Today we’d like to introduce you to Mothers of Mayhem.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Wanting the camradarie and unique vibe of an all-women band, drummer, Nikki Ashton, approached guitarist Jami Taylor asking her interest in forming such a thing. Remembering past experiences, Jami expressed her feelings that bands take all your time and make no money. However, a few months later, when her youngest son entered kindergarten, Jami revisited the idea. She called up Nikki, and this time, she was in. They knew, in their close-knit community, auditions weren’t the approach they wanted to take. They would take the risk, extend an invitation, and hope for the best. Nikki had met bassist, Victoria Green a few years before, pushing their kids in the swings at the local park. Jami had heard lead singer, Jessica Groom, holding back a tidal wave, singing in church. The invitations were made, and both were accepted. After booking their first gig and settling on a genre, it was time for their first practice. When they couldn’t hold it together through a single song, Jami worried she had made a huge mistake. But as the band grew together, she never looked back. Far more satisfying (and yes, definitely more work) than a BUNCO or a book group, these 4 mothers are living their dreams and inspiring others to do the same.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first and largest challenge was a year in. Drummer, Nikki Ashton, had the opportunity to take her family to live in New Zealand for a year. An opportunity she couldn’t pass up. The band was excited for her but also frustrated and unsure of what the future held. With demanding home schedules, it was the perfect opportunity for the band to end. However, they decided to push forward and find another, not only female but also a mother drummer. Surprisingly, there was one just down the street. Jodi Booth graciously joined the band for the year. Other challenges have been balancing practices and shows with family needs and schedules, balancing personality differences, and working together.
Jessica (lead singer) is a crazy Metallica fan. She entered an online posting contest through the band’s IG account, posting a picture of herself in what we call “MOM” clothes (how we dress on stage), holding her guitar and their S&M2 vinyl record. She won, and her post appeared on Metallica’s feed and is still there today. Our IG was blowing up, and we started texting each other on our group thread. No word from Jessica… minutes were ticking by. We knew she would be literally jumping up and down. Still no word. Our texts were becoming more and more insistent. Jessica was at that moment having a heart-to-heart with one of her kids. Maybe less of a heart-to-heart and more of a “you better get your butt in gear, buddy” talk. But nonetheless, parenting was the priority at that moment. Running through the house screaming would have to wait.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are an all-mom hard rock band from Odgen Valley, Utah. When we roll up to a show in our 1950’s housewife dresses, people think we are a doowap vocal group or something entirely different than what we are. When we start unpacking our instruments, people start getting confused. When the drums begin pounding and the electric guitar starts cranking out hits including Metallica, Dusty Springfield, and Led Zeppelin, people can’t walk away. Our powerful energy and style is just too much fun! They are hooked!
We have recently begun writing our own music and are loving it. You can find our music on your favorite streaming platforms.
We are most proud of how we are able to reach and connect with all walks of life. We will never forget one of our first shows when a crew of bikers came running up to the stage, passed the families with kids on the front row, and whipped out their phones to film us. We love the variety of people who talk to us before and after shows, connecting with our music and sharing their stories with us.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In this whole process, we have noticed, the most important thing has been to show gratitude and acknowledge all the help you receive along the way. There are things to learn from everyone you come into contact with.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mothersofmayhem.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mothersofmayhemrock
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mothersofmayhemrock
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MothersofMayhem
Image Credits
@virginiaruthphoto
Sam Crump Photography
@samcrumpphoto
