Bitch is back with Exciting new band
Written by Vicki L. Kroll | | news@toledofreepress.comBitch has never been shy.
She’s written songs about sexuality, politics, marijuana.
“It’s definitely my philosophy that you may as well as express yourself because what else are you going to do? You’re just going to die,” the singer said. “Hopefully it’s a message to other people to live free and live true to themselves.
“I do think artists have a responsibility to express political views or how they see the world. I think that’s really why art exists so we can have faith in our collective consciousness for ways to work toward a utopia that we all believe is possible.”
Strong words from the woman who muscled into the music world as half of Bitch and Animal. Ani DiFranco was so impressed by the duo’s 1999 debut she signed them to her Righteous Babe Records, and the two opened for her on tour.
“I was such a kid when we started touring with Ani; I feel like I learned everything from her,” Bitch said. “She’s always been such a teacher of mine. Something about her voice and where she was coming from that I really listened to how unique her voice was — I had never heard anything like that — and I’m not talking just about the way she sings, just the way she turns a phrase and the kinds of things she was talking about were so radical and important for me to hear as a young feminist.
“So touring with her was just like hanging around in whatever church you go to; it was really mind-expanding for me.”
Back with a new band, Bitch and The Exciting Conclusion, the singer-songwriter is working on a new disc. She plays electric violin, ukulele and keyboards; Gabriel Kubitz is on bass, and Lee Free is on drums.
“I feel it’s going to be a collection of songs that span all my different styles, which I’m really exited about. There’s a few out-and-out rock songs and then a couple good ballads,” Bitch said while taking a break from recording in New York. “I think it’s going to come out in the fall.”
Bitch and The Exciting Conclusion will play some new songs at Frankie’s April 2. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 night of show.
“There’s [a new song] called ‘Happy’ that’s all about being happy about the new administration,” Bitch said. “There’s a song called ‘Lost You,’ which is a beautiful, big-type ballad, which is kind of a heartbreak song … There’s a song called ‘Catskills.’ I’ve been playing it now for a few years. It’s kind of an Appalachian hoedown-type song.”
