Interview Cassie Fox(Loud Women)

I first want to ask about the song because I love the idea of a large group of talented people coming together and creating something like this. What was the creative process like after writing the song do you think each performer added something unique to the overall song? I wrote and demoed the song at home, then the band recorded their parts separately – and each of them added something really special and unique of their own to the song. It sounds absolutely nothing like the demo now, and I love that! Once we had the music recorded, I sent it out to the majority of the singers, who then recorded their vocals on either the whole song, or just the chorus. We also then had a studio session for 12 of the vocalists, which was huge fun (and a big treat in these pandemic times to actually get together to make music IRL!). Once I had all of these elements, I started to piece it all together ready for mixing. There were some amazing vocal elements that were a big surprise when they turned up - like the gorgeous layered ‘ahhhh' backing vocals in the chorus. So yeah I’d definitely say every single contributor brought something of themselves to this song.

The song will be raising money for a Woman Aid Charity. Can you tell us a bit about this charity and how people can get more involved? Women’s Aid is a charity which literally saves lives – providing essential support to women suffering domestic violence, through helplines and refuges. Two women a week are killed by a partner or former partner, yes the government is cutting funding for domestic violence services, so we have to help them ourselves. You can donate direct to them at https://loudwomen.org/reclaimthesestreets/

You mentioned that the song is designed to turn up the volume on the current conversations on women’s safety. I imagine that this in many cases can be a tough subject. What advice would you give to someone who wishes to do something similar to this project or use their platform to raise awareness? Do it! It’s so important to keep these conversations going, especially once the media has moved on to the next news story.

You also run Loud Women which is something I’m a big fan of because you introduced myself and many others to so many great bands. From gigs and festivals what can we expect moving forward from Loud Women? Thanks! Glad we’re helping you hear about new music :) We keep on doing what we do – sharing new music every day on our website and socials – and running events. We have gigs coming up in London from July, and our festival is happening 18 September at 22 Venue. All the info is at www.loudwomen.org

The Loud Women Facebook group is filled with great content and people supporting one another. How much of a influence does this group have on Loud Women’s gigs and festivals? The group kinda has a life of its own – it’s become such a thriving community of musicians and fans sharing music, advice, chat, and even forming bands on there. A lot of bands hear about our events and festivals via the main group, and also our international chapter groups (New York, LA, Nashville, Canada, Ireland and Australia!)

During the lockdowns and so on how have you kept yourself busy creatively during these times? I’ve been working two jobs and raising two kids so haven’t had a problem keeping busy! Loud Women is something I do in what you might call my “me time”, so not having gigs to run has given me some more time to spend on sharing music on the website. With my own band (I, Doris) we’ve made a podcast, chatting to other musicians, so that’s been a nice creative outlet, and given us an excuse to chat!

I’ll probably kick myself if I don’t at least ask one question about the band. Do you and I, Doris have any plans on releases or any shows on the calendar? I, Doris are heading into the studio imminently (One Cat Studio - who very kindly mixed the Reclaim These Streets single for free, so we’re thanking them with some paid work!). I’ve written a couple of new songs, and I’d like to re-record a song (The Girl From Clapham) we recorded with a bit of a cheap and dirty studio previously, so hopefully we’ll be able to put out an EP maybe soon. The next I, Doris gig is also the next LOUD WOMEN gig - 3 July at the Hope & Anchor in Islington!

“Reclaim These Streets” features Abby Werth, Amber of Hadda Be, Angela Martin of Bugeye, Bec Jevons of IDestroy, Brix Smith, Caroline Gilchrist of Hot Sauce Pony, Cassie Fox, Charley Stone, Debbie Googe, Debbie Smith, Dungareen Jean, Elis Sarv from Noise Noir, Ella Patenall of Naz & Ella, Emily Eagle of The Pukes, Emma Sky of Slut Magic, Erika Severyns, Estella Adeyeri of Big Joanie, Gail Something-Else of Muddy Summers & the Dirty Field Whores, Gemma Cullingford of Sink Ya Teeth, Georgie Willsher of Beverley Kills, Gilan, Harriet Doveton, Helen McCookerybook, Holly Carter of Berries, Jade Ellins, Janey Starling, Jen Macro, Jo Bevan, Joyce Raskin, Julie Riley of I Am HER, Karen of Hagar the Womb, Kat Five of Feral Five, Kel of The Empty Page, Kelly Chard, Kimmi Watson, Kristina Stazaker, Lee Friese-Greene, Lilith Ai, Liz Hayward of Ode to Sleep, Lorna Tiefholz of Rabies Babies, Marijne van der Vlugt, Michelle Marti of Girls Rock Indiana, Minni Moody, MIRI, Molly Energi, Nadia Javed, Ngaire Ruth, Nicki Mirage of Brazen Hussy/KNM, Patsy Stevenson, Paul Maps – Joyzine, Penfriend, Priya, Ren Aldridge of Petrol Girls, Ros Cairney of Deux Furieuses, Roshi Nasehi, Rowanna Chown, Sam McCann of Gender Chores, Shona MacMillan, Siân Alex of Gold Baby, Siobhan Fahey, Stevie B of T-Bitch, Suteki Hegg, The Pukes, Umbilica