Last year, a new festival held their first event in the Bay Area in California. Doll Fest describes itself as “a celebration of the feminine energy, friendship, and community gathering together in support of one another.” This year, Doll Fest is back! Volume II will be held in Oakland, CA on March 28th and 29th with a pre-party on the 27th. And the lineup this year is just as jaw dropping and inspiring as the last.
We wanted to get in on the action, so we’ve asked the amazing bands a handful of questions about the festival including who they’re stoked to be playing with and what they think a festival of this caliber means to our scene.
We spoke with Stacey Dee of Bad Cop / Bad Cop about what it means to feel truly seen at a festival like Doll Fest, the power of being unapologetically femme, and why headlining a Bay Area festival like this feels like a full-circle moment. She also reflects on authenticity, strength, and turning life’s highest highs and lowest lows into songs that connect. Check out the interview below and grab your tickets to Doll Fest today!
Interview
What does playing a femme-only festival like Doll Fest mean to you personally?
You know, I’m so grateful to be part of it. We all say we need more femme festivals! Doll Fest is actualizing our hopes and dreams! There aren’t many festivals like this! I feel honored and seen!
How does playing a festival like this shift the energy—on stage or in the crowd?
I’m not sure. I just hope we connect with the people there to celebrate a lineup like this. And we all feel empowered together.
What would you want a younger version of yourself to feel seeing this lineup?
I grew up in the Bay Area so my younger self would be so stoked to come home to headline a fest like this. I would hope that my younger self would be inspired to see so many other kick ass musicians. I bet my younger self would go home pick up her guitar and write something, so someday I’d be there too!
What does “taking up space” look like for you as a femme musician?
I guess it means being unapologetically myself. Not worrying about what anyone else is doing or thinks about me. But that I am also worthy of being here and sharing my perspectives, emotionally, about my life and the world around me. Also that I am that strong woman that stands eye to eye and toe to toe with anyone else on this planet. No matter what.
Who are some femme artists—past or present—who have inspired you or paved the way?
So many!!! I would argue that half of the musicians in the world are women. But we just don’t get the attention. For me, it started with Joan Jett, Madonna, The GoGo’s, Cindy Lauper and The Bangles! Katrina and the Waves! Haha.
How does your identity influence your music, performance style, or the stories you tell?
Every song that I write is a direct story from my life. I don’t make things up. I don’t know how to.
How does your lived experience show up in your lyrics or live performance?
My life has been wild. Filled with massive highs and devastating lows, man. I’ve been through so much but am still here enjoying every second of my experience. It is always going to be hard, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful too!
What is one local or regional band near you that you want the whole world to know about and want them to play Doll Fest
I like Frankie and the Studs!
Have you experienced moments where being a femme artist shaped how you were received in the music scene?
I’ve been blessed. I don’t know, I’ve always felt that I was as cool as any man in any room I’ve walked into. Being a strong, unapologetic femme is something I have always been and is something that guides my art, my decisions and my life every day. I hope that I’ve been received for my authenticity and my ability to show up strong for others!
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