Athens women take center stage

by Chas J. Hartman and Lauren Gross
THE POST

Women have been writing music since the dark ages, however it wasn't until the mid-1900s that they were allowed to play. Even a few years ago, it might have seemed strange to see a female singing or performing in a local club, but now that's all changing. Recent years have seen an influx of females not only performing solo, but also leading bands.

This is just a small glimpse at the large number of female musicians in Athens.

Singer Jodi Toledo, 27, started doing open stage at The Front Room some five years ago, but now she sings and plays keyboard in Planet 12. Planet 12 made waves for a few months last year, broke up, reformed and now is poised to wow the Athens music scene again.

Playing in a rock band such as Planet 12 doesn't come without its share of challenges for Toledo.

"The first thing that comes to mind is that I have a softer voice," Toledo said. "People always say 'Sing louder,' but we're at the mercy of the bar. Whatever equipment they have is what we deal with."

While Planet 12 continues to reach for a balance between the sound level of the instruments and the vocals, the crowds seem to have enjoyed the mood of the music. Toledo puts her great voice to emotionally-driven lyrics, and Planet 12 completes its product with Radiohead-ish riffs. If that's enough to interest you, then you can see Planet 12 three times this month. Toledo and company play Casa Cantina on Sept. 21, The Union on Sept. 22 and Mama Einstein's on Sept. 23.

But despite the comeback of Planet 12 and a full September, Toledo's goals stretch further.

"I want more female interaction on the Athens Musician Network," Toledo said. "We need to keep building the strength among women and the music scene."

Much like Toledo, singer/guitarist Cathy Wicks is no stranger to the Athens music scene. Wicks, 26, started performing at The Dugout (now Mama Einstein's) during her freshman year at Ohio University, but eventually joined the band Headwaters. Headwaters hit Casa Cantina, O'Hooley's and The Dugout for three years before breaking up in 1997.

Upon graduating, Wicks spent a year performing in the Tampa Bay, Fla., area. It was during that time that she really focused on her songwriting and guitar playing. Since returning to Athens, Wicks has become a part of The Misprints.

Like many other female singers, Wicks faces the challenge of trying to make her vocals heard over the wail of guitars and the pounding of drums. At the same time, she enjoys being a female on stage.

"It's kind of difficult," Wicks said, "I'm a bit modest, and I have a hard time going out there and trying to project myself to everybody. That's why I really haven't done a whole lot of solo work in Athens, because I feel much more comfortable being backed up by a band.

"As anybody would say, 'It always helps to be a chick.' I can wear makeup and I can make myself look good. I like to create that persona when I'm on stage."

Wicks will be in full form with The Misprints on Friday at O'Hooley's, where they'll also perform Oct. 6. Another performance is scheduled for Oct. 13 at The Union. Finally, in what should be fascinating, Wicks teams up with guitarist Tony Xenos, formerly of the Cactus Pears, Oct. 20 at Casa Cantina.

After performing for many years and in many clubs, Wicks definitely has words of encouragement for local female musicians.

"Don't be scared," Wicks said. "Just get right out there. I've seen there is unity within the female musician realm, but it helps to go out and present yourself to the male musicians too. It really helps to expand yourself and know yourself as a musician and just not as a female musician."

Carrie Elkin, a 26-year-old physiology major, says, "I just want to play music for the rest of my life."

Elkin is drawn to music, so performing is nothing new to her.

"I have been singing all my life, then six years ago I began playing guitar and writing music," she said.

Inspired by local musicians Dan Dreifort and Bruce Dalzell, she is influenced mostly by folk music. Elkin described her music as laid-back, "relationship-based acoustic, focusing on vocals."

Locally, Elkin has played at Casa Cantina, The Front Room and Mama Einstein's. "I do a lot of open mic stuff because it is fast and easy." She most recently performed at Casa Cantina's Female Singer/Songwriter Night.

"I've played music all over the country," she said, "Travel and touring is the most important aspect (of the industry)."

For a while Elkin was living in New Mexico, where she worked for different bands at a production company. She also released an album five years ago, which she says is no longer available.

But Elkin has had her share of struggles with music.

"I've already been screwed over by the music industry," she said, "Working with the industry is terrible."

She plans to keep up with her music because she loves singing and performing.

"It's always a part of me," she said. "I hope to nurture that aspect of my life for a long time."

Music always has been an important part of Laura Nadeau's life as well. Nadeau has been singing since second grade.

"My father always sang," she said. She said he is one of her biggest influences.

When Nadeau was a freshman at OU in 1986, she did a lot of open stages and always sang with someone. Then she decided it was time to learn the guitar.

"Traditionally females don't play guitar, " she said. "It liberated me in a way because I didn't want to have to rely on someone when I wanted to sing."

Nadeau played in Austin, Texas for four years. Before joining her band Stella in 1998, she always performed solo.

Nadeau described the band's music as "roots rock and roll."

Stella, which does a lot of originals as well as covers, is well known in Athens. The group has performed at Casa Cantina, the Union, O'Hooleys, weddings, Pomeroy Court Street Grill and many other local events and benefit concerts.

Nadeau says the band gets along pretty well, but "it's hard being in a band with three guys because men and women just see things differently.

"I really have a passion for performing and singing."

Singing is just one of the two passions in her life, however. Her other passion lies in her 3-and-a-half-year-old son, Nicholas. Nicholas is just like one of the band members, she said.

"He practices with the band and made his debut at the visiting nurses' benefit," she said. "He sang solo, the 'ABCs' and 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.'

"I think at one time I wanted to make enough money where I could go and sell albums. Right now, I like where I am. It's something I'm not pressured to do, but (I) enjoy it," she said.

Nadeau and Stella have quite a few projects ahead. Their next show will be a benefit Sept. 27 at Casa Cantina.

The band is working on a demo album. Nadeau also is working on a Christmas recording with fellow band mate "Catfish" (John Juliano). And it was confirmed recently that she is going to be the subject of a documentary. The film will explore what she has done with music.

Nadeau has definitely taken advantage of her talent.

"I have always done what I felt like doing."

She strongly recommends other female musicians to not be afraid. Women need to go out and do it, she said.

"There is plenty of opportunity for women to play in this town."

SOMETHING STRONGER!