Music Q&A with Melissa Brooks of The Aquadolls

Photo courtesy of The Aquadolls

Southern California's punk/surf rockers, The Aquadolls recently signed with ENCI Records and also released a single titled “Disappearing Girl”! In addition to starting a new chapter, the band just played a show opening up for Jimmy Eat World in Chicago and also playing Lollapalooza! Lead singer and guitarist, Melissa Brooks, took some time to answer some questions about their latest single, the shows the band just played, what they missed about touring, and more!

Congratulations on the signing to ENCI Records and on the release of your latest single, “Disappearing Girl”! Both the song and music video rule. It took me a couple of views to realize that the footage for it was on loop. It’s so simple, but well done. Can you talk about the making of the video and how it was decided this would be the route the band would take with it?
The visualizer on YouTube is made from behind the scenes footage of our cover art photo shoot and was all shot on iPhone. We were just going to use the footage for tiktok stuff, but we added some vintage overlays to it to make something to go with the song on YouTube. We’ll be shooting an official music video for the song in a week, so stay tuned for that!

You recently played at The Metro opening up for Jimmy Eat World and also played at Lollapalooza. Both in Chicago. How did it feel to be back on stage in front of crowds after bands couldn’t do festivals/tours for the past year and a half?
Being back on stage felt truly magic. It was really great to play our new songs for people that had never heard them before and seeing their reactions. At Lollapalooza, people were singing along to our new and unreleased songs and my mind was blown. I truly live for performing and getting to play such epic shows means so much. It felt so good to dance with everyone again finally. 

What’s one thing you missed about touring?
I missed every aspect! I love spending time in the van with the girls, playing music and chatting endlessly in between napping and gasoline stops. I missed traveling, meeting people, and seeing old friends and fans that have grown with us. I missed head banging on stage, screaming into the microphone, and smiling with everyone. I’m so glad we got to make new memories at these Chicago shows!

What is your earliest musical memory?
I would sing songs like Minnie Riperton‘s “Loving You” a little baby. I did choir and kids musical theater in my community center as a child, as well as constantly listening to the radio and watching MTV!

What has been your favorite festival to play at?
It’s tough to pick a favorite, but Warped Tour was really amazing to play. I met Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance backstage, and he told me to keep playing every show I could and that it won’t be long til I made it to the main stage. I will never forget that moment, as I’ve loved his music since I was nine years old. Lollapalooza last week was truly special though, as it felt so surreal to play for so many people after a year and a half of playing in my bedroom. 

If you had a chance to collaborate with a musician, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would love to make a song with Kim Gordon, Dylan Brady or Caroline Polachek!

What helps you stay positive?
I like to play upbeat music to get me in a good mood and start my day off right! I make sure to snack throughout the day so I don’t get “hangry”. If I ever start feeling upset or stressed, I talk to my friends and they always help me feel better! Having a support system is so important. 

You have upcoming performances at Beachlife Festival and Ohana Festival next month in Southern California. What bands are you looking forward to seeing? Anything else about either festival that you’re looking forward to?
I’m so hyped to see Sugar Ray at Beachlife. Cold War Kids at Ohana Fest is also going to be so fun! I’ll definitely be dancing to their sets and any of the other amazing artists we get to catch!

Any last words or final message for the readers?
I’m so happy we get to finally perform live again, so stay tuned for new show announcements, videos, and new music! Thank you for reading this, you rock and can do anything you set your mind to!

The Aquadolls on social media and on digital streaming platforms:
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