Exclusive Interview: The Metaphysical World Of Death Valley Girls
Updated: Sep 15, 2021
In a chaotic, confused, pandemic filled world that is Twenty-Twenty, these beautiful humans
gave us a healthy distraction. Something we all yearn for more than ever.
Photo by: Debi Del Grande
October may have came and went on your calendar. But for DVG, it definitely is more profound than it is for most folks. From communicating with spirits, UFO sightings and to staying/performing in haunted locations, they tap-in to the unknown. Something that is heavily depicted on all 4 albums to date.
Bonnie(lead vocals/guitar/organ), Larry(guitar), Pickle(bass/vocals), Rikki(drums/vocals), Kelsey R(vocals), Little Ghost(vocals), Gabe(saxophone) are DEATH VALLEY GIRLS.
Under the Spell of Joy is the title of the new record by DVG. Released on October 2nd through the prestigious label Suicide Squeeze. It has been a smashing hit to say the least. There is definitely something more philosophical about this album than the rest of the band’s musical catalog. Adding some different components to the overall sound, you wonder why this band is not in a bigger spotlight. One thing is for certain, this is their best work to date and a top candidate for album of the year.
Photo by: Ledouche
Due to obvious reasons, DVG hasn’t had the opportunity to tour or play any live shows whatsoever. Something they, along with musicians all over, dearly miss. I’m sure they had something of epic proportion in mind for this one. Despite all that, they still managed to have a solid year. One album, an EP, music videos, an Amoeba live stream performance and a VHS release by Church of Pickle (Halloween Show at a haunted barn in the desert)
I had the pleasure of interviewing Bonnie and Larry of the band from our own respective homes. Safety first, kids.
Q: Have you ever had any paranormal experiences?
A: Yes, so very many. We would need a separate interview to go through the list, but here are a few. We’ve had extremely successful seances/communed with spirits, seen UFOs, had missing time, stayed in and played in several haunted motels/houses/hotels/venues, dreamt the exact same dreams as each other, had more synchronicities than you would believe! A couple of us are psychic, and one of us is a medium. When we play we communicate non-verbally and know each others thoughts entirely, so we are very open to all of the universes mysteries.
Q: Can you think of a place you had some of the most fun you've ever had while on tour?
A: So many fun places but this one in particular is Halloween themed! Last October we were on tour with The Distillers and played Des Moines, Iowa. In Des Moines there is a haunted house called “The Slaughterhouse” which the band Slipknot is involved in. It’s a crazy, messy, bloody good time. We had photos taken inside while getting freaked out by chainsaw wielding maniacs and menaced by zombies. A fun and memorable Halloween!
Q: What would you say is the most creative activity you've done during quarantine?
A: Our virtual performances we did with Levitation and Amoeba Records were super fun collaborative activities we did with a bunch of our friends. Larry started a YouTube Channel, Pickle has been making crazy band merch for her store, Rikki’s been getting creat