Los Angeles alternative punk outfit Drama Dolls unveils the music video for “Robot,” the first single from their upcoming sophomore album.
Drama Dolls explain, “This is a song about not giving up when you’re getting sucked in by the everyday grind.”
The world right now feels completely out of whack, piling on stress, pressure, and a steady rise in anxiety. “Robot” gives expression to what we’ve been carrying, offering a release valve—an eruption of screams aimed at “Dave,” the figure pulled from Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
In “Robot,” we start off drained and compliant, but the pressure keeps mounting; the chant thickens and intensifies until it finally breaks into a liberating, triumphal shout: living as a robot isn’t serving us. From the trance-like repetition of “I am a robot” to the cathartic, full-throated howl of “I AM A ROBOT!” the song names that numb, assembly-line mode life can trap us in—and gives us permission to purge it.
Drama Dolls’ sound blends old-school, SoCal punk with elements of ska and new wave. Along with cheeky songs like “I Hate Your Face” and “Sometimes You Gotta Be a Bitch,” the band recorded a new version of “You’re Not the Boss of Me.” The track highlights the premiere of Hulu’s Malcolm in the Middle.
We spoke with Drama Dolls to find out more about how they got started in music, their gear, and their creative process.
What three things can’t you live without?
Music, candy, dogs, videogames. Frozen Yogurt. Is that three yet?
What inspired your new single, “Robot?”
Everyone acting like a fucking robot all the time. Or also just grinding through life every day, and a lot of times being expected to do the same thing the same way as everyone else.
Who directed the video, and where was it shot?
Antonio Marroquin directed. It was shot in a backyard in Studio City, and in random Backrooms hell.
How, where, and when did Drama Dolls get together?
Right before Covid, in Los Angeles. Scrambles called Egg and asked her what was up, and said she had a bass player and was like … Let’s jam and get some feelings out.
Who is in the band, and which instruments do they play?
Egg – Lead vocals/guitar.
Scrambles – Drums/vocals.
Mama T – Bass/vocals.
We also have occasional guest stars playing with us, including Morgipops on guitar, and some Larrys on additional guitar and occasional keyboards. It’s a fun group.
Serious question: why do you make music?
There is no better way to process complicated feelings and emotions, which we seem to have plenty of. We were tired of always being expected to stuff everything down. Time to let it out!
How did you get started in music?
Scrambles started a band before she knew how to play an instrument – including outfits, song titles, and band name. Egg started because she always remembered the lyrics to all the songs on the radio as a kid. Then she was a bass player for a couple of artists when she was older, then switched to guitar cause Mama T is a badass. Mama T always wanted to play the bass from the time her parents made her take classical piano as a kid, and didn’t realize she was actually allowed to until she was older.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
L7, Hole, The Go-Go’s, Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Spice Girls, Dead Kennedys, The Muffs, Talking Heads.
What kind of guitar do you play? Which amps and pedals are you using?
GUITAR – Gibson SG, using a Ratt pedal (and sometimes an Ibanez Tube Screamer) into a Fender Hot Rod.
BASS – either a custom Fender J or a Music Man Sterling with two pickups, running into a Tech 21 preamp and Boss overdrive pedal, into a Markbass amp.
DRUMS – DW Pacific kit, Tama bell brass snare, Zildjian sweet ride, Zildjian crashes and hi-hat, Vater drumsticks.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
Egg/guitar: I like that ‘90’s dirty guitar distortion, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it just is naturally evolving. Definition of tone? Your personal sound; it’s not just what you’re playing on, or through, it’s how you’re playing it.
Scrambles/drums: I usually play a 3-piece drum set live. I love the sound of my Tama bell brass snare drum. It is deep and punchy at the same time. Plus, it is wicked loud even without a mic. I love, love, love my Zildjian sweet ride. I am on my third.
Mama-T/bass: I always want to sound full and deep and growly. I know it’s a controversial take, but I like active pickups on a bass; it makes everything a little brighter and more intense.
What can you share about your creative process?
Egg: Sometimes you just gotta dump what is in your brain, and then you pick out what you wanna keep; also, if you’re in a band, leave your ego at the door when you’re writing together.
Scrambles: Let it flow, don’t overthink, don’t be precious about your ideas, work hard at what you love.
Mama T: I write best when I’m in the shower or driving home from some annoying thing. It’s great if you can have your phone around, ready to record any dumb ideas because sometimes they turn out to be great.
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
There’s nothing better than a great live set, but honestly, it’s all fun. There is no way to explain the awesomeness when the crowd is singing along with you. It’s one of the best feelings ever.
What is your definition of success?
Being interviewed by Guitar Girl Magazine.
What’s next for Drama Dolls?
World domination, and a new album
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