Punk’s not dead, so as long as The Dollyrots are playing. Catch even a glimpse of one of their performances, and you’ll understand what we mean. The husband and wife duo—Kelly Ogden (vocalist/bassist) and Luis Cabezas (guitarist)—make music that recalls the pop punk renaissance of the early 2000s, but manage to bring the perfect blend of familiarity and freshness. This summer, they’ve taken their signature sound (along with their newest roadies, son, River, and daughter, Daisy) and turned it into an energizing tour spanning the US.
From the release of their label-debut LP, Eat My Heart Out, in 2004, The Dollyrots have amassed a dedicated following, which the band cites as their driving force for continuing to make music after more than a decade. Their latest release, Daydream Explosion, arrives on July 12 and is described as a “thrill-packed joyride,” complete with lead-single “Everything,” odes to ‘60s girl groups, and the pair’s own daughter.
The album comes as a follow-up to 2017’s Whiplash Splash, which was considered a breakout moment for the group, appearing on both Billboard’s Heatseekers and Independent Albums charts. Daydream is also the group’s first major label-backed LP since 2010, succeeding five independent releases.
On July 13, the duo will appear at The Hi Hat in LA for an album release party/performance that can’t be missed! Before then, they let us in on their favorite spots around the city that they call home. Check it out below, then make sure to track The Dollyrots to be notified when they’re playing near you!
"We lived in Los Angeles for a number of years before discovering the Farmers Market part of The Grove and made up for lost time eating crepes at this friendly, casual outdoor spot. Pretty much anyone can feel happy and comfortable here. It feels very neighborhood-ish which is remarkable considering how much everything around it has grown."
"Next we’ll drive up to Griffith Observatory, walk the trails, and see some sights like the Hollywood sign, as well as the location where we filmed most of our music video for our song “Rollercoaster.” The actual observatory is really fun and informative, the view is incredible… you can see to the Pacific on a clear day! And you can take a rad little hike starting in the back of the parking lot and see lots of sites used in film and TV; and of course, take the mandatory Hollywood sign selfie. ;)"
"If you are a fan of rock n roll, you should at least drive along the famed Sunset Strip. We like to have some Flaming Margaritas at El Compadre or a beer at The Rainbow Room. We’ve played a lot of the venues… started out at the Whiskey, the Viper Room, the old Key Club, filmed our Live DVD at the Roxy, and had lots of food and fun at The Rainbow while trying to not freak out about Lemmy and other rock gods being there. Maybe you’ll luck out and hit a awesome rock show at one of these spots!"
"Head to Venice Beach because… BEACH Naps rule. At this point you should take one. And make sure to stand with your feet in the ocean at some point… there is something magical and grounding about the feeling. You could also choose Santa Monica and the Pier, but we usually prefer the eccentric colorfulness to Venice Beach to the more uppity, luxury shopping vibe of Santa Monica. Enjoy the skaters, families on vacation, surfers, weirdos, and muscle beach! The photo is our son in his first music video that isn’t ours, filmed at Venice Beach with Shira Girl ;)"
"At this point it’s time to find dinner. We would ask you to choose either Ethiopian at Merkato or Yang Chow in China Town for dinner—the vegetarian plate with extra tomato salad and fresh roasted coffee are amazing at Merkato. The Slippery Shrimp are a MUST at Yang Chow! Whatever you do make sure you have coffee or some sort of caffeine! Because it’s time to hit a rad bar and hopefully see a show!"
"Since you’ll be in the vicinity, check out the pirate rock n roll themed Redwood or jailhouse themed Down and Out. You just might get lucky and see your new favorite band ;). Awesome spots for local sweaty and cool rock shows."
After some hanging out and (maybe drinking) you will prob need a bite. We ALWAYS hit up El Gran Burrito for some traditional Mexican food… a traditional bedtime snack ;).