Doll Skin’s performance in Philadelphia proves why they’re pop punk’s next big thing

Every show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania I expect to be the absolute best. Not only is that my home-state scene, but pop punk shows in Philadelphia are their own breed. Philadelphia pop-punk radiates the energy of suburban dismay but holds the power of leftover city life. Even if a band is not from the area, playing in such a focal point of the scene means two things:

1. The people showing up to this show are going to be rowdy and they are going to give you energy. Be prepared.
2. You need to make sure this show is amazing– people from Philadelphia come from every part of the scene and they will pass the message along about your band. Self-made, self-promo bands are kinda Philly’s cup of tea.

So, on our road trip to the New Found Glory show I was sort of hyping everything from the venue to the audience up to Ali. We were getting ready to cover Doll Skin, which was on Ali’s bucket list to photograph for a while now. 

Basically, we had really high expectations going into this show. In short: we were not disappointed.

Each member of Doll Skin was just so talented on their individual part in the band that it just makes these that they would be able to meld together and become so undeniably powerful. It was their stage presence that particularly set them apart from every other band on stage that night.

By no means would I ever dare try to dethrone the legendary New Found Glory, but Doll Skin, even as the first act of the night, was definitely the band that went above and beyond all night long. They are four girls who have come into their own power in a way that allows them to show positive ownership over their talent.

via Ali Fitzgerald, @alfitzpics

Doll Skin truly was the epitome of punk… and even better they are responsible punk. There’s this misconception that punk is about destroying, but Doll Skin is building a fan base and environment that is uplifting. They shred on stage, but backstage they were so incredibly down-to-earth and kind. 

The message in their music is so clear. Today, so many bands aren’t focused enough on making their message known to their fans, but Doll Skin isn’t afraid. Their lyrics are clear and obviously written with intention.

From the beginning of their set, it was obvious to me that they knew what needed to be done to make an impact. With some of their music being politically charged, my tendency would be to put Doll Skin into the riot grrrl category, but every fiber of my being also doesn’t want to classify them just as one thing. Their range of music and their ability to connect with every member of the audience was truly inspiring. Alex Snowden, lead guitarist, says: “We don’t fit into one genre, I feel like. When we write we are able to pull from so many different genres and kind of like hopefully create some sort of unique underlying sound”.

Doll Skin doesn’t see their flexibility between genres as a bad thing. Nicole Rich, bassist, says: “It’s cool not to have this big bold underlying label on us.”

Each member of the band has a diverse background in music, both in what they listen to and what they play. “Our insanely eclectic music tastes really come together,” explained Alex. 

Having had a chance to talk to the girls backstage before the show, it was reassuring to speak to women in the scene directly. They so easily and candidly recalled times of self-doubt and moments in music where they weren’t quite taken seriously enough. “Every day I’m reminded that we are in a male-dominated scene, but every night I’m reminded why it’s so important that we don’t leave the scene.” Sydney Dolezal, lead singer, comments.

What really stuck with me was when Nicole talked about how they realized on tour that they were the only ones apologizing during load in for being in the way or bumping into people. As she explained, it really seemed to define a lot about the music scene we live in.

“Take up space,” Alex said. “Don’t take no for an answer. Dudes have this attitude that they aren’t aware of the space they’re taking up.”

via Ali Fitzgerald, @alfitzpics

Doll Skin started as a very DIY bad, having been brought together by their drummer Meghan Herring, who says: “I rallied the girls. I hand picked them.” They started to participate in (and eventually win) a Battle of the Bands, but when they clicked so well they decided to continue with it.

So, now that they’ve started to grow their writing process has changed with them. Meghan noted that they have now written in the studio. “We’ve never done that before,” she says.

This growth for them has helped expand their fan base, but also helped them to expand their sound. Sydney explained her feelings by saying that “I feel like these new songs are a lot more where we are. It feels better playing [them].” 

via Ali Fitzgerald, @alfitzpics

As this band continues on their journey, it’s important that we not only rally behind them with support but recognize how talented and knowledgable they are in the music they’re playing. Meghan explained to me how “Guys automatically assume that you don’t know what you’re doing”. However, the more we actively recognize the role of Doll Skin and other female bands in the scene, the more this will hopefully change.

Doll Skin makes amazing music for groups of fans who want to feel empowered in all facets of their life. Their supporters are diverse and strong. The band’s connection with their fans was also so inspiring. They are grateful for the fan accounts and fan art that they see and even gave a special shout out to one of their OGs, Leena. “It’s so heartwarming to hang out with these people,” says Sydney. 

Their base will only continue to grow, too. Doll Skin is the future of the scene and I can’t wait for everyone else to finally get on board with it.  

For now, though, they are continuing to work hard and put out the music that they believe in. Meghan told me she knows they’ll make it when she hears “a gigantic group of people singing back” during their set. While the barricade was only a few rows deep for them at this particular show, I know one day they’ll be selling out huge venues and I can’t wait for the whole world to know the name: Doll Skin.

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