Interview with Vixen77

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

Caitlin: I got into music in 2nd grade when I joined the school concert band playing flute. I was in the school band basically my entire childhood. My musical interests took a turn when I got super into blues and old rock n roll music, taking up the guitar when I was 13, the same point at which I picked up the reefer Muddy Waters sang so lovingly about. If I hadn’t gotten into music, I truly cannot conceive what I would be doing today. I truly have no idea what that version of me would be doing. 

Liz: My parents both loved music—good music. I grew up with James Brown, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fleetwood Mac, etc. i got into 77 rock n roll and power pop through staying up late and tuning into Little Stevens Underground Garage when I was 12. I’ve never looked back.  If I wasn’t doing something music related I’d finish the engineering degree I started. Space is the place to be. 

Sarah: I grew up listening to 50s, 60s, 70s, & 80s rock because of my parents. I actually got into playing drums through the video game, Rock Band. Playing on the little drum set that the game came with, I quickly went from Easy mode to Expert. Then I tried my friend’s acoustic drum kit, & I’ve been playing ever since! If I hadn’t gotten into music, I probably would have pursued my other dream: to be in the fashion world, such as fashion merchandising, or I would be trying to start a family at this point. Not saying you can’t do both, but I wouldn’t be able to handle both right now. 

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your Creativity?

Caitlin: When I’m not playing music I love to go running and workout. Running actually influences my creativity a lot in that it gives me the chance to listen to music while I do it, which inspires my playing. For me, travel is always a great inspiration for any creative pursuit because it gets you out of your day to day life and imagine new stuff in different ways.

Liz: I love going on adventures, going to the beach. Going on road trips.  I guess I need to go go go and that in itself affects me. Am I running from something? Am I running to something? Your guess is as good as mine. 

Sarah: When I’m not playing drums I’m cruising around in my 55 Chevy Nomad that I restored with my dad, I’m working on my house (it’s old & every room needs updating!), or doing my Pilates workout classes. When I’m driving around in my car I’m always listening to music & what other drummers are doing; it helps to give me new ideas on fills or beats for when I’m writing songs with the band. 

How long has your band been around? 

Liz: This version since 2020/2021 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Liz: The band is based out of Philly. To me Philly is working class, and I’m working class so it’s my home. Being working class does influence me musically. Come on don’t you daydream of Bruce?

Sarah: Our band is based out of Philly. I’m not personally from Philly, but I believe the city has a strong music presence, especially with the punk scene. Our music is gritty, in your face, & upfront, which is Philly in & of itself.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Liz: Can’t really give you one. When I play I kind of black out and emerge on the other side.  Every show seems to be fun. 

Sarah: Our very first live performance was my wedding! It was so fun to rock out with the band & to drum in my wedding dress! To do something I love so much on my wedding day made it that more special.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Liz: I like playing Johnny Brenda’s because there’s enough space for everyone and there’s a green room where I can hide. Underground Arts is nice too. Playing TLA seems nice. I just wanna play everywhere really. 

Sarah: My favorite venue is probably Johnny Brenda’s. The staff is always so nice & accommodating, & their sound guy is super great at dialing us all in just the way we want it.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Caitlin: I would love to open for Jack White III.

Liz: I really can’t answer a question like this it’s too wild. Do I say Hole? I want it to be Hole but we’re not in the same boat. I guess I don’t really care so I will go with Hole. They rule. 

Sarah: I would literally CRY if we played with the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl is one of my idols! 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Liz: just keep going. Shit gets weird sometimes. Sometimes you don’t play for weeks or months. But stay weird. Allow yourself to be weird. That creativity is from deep down and if you harness that you can play whatever you want however you want. People might think you’re strange, but the strangest folks make the most beautiful things. 

Sarah: Never give up & don’t compare yourself to others. Grow & rock out at your own pace.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Liz: I’d wanna smack middle school me upside the head. You don’t need peoples validation. You’re far out the way you are and we love that. 

Sarah: I would tell my younger self to have more confidence, and to not be afraid to be myself. Don’t let other people walk all over you or take advantage of you. Middle school/high school is temporary. There’s a whole bigger world out there, just waiting for you to drum all over it. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

Liz. “Gotta Go.” It’s older but the line “I guess I’ve got a reputation, a woman’s gotta have an explanation” I wrote rings true every single fucking day. I hate our scene, I hate how men act like rock n roll is theirs. I hate men. I’ve gotta reputation? I didn’t manipulate women into bed with me. You better rethink that. 

Sarah: “Record Store” is pretty special to me. Every time I hear it I think of our time in the studio together recording this album. On day 3 (the final day) we had just finished recording backup vocals & we were all gathered around listening to Record Store, the last song we listened to before we left for the day/for the whole recording session. We basically had just finished writing the song in the studio itself in those few days, & to hear it back as a finished product was just amazing.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Liz: I don’t have favorites to play nor do I pay attention to what any one is saying. I get up there, play, and leave. 

Sarah: I honestly love playing Your Love & Own Me live with the band.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Liz: I write music whenever it comes to me. Nothing really inspires it. If I have my phone I’ll record me singing the riffs. Lyrics can be written at any time—with or without music. Then I’ll bring in parts or a whole song and we’ll work it out. 

Sarah: One of us comes into practice with lyrics written, or a melody, or both, & we all build off of it together & add our own style to it. Past relationships, love, mental health, & passion for music pretty much inspires what we write.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Liz: I never wrote anything intended to get across to anyone. It’s rock n roll, have a good time.  Forget about how shitty everything is and let loose. That’s what I want. 

Sarah: I think a big message we like to send is overcoming the struggles of life, whether that be mental health, breakups, a toxic relationship/friendship, etc.   

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Liz: Tour. I want to get the fuck out of Philly. No offense, but we’ve got to go. 

Sarah: Our plan is to hopefully go on tour soon! Be prepared for our album, Easy Access, dropping on October 14th!

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Sarah: Instagram is probably our most popular one right now, @77vixen7777 but also check us out on Facebook: Vixen77, & TikTok: @vixen77band