Venomous Pinks reflect on the Donnas

Drea Doll: Once upon a time in Phoenix, Arizona, a friend was driving me home from high school and blasted a song by a band called The Donnas. The track was called 40 Boys and 40 Nights from their album, “Turn 21”.  I was immediately addicted to the guitar riff and lyrics. Unbeknownst to me, that car ride would forever change my life. That album was one of my first introductions to female empowerment and punk rock. Living in the suburbs, it was like nothing I ever heard or experienced before. It ruined me in the best possible way.

The Donna’s distinguished guitar tone is something I’ve strived to emulate for years. That classic Marshall and Gibson Les Paul sound has been a power couple since the beginning of Rock. To this day, it’s one of my favorite albums to listen to when I need inspiration or want to remind myself why I decided to play music. Those tracks have become my muse and music teacher through speakers. Listening to that album also reminds me of easier, youthful,  times. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much farther I’ve got left to go. “Turn 21” defined my teenage years and is testament to a time when women, like the Donnas, dealt with and fought against sexism just because they wanted to play music. Without this album and band, I don’t know where my life would be today.

Venomous Pinks reflect on the Donnas: The Venomous Pinks’ single “No Rules” is out now. The album Vita Mors is out in June.