than nothing. Other than that I have a credit card and I'm drowning in debt but it's worth it. Some people go shopping or take vacations- I spend money on this.
Punk Globe: Will you be doing any benefits or perhaps a Go Fund Me for financial help?
Tanya: We did a fundraiser in LA in January and that was really fun. Thirteen people interviewees participated and performed for free and that was really nice. I'm in the process of making the project a non profit so hopefully that will entice larger donors, but we do accept donations all the time, through the website. There's a store page with signed merchandise-- it's a slow process. We're officially a non-profit so all donations are now tax deductible. We just received the update a few days ago.
We considered doing a GoFundMe but it's not practical for many reasons: There's no "end date" and I can't guarantee that an interview will be secured or conducted by a specific date. I get cancellations all the time and sometimes I wait years before finally sitting down and doing an interview. I've had to become spontaneous and adaptable which is not in my nature. I've thought about Patreon, but I don't physically have the time to work on that. I'd need a fundraising manager--I was actually talking to Lydia about this and she told me not to bother doing it myself because it's a full time job! I'm under contract to write a book and we're planning on putting together a documentary, so that is something that we could crowd fund.
I'm doing another fundraiser event in LA in June with The 'B' Girls their first show in L.A. since 1978. Death Valley Girls, Kamala and The Karnivores (featuring Michelle Gonzales of Spitboy). Lydia Lunch and Carla Bozulich will be performing as well, We'll be doing a second annual benefit show in Los Angeles in January.
Punk Globe: You are very lucky that you have your team working with you in California.. How did you hook up with them?
Tanya: I've known Sophia and Michael for 15 years. We used to play in bands together (and separately) and they started making films while they were still living in Boston. They're just passionate, artistic people and they're ok with not getting paid to work on this. I think we all believe it's necessary and hugely important and I'm lucky to have talented, hardworking, trustworthy friends. Sophia has been with me since the very beginning- she was there for Lydia's interview- and then Michael joined and will assist when he's available. They moved to LA last year which turned out to be a blessing because this is now a bicoastal operation. They both do the majority of the editing and Sophia has made all of the trailers and will be working on the documentary.
Punk Globe: Do you have others who are working with you in other areas as well?
Tanya: My friend Paul Preston has joined me on a few east coast interviews- we played in a band together and he's a filmmaker as well. And I met my friend Jen Dessinger (a photographer from NYC) when she drove 3 hours to film Cindy Wilson in Boston. She emailed me to see if I needed any help with anything and was crazy enough to show up. She's taken a bus to upstate NY and rented cars to meet me at interview locations. Again, just lucky to know passionate, hardworking, kind people.
Punk Globe: Jen rawks.... You have interviewed quite an array of different performers... Can you give us names of some of the women who you have filmed?
Tanya: So many! I'm trying to broaden the scope and right now I'm focusing on women who were active in the 50s/60s and 80s. I've interviewed a lot of punk musicians and people have started mistakenly referring to this as a "punk project" so I'm trying to level the field. I interviewed Viola Smith in February and that was an honor. She's 105 and one of the first professional female drummers in the U.S. I also try to interview musicians who are often "behind the scenes" or session players: Josephine Wiggs of the Breeders and Gail Ann Dorsey (Bowie, Gang of Four, Tears for Fears) were two favorites. Cindy Wilson was really exciting for me because I've been a fan of the B-52's since I was a child--I feel like I grew up with them. Julie Cafrtitz (Pussy Galore, Free Kitten) and Bibbe Hansen talked to me for HOURS and they both have so much to say and such unique experiences; Miss Guy of Toilet Boys; Genya Ravan and Ginger Bianco of Goldie and the Gingerbreads; Alice Bag was one of my first interviews and I've been able to play with her and we did a little tour together; GINGER COYOTE who is a LEGEND.
Punk Globe: Whose segments are most happy with?
Tanya: I am incapable of picking favorites. I get so excited before every interview and I end up telling everyone they're my favorite--it's not a lie because I mean it at the time. We just did an interview with Shirley Manson of Garbage and she was so kind, candid and articulate. She had a lot to say about the industry which is interesting because I interview so many people outside of the industry. She spoke very eloquently about ageism and sexism but has a completely positive outlook and real hope for the future. I really loved Phranc's interview, too.
Punk Globe: Tell us who is on your wish list or women you have yet to film?
Tanya: Grace Slick. I've been trying for years- I found an art gallery where her work is shown, I've written to her on Facebook and through the Jefferson Airplane website. Not a peep. I have so much I want ask her.
Wendy and Lisa. I was in contact with them and they disappeared--I know they're touring but I'm dying to interview them.
Vi Redd. She's 89 and lives in Los Angeles. She was a saxophone player and taught at USC. Not exactly "rock" but she played bebop and post-bop and No Wave came out of that. My first instrument was alto saxophone so I have a soft spot.
Marianne Faithfull. I'd probably die but I'd love to interview her.
Wanda Jackson and Brenda Lee.
Jayne County. Enough said.
Sheila E.
Punk Globe: Have you come across any women who have rejected being filmed?
Tanya: I just got turned down today! Happens frequently and I've stopped taking it personally. A lot of people just want to make music, they don't care about being remembered or documented, or they've been misrepresented by journalists, writers and documentarians so they are hesitant. Carol Kaye has turned me down so many times, I've lost count but I keep trying because I think her story is so important. I've also been "ghosted" which is much worse. I get emails from people asking why I haven't interviewed certain people, and the reality is, I interview everyone who says yes. Out of the 42 interviews I've conducted, I've sent hundreds of proposals.
Punk Globe: Do you have any idea when you will wrap production for this project?
Tanya: The collection itself will go on forever, or until women stop playing music (not going to happen). I hope to start the doc in the next year or two and I'm supposed to have a draft of the book prepared by 2020.
Punk Globe: Do you have any Internet addresses for the readers to get more information or make contact with you?
Twitter and Instagram @womenofrockOHP
Punk Globe: Can you describe yourself in three words?
Tanya: Persistent, hardworking, optimistic
Punk Globe:Punk Globe Any last words for the readers and potential women you may film?
Tanya: This is hard work but it's the best "job" I've ever had. I'm very grateful to all of the people I've interviewed, the volunteer staff and the friendships I've made. It's a privilege. And also, please donate what you can, when you can! http://www.womenofrock.org/give/
