Carla DeSantis Black has been at the forefront of women’s issue in the music industry for most of the past two decades. From 1995 to 2005, DeSantis Black published ROCKRGRL magazine, which featured a female perspective on music from both the creative and business perspectives (no less of an authority than Ann Wilson of Heart has described that publication as, “a blow against the empire”). Carla recently celebrated the legacy of ROCKRGRL with a new quote book pulled from the pages of the magazine entitled GRL Talk. She continues her online presence with MEOW (Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women; www.meowonline.org) and will be hosting a MEOW Con conference in Austin this October that will include a keynote address by Suzi Quatro. Carla and I recently met at the corporate Rock NYC office overlooking Times Square (or completed an online interview).
1. What was the inspiration for the new Grl Talk book?
When ROCKRGRL ended in November of 2005, I was out of financial and emotional steam. Shutting it down felt like disappearing like a thief into the night. So doing this book felt like a cathartic memorial to the ten years of blood, sweat and many tears. I courted several graphic designers to help create GRL Talk but nothing really gelled until I met Shelley Hiam – whose design work was actually influenced by ROCKRGRL. At that point I was so inspired, I did a Kickstarter campaign to raise the money for the book – and the rest is history!!
2. The book includes thoughts on the music industry from artists involved in the 1990s “Riot Grrrl” movement, independent artists, and mainstream country acts. I was impressed by the diversity represented. What type of editorial judgments did you make on who to cover, or exclude from coverage, in ROCKRGRL?
ROCKRGRL was for musicians, so artists that were in the magazine were artists I thought had something to say to their peers. So diversity was very important to me. I wanted to make sure all ages and styles of music were represented – although some genres like classical, country and hip-hop were less represented – probably because of the word ROCK in the title.
3. I could envision another ROCKRGRL compilation book that focuses on feature articles. Are there any other books being planned at this time?
That was originally my intention but there were so many stories from artists that were never considered "successful" because they didn't sell tons of albums, that I decided instead to take the "aha" moments from the articles and compile those instead.
4. This question might require its own essay (or book), but with the continual emphasis in mainstream entertainment on visual eye candy, do you see progress being made for women in the music industry or are we continuing to dog paddle in the same beer advertisement/bikini model mentality when it comes to female musicians?
There is definitely progress in some areas – it's pretty empowering when you realize Beyonce has an all-female band – but every generation seems to have the same problem – that women are considered eye candy first before their musical talent or what they might have to say as writers even comes into play. There is still a "pretty good for a girl" mentality that is just ridiculous – and needs to go away.
5. Who are some of your heroes in the music industry and how have they inspired you?
Such a tricky question, Steve!! But truly – anyone who stays true to their own vision and doesn't allow the music business machine to sabotage their art is my hero – or heroine!
6. For people interested in the MEOW Con conference in Austin, describe what happens at the event. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity to develop relationships/network.
Thanks! MEOW Con is a three-day conference. The first night we will honor Suzi Quatro for her one-year-shy 50 year anniversary in music – and inspiring a million female bass players in the '70s – including Joan Jett. The next two days, Friday and Saturday there will be panels on topics like dealing with stalkers, touring when you are a mom, maintaining your image and getting more women into areas where they are scarce. There will be a very cool trade show called Image Alley and films about women in music – including the world premiere of a documentary on female guitar shredders called She Rocks. Oh, and there will be LOTS of surprise guests and musical performances – all in Austin, Texas, the live music capital of the world.
7. And the big question, why are Bichons the best dog ever?
They are so white and fluffy and usually look like they are smiling – the most non rock and roll dog ever. But you can never really have a bad day when you have a smiley bichon face around. My dog is a constant reminder to chill out – and go out for a walk.
For more information on the GRL Talk book, visit www.grltalkbook.com