The Aquadolls On Their Latest Single “Help,” Upcoming Album, and Tour with Incubus
Photo by Riley Olson / Interview by Hannah Kozak
The Aquadolls are singer and guitarist/producer Melissa Brooks, bassist Keilah Nina, and drummer Jackie Proctor. The Los Angeles based, alternative trio formed in 2012 and mostly consisted of Brooks recording demos of her songs in her bedroom. The Aquadolls have come a long way since, just finishing a tour with Sitting on Stacey in spring 2022 and approaching a tour with Incubus and Sublime with Rome from July-September 2022.
Q: The Aquadolls had formed in 2013, took a break, and reformed in 2018. What made you want to play as The Aquadolls again/what prompted this new era of The Aquadolls?
A: Technically I never took a break between 2013-18, I was switching between band members at that time and we were mostly playing local shows and promoted the “Stoked On You” record until I started to learn music production on my own in early 2018. A few months into recording The Dream and The Deception from my home (and even mixing sessions at the local Panera Bread) I started to jam with Jackie and Keilah, who soon joined the band! Shortly after, TDATD dropped and we’ve been putting out singles and preparing our next album since.
Q: What was the writing process for your latest single, “Help (I’m Falling 4U and I Can’t Get Up?” Where did you look for inspiration when writing (and even naming) this song? Also, tell us about recording the music video for this song!
A: The song’s name and chorus definitely was inspired by those Life Alert commercials when elderly people fall down and have those buttons on their neck that call 911. I thought it would be silly to use the “help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” but make it “falling for you”! Originally, the demo was a poppy puppy love song, but upon recording in the studio with Fat Mike, we ended up doing a lot of re-writing and making the overall theme darker and focusing on the heartache of having a crush. The music video plays into channeling both good and evil through the use of fairies, giving the mortal the choice of good and bad and ending up choosing herself.
Q: How does “Help (I’m Falling 4U and I Can’t Get Up” relate to your upcoming album? Will the rest of the album have a similar sound/vibe or will it be a bit different?
A: Other than the themes of longing for love and some reverby guitar, the album will be far more uptempo. “Help” is more likely a standalone single, but you can definitely expect themes of love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment.
Q: How has recording your upcoming album been in general so far?
A: We just finished up this last week and the process has been so much fun. We went to the studio every day from 12pm-9pm for two weeks straight. Paired with minimal sleep and tons of creative energy sparking, we crafted an album that is pure raw rock n roll energy. It takes twinges of surf/punk from Stoked On You and alternative pop from The Dream and The Deception, as well as fresh inspiration full of songs that will definitely cause lots of dancing!
Q: Are you excited for your upcoming tour with Incubus and Sublime with Rome? Is there a specific city you’re really looking forward to playing?
A: We are beyond hyped for the summer tour! I’ve been huge fans of both bands since my childhood, so it’s definitely a trip to be on the same bill as them. I’m looking forward to singing along to all of my favorite songs by them side-stage each night and hopefully make amazing friendships! I believe the venue for the first show in Florida has a capacity of about 20,000 people, which will be the biggest crowd we’ve played to yet!
Q: What is your favorite song you’ve ever written and why?
A: That’s like picking your favorite child, impossible! Id have to say though, possibly one from the new album because it’s very personal, gay, but also very fun.
Q: What is your funniest and/or most chaotic tour story that you’re willing to share with us?
A: Bonding with our brother band Sitting On Stacy on our co-headline tour this past spring in the green room about how we thought we were going on a spring break tour, and it ended up being 19 degrees and dumping snow! That was very chaotic.
Q: If you could relive any moment as a band, what would it be and why?
A: I wish I could go back in time and play Lollapalooza again because it was so much fun! No do overs though. I’m looking forward to Austin City Limits!
Q: What does feminine and/or queer identity mean to you?
A: As a pansexual woman, I’m really blessed to have the platform I do to spread awareness about LGBTQI+ rights. We want to create a safe space through our community, both online and at our concerts, and spread love and positivity while doing so! Be yourself, be fabulous, and happy pride month!!
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