Girl at the Rock Shows

I have a very skewed view of Ohio. One of my best friends in college moved there after having her first baby. She was the first of my friends to have a kid and I definitely cried much like her baby on the day that she left. I know that’s not fair to Ohio but, every time I think of the state, that’s what I think of. Thankfully, Girl Gordon is here to change that. This Cincinnati-based punk band is flawless in every which way and their new single “Caretaker” is proof of that.

I had the privilege of asking vocalist/guitarist Patrick Mitchell and bassist/ vocalist Jerika Hayes some questions. We got to touch on a little bit of everything from pizza to coffee to their single and everything in-between.

Everyone says that every crowd is their favorite but, what city has the best audience
and why is it Minneapolis?

Patrick Mitchell: We’ve yet to play in Minneapolis, and I’ve only been to a show once in Minneapolis
and it was at First Avenue. Can confirm the energy was electric.

What’s your go-to coffee order?

PM & Jerika Hayes: Americano with extra oat milk

What’s the worst concert you’ve ever been to and why?

JH: Back in 2009 or so, I saw Matt and Kim in a pizza place in the middle of summer in
the Central Valley of CA. I can’t even remember if they were good or not because it was
so packed and so hot, I was solely focused on how sweaty I was. When I left, I looked
like I had literally gone swimming with my clothes on. Nasty, nasty show (not in a good
way.)

Best pizza topping(s)— GO!

JH: Mushrooms ALL DAY
PM: Green peppers and onions

How would you describe your music to your parents?

PM: I never had to describe it, I just showed it to them and thankfully they responded
well! When my dad heard one of our unreleased songs, he said “that makes me wanna
go kill someone.”
JH: My mom also approved but wishes there were less bad words haha.

What’s your go-to purchase at a gas station (outside of gas) when on a road trip?

JH: Lotto scratcher

Favorite lyrics of all time?

JH: “Sawdust and Diamonds” by Joanna Newsom, literally the most incredible lyrics ever
penned. A close second though is “Do you ever feel like a plastic bag” from “Firework” by
Katy Perry.

What’s your favorite video game and why?

PM: Wii bowling because I suck at everything else.

What was the first concert you ever went to?

PM: Natasha Beningfield.
JH: Huey Lewis and the News when I was like, 5. I fell asleep.

If you could compare yourself to an animal, what would it be and why?

JH: Cat. Independent, moody, wants to be cozy, loves a little treat.

If you could have dinner with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

PM & JH: Matty Healy so we can beat his ass.
JH: But also Debbie Harry cus she is an icon and I love her.

Have you ever been able to finish a Rubik’s Cube?

JH: Absolutely not.

What’s your favorite method of listening to music (i.e. vinyl, cassette, 8-track, etc.)?

PM & JH: CD

What’s one thing I should know before listening to “Caretaker”?

JH: It’s one of our softer songs I’d say, and one that tells a story more than just conveys
an idea. We were very meticulous with the writing as well, and everyone pitched in a lot
of ideas after Pat came back with the overall form. We’re stoked on how it all came
together.

Out of all of the lyrics in “Caretaker”, which line is your favorite and why?

PM: ‘I must be sick but there ain’t a cure for it.’ I think that lyric encapsulates the theme
of the entire song.
JH: My favorite is ‘My poison picked me dry from day to night,’ I think it’s a weird and
kind of enigmatic line, it makes me think of some kind of creature chipping away at your
sanity. Spooky!

There’s a very grunge vibe in this track that I love but that bass line is screaming good ol’
fashioned punk to me– who would you say was your biggest influence when writing this
song?

PM: Jerika sent the “Caretaker” into our band group chat and she said “Patrick, I feel like
you’d have something to say with this riff.” At that moment in time, I was listening to
three records on repeat: Nevermind (Nirvana), 13 Songs (Fugazi), and Three Cheers for
Sweet Revenge (MCR). I’d like to think these records made it into “Caretaker” at some
point. I definitely get a Fugazi vibe from Jerika’s slinky bass line while the majority of the
song emulates that “grungy” feel. My goal with the ‘outro’ was to kind of pivot from the grunge vibe and mirror a big, explosive emo rock sound—hence the change in tempo, groove, and key for the last minute of the song.
JH: The riff was undeniably inspired by the band Dry Cleaning, who’s bass player Lewis
Maynard I absolutely adore! His playing is so melodic yet oftentimes simple, but always
manages to convey a lot of emotion and atmosphere.

“Caretaker” is only your third single– might I smell a full length coming up soon?

JH: We are working on an EP!

If you had to replace the vocals with an obscure instrument what would you choose and why?

PM: slide whistle
JH: Erhu

Any advice for other DIY bands coming up in the scene right now?

JH: Literally have fun and be yourself. Also speak up about what matters to you. If you
aren’t doing that then why bother.

I loved everything about this interview so much but it was that last answer that really got me. I feel like Jerika saying to “have fun and be yourself” was such a good way to end this. It’s a simple phrase and a simple rule to live by but something I feel like we all forget when we get into the thick of our lives. I feel like that message comes through in all of Girl Gordon’s music but it comes through uber strong in “Caretaker”.

“Caretaker” comes out on November 10th so you have to wait a few more days before checking out this amazing track but I have a nice little teaser for you here. Make sure to follow Girl Gordon on all of their socials so you don’t miss the track drop!

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Check out my playlist with this track and a bunch of other amazing tracks HERE!