The Aquadolls and The Sully Band pair up is a fun fresh pairing that we hope to see more of! punk meets old school big band, the live show that featured these two fun artists on April 7th is more than what meets the eye, it was done in collaboration with Team Chase in support of athletes with physical disabilities. Jejune Magazine sat down with these individual bands to learn more about their music and this fundraiser. Read on to know more!

THE Aquadolls:

Where is the band based?
Los Angeles

Can you tell us about the origin story of The Aquadolls?
Melissa: I came up with the idea of an all femme punk band when I was a senior in high school, and five years ago Jackie and Keilah joined the band! We’ve been rocking all together since.

Where does your name come from?
Melissa: The name comes from our love of mermaids!

You are working on releasing a new album, Charmed. Can you give us some spoilers? Are there any songs you are super excited about?
Melissa: Expect lots of romance, whimsy, heartbreak, and finding comfort in friendships and self-love.

We love your new song “Sneaky”. Can you tell us a bit about this song?
Melissa: This song is about being someone’s dirty little secret, hoping for more to come from late night hookups. Paired with the juxtaposition of soft and dreamy guitar chords to show the wonder and softness of having a new potential love, with the grittiness of echoing screams and distorted guitars to show the frustration and angst of wanting more from it.

You are self described “mermaid rock and rollers”. Can you please expand on this?
Melissa: Our special “mermaid rock” genre consists of love, fun, and living the rock and roll lifestyle!

So, you and The Sully Band sound pretty different. What inspired this pair up for the charity show in benefit of physical disability empowerment organization Team Chase?
Melissa: Our manager Rick Devoe brainstormed this idea, as he is managing The Sully Band as well. We thought it would be a fun idea to combine our forces to bring the best benefit to Team Chase as possible.

Can you tell our readers a bit about Team Chase and what the organization does?
Melissa: Team Chase was founded in 2008 by the Carlson family in memory of their son Chase. The mission of the foundation is to support ongoing efforts in the fight against Krabbe Disease, which took the life of their son in 2005, and to support and encourage those who make a difference in the daily lives of people in their community.

What was it about Team Chase that inspired you to make this your first charity show?
Melissa: It means a lot to us that we were offered to perform for the Team Chase charity and help raise awareness about Krabbe Disease. It’s an honor to spread love and awareness through our music!

What is on your set list and musically, what is your vision for this event?
Melissa: We are playing some of our classic songs across all of our discographies, as well as some new selections from our upcoming album Charmed! Expect upbeat, fun, dance-inducing good times!

What misconceptions would you like the world to better understand about the physically disabled?
Melissa: A common misconception about people with disabilities is the helplessness that is perceived by others, which in fact is a false stigma! People with disabilities tend to charter a more positive outlook on life in demanding situations they may face everyday.

What is your motto in life?
Melissa: Live your life to its fullest potential and don’t be afraid to try new things!

It has been a rough few years, how have you been staying positive during these times?
Melissa: Having a support system of incredible bandmates/friends, family, and loved ones gets you very far! Very blessed and grateful for the amazing people in my life who make me smile on a daily basis.

THE sullyband:

Where is your band based?
San Diego

Can you tell us about the origin story of the band?
I was recruited to sing and play in the worship band at my church over 15 years ago and then I started to recruit really great musicians to play with me, like Mark Hattersley and Tripp Sprague who are in the band today. Then I got connected with James East (Nathan East’s brother) and we started to get gigs out in the community. Chris Goldsmith of Belly Up gave us one of our first big breaks.

You have a new album out, Let’s Straighten It Out! Can you tell us a bit about it?
Let’s Straighten It Out!, takes the listener on a journey through the ups, downs, and all-arounds of love by way of 10 classic ‘60s and ‘70s soul, blues, and R&B tunes. The album was released in March of 2022 via Belly Up Records, and marketed and distributed by Blue Élan Records. It was recorded at Henson Recording Studios (formerly A&M Studios) where “We Are the World” was recorded.

It has such a fun old school big band feel, we love it! Can you tell us a bit about what inspires your sound?
This labor of love album is an amalgam of carefully curated love-themed songs that made a mark when they were originally released and yet also feel relevant today. Soulful, heartfelt vocals cut across layers of horns and guitars that take the listener on an emotional arc of joy, disappointment, struggle and redemption.

We love your song “When The Battle Is Over.” Can you tell us the story behind this song?
This is a Mac Rebennack (aka Dr. John) and Jessie Hill song that was originally released in 1969, and later covered (and made famous) by Aretha Franklin. I shared vocal duties on this track with acclaimed San Diego soul singer, Rebecca Jade.

So, you and The Aquadolls sound pretty different. What inspired this pair up for the charity show in benefit of physical disability empowerment organization Team Chase?
We share the same management and we wanted to support a really remarkable young band regardless of the genre.

Can you tell our readers a bit about Team Chase and what the organization does?
Team Chase was created by former NBA player Bill Walton and his wife, Lori, along with Lance Weir of Challenged Athletes Foundation and Chase's parents, Andy and Caroline Boyd in 2014 to honor the memory and spirit of Chase Boyd who passed away that same year from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. They raise money to help create a lasting scholarship to be given in Chase’s memory along with finding ways to help others with challenges stay active in the things they love.

The Sully Band has a long history with Team Chase. Why is this cause important to you?
I met Chase and his parents and other members of Team Chase over 10 years ago while participating in the Challenged Athlete’s Foundation Million Dollar Challenge which is a bike ride down the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. My interactions with these challenged athletes year after year are the most rewarding, inspiring times of my life.

What is on your set list and musically, what is your vision for this event?
We wanted to make sure everyone had a great time and that the dance floor was packed which it was. It was a sold out crowd and we raised over $10K for the charity between ticket sales and auction items.

What is your motto in life?
“High Speed - Low Drag.”

It has been a rough few years, how have you been staying positive during these times?
This is but a snapshot in time - “This too shall pass.”

To learn more about the Aquadolls or the Sullyband, please follow the below:
Instagram: @theaquadolls or @thesullyband
www.the-aquadolls.com and www.thesullyband.com

The Aquadolls + The Sully Band - Playing With Sound

THE Aquadolls:

THE sullyband: