One Eyed Doll *interview*
One Eyed Doll
Kimberly Freeman
Jason Rufuss Sewell (JUNIOR)
One Eyed Doll
In a male dominated role, Kimbery Freeman is kicking everyone’s ass as the I love you, please don’t kick me in the teeth singer of punk duo One Eyed Doll is known for her extreme live performances and well… have ya SEEN HER? Kim and Junior make a killer on-stage team and One Eyed Doll is definitely a band you haven’t seen the last of.
Recently, I talked with the pair about their new album, fist fights and guilty pleasures. Check it out!!
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So you all recently released your second album, Break. What are some of the biggest differences between your first album and this one?
K: Actually, this is our third album! Break was an awesome experience. Jason joined the band while we were working on it, and it was the first one with him on drums. It’s a really dynamic album to me. The highs are sky high, and the lows are devastating. It gets a lot heavier than the previous albums do, and it’s a bit more lyrically focused. We also took a little bit more liberty with the production, which gives it a really full, colorful sound. I love it. It’s different enough from our first album to see the progression of abilities, songwriting and confidence, but similar enough to recognize it instantly as a One-Eyed Doll performance.
J: For me this album is a LOT different than the first two albums. When I recorded the first two albums I wasn’t in the band, and I wanted to capture the raw punk rock sound of the band. Since I joined as drummer I really wanted to give the band a full colorful rock sound. I also think Kimberly has become a much better guitarist and vocalist over the years and I think we really explored what she could do on Break.
How long have you used Tregan guitars?
K: I’ve used Tregan guitars for about a year now and love them. My first ever signature guitar by Tregan will be in production this year! I’m so excited!
What genres would you use to describe One Eyed Doll?
K: We’re just a rock band, really. If you want to get nitty gritty, I think we’ve got elements of other genres, like punk, metal, goth.. “Bubble gum metal” has been used to describe us in the past. I like that one.
J: If you listen hard there’s some old west country vibes in a lot of songs too.
You seem to draw a lot of fashion inspiration from anime. Where do you often shop?
K: I generally find my show costumes at thrift stores and boutiques. I try to support mom and pops as much as possible. There’s a great costume shop in Austin called, “Lucy in Disguise” that I hit up for my hats and stockings and stuff.
Who were some of your favorite bands growing up?
K: I loved old bluegrass.. There were lots of bluegrass festivals where I lived. I was into old honky tonk and liked Hank Williams, Patsy, Dolly Parton along with bands like Pink Floyd, White Zombie, Iron Maiden, NIN, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Slayer. Lots of stuff.
J: My parents listened to a lot of 70’s prog rock like The Moody Blues and Yes. I dig that stuff. I was into 80’s synth pop when I was a kid. Duran Duran, The Cure, etc. In the late 80’s I got into Iron Maiden and Metallica. I really draw from all that stuff rhythmically.
Do you still reside in Austin, TX? What are your favorite local hangouts?
K: Yep! If you’re in Austin looking for a good time, all you have to do is walk down Red River between 6th and 8th. You’ll find some of the coolest clubs in the world, with some of the coolest bands in the world on their stages. Seriously, it’s a blast any night of the week. Tons of talent.. You could go out every night for a year and not experience all of the great music Austin has to offer. I love Headhunters, Red-Eyed Fly, Beerland, Emo’s, Stubb’s, Elysium, Red 7, Mohawk.. I feel like these clubs and many others like them define Austin’s scene.
J: Check out Kreuz Barbecue in Lockhart, TX. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Austin, but definitely an experience.
Who would win in a fight between you and Courtney Love?
K: Courtney Love.
J: Courtney Love.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? (i.e. listen to Britney Spears, watch the Real Housewives.. etc..)
K: I really like elbow skin. It’s squishy..
J: Scrabble, fried chicken livers… I actually really do like Toxic by Britney Spears, though.
Who is your celebrity crush, and what would you do if you got your hands on him?
K: What makes you think it’s a, “him”?
J: Kimberly (but don’t tell her… she doesn’t know) I would let her squish my elbow skin.
When can fans expect the next album? Have you started writing new material yet or are you focusing on promoting Break?
K: We are literally in the studio right now with super star producer Sylvia Massy. She’s awesome!!!! We’re having a great time. We don’t have a release date to announce, but it’s in the works.
J: As a producer Sylvia Massy is one of my heroes. She’s made some of the best albums of all time (Tool, System of a Down, Johnny Cash, The Red Hot Chili Peppers etc.) I can’t tell yet, but I think this album will be a return to the raw rock form!
Any last words?
J: Why? Are we fighting Courtney Love now?
K: Please tell my mother that I love her and see that Junior is fed. He likes to be walked twice a day and prefers canned food to the dry stuff.
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Check out some photos from their latest show at The Viper Room in West Hollywood!
photo by Chad Elder
photo by Chad Elder
photo by Chad Elder
photo by Chad Elder
photo by Chad Elder
photo by Chad Elder
To learn more about One Eyed Doll, check out:
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About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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