DREAM WIFE. The band that was already shouting about it not being okay that sexual harassment backstage –or anywhere– was 'bound to happen' on stages on both sides of the Atlantic before a little something called #metoo started trending on every platform ever is on tour.
We've written about them before, and their inspiring attitudes, activism – not to mention a kick-ass sound.
They've just concluded their first North-American headlining tour, which we were lucky enough to catch them on. Not only do they put on a show with incredible professionalism and energy and enduring performance – but they clearly put the same energy and care into finding and choosing their opening acts.
This included a local "female identifying/non binary bands joining us first on in every city" which they sent out an open call for on the instagrams, followed by a special guest performance by the newly formed band called RUSSO, and then of course Dream Wife as the headliner.
and what a line-up that is
This is how we got introduced to new band RUSSO who if you've always been kinda obsessed with No Doubt and Yeah Yeah Yeahs and wished there were more bands in that sound-family, you may have found your new favourite band.
Just be sure not to refer to their sound as punk, as the lead said herself to L'Official Magazine:
With absolutely no less edge or swagger than Dream Wife, the combination of these two acts together on stage felt like experiencing an "I was there" moment – not seeing the one, but the both one after the other.
Cailin RUSSO who fronts the band has the kind of effortless star quality that when she walked into the adjacent-to-the-venue diner before the show her energy grabbed the restaurant, and that was before she stepped on stage. Which may not be surprising considering her father, the lead of rock band Unwritten Law, used to bring her up on stage with him to perform.
And while she certainly puts on a pretty badass performance, the relationship she has with her dad through originally his, and now her own music is clearly incredibly special as one Unwritten Law fan explains:
"As a San Diegan ULaw fan, I've been fortunate to watch Cailin grow up on stage over the years through a number of local appearances during which Scott Russo has pulled his daughter out on stage to help perform the song she inspired. Having raised two precious daughters of my own, the image of Cailin at Street Scene when she was just a young tike, cupping Scott's face in her hands while staring deep into his eyes, as her father sang his amazing song for her, is easily the most touching thing I've ever witnessed in a musical performance."
and if anyone thinks she's not ready for this life on the road, they'd be entirely wrong. When asked if it was hard to launch a new band into the world – her reply was:
so anyway,
we thought that was a
gig worth (go)going to
...and while we've certainly enjoyed their debut EP House with a Pool (that's so L.A.) on Spotify, it's music best enjoyed live, according to Cailin herself. So next time you see the name RUSSO pop up, it's worth paying attention.