Rock and Roll girls. Is there room in the world for them? Some fail horribly using their sexuality as a stand in for talent, they end up a heap of runny black eyeliner and a tossed off garter belt. Then there are those who actually prove that women in rock need not be T&A but rather talent.
I had the opportunity to speak with the beautiful and talented drummer of Modern Day Escape, Sandra Alva. Sandra has proven herself numerous times and steps behind the kit for MDE after working with Black Veil Brides. Leaving those boys for being ‘too metal’ as noted in the press. There has to be more than that. Their style has not changed that much since they began, though their egos may have. Come to find out it was an all in the family trade off. After Modern Day and Black Veil toured together, fate intervened and there she was- sticks in hand ready to tour again with what were already great friends. A smooth transition that simply worked for this charismatic woman who is more of a contradiction than a stereotype.
Joining the fun loving Modern Day Escape has to be culture shock. BVB more interested in a retro feel and fashion, MDE more party fun rock and roll. Yet the light hearted Alva fits just perfectly and is helping to elevate the Standby Records band to heights they had aspired to.
Every outlet that has contact with Sandra states the same thing- she is personable friendly and upbeat. A happy rock and roller? Shouldn’t she be filled with angst?
A humble start for a girl whose biggest influence was her cousin who was a drummer in church. She aspired to be like him and worked up the ranks of her local house of worship til she was strong enough to play the big church. Alveda comes from a musical family where 'everyone was artsy or played an instrument', so it was natural that she participate, yet you would never consider her to be a church girl.
A completely open lesbian who considers her pet cause to be equality for all. Standing up for same sex marriages and family and often wearing equal signs on her face and hands to draw attention to her cause. When asked if her future includes marriage and children she sheepishly laughed, 'yeah, yup it does'.
And its true, Alva may not be sporting a rock star ego (yet) and still admits to having a soft spot for her fans and friends. As much as they motivate her is as much as she is grounded by them. A strong support system of her band and her followers show no negativity and much protection for Alva. A tribute to her character.
What is most surprising? Could well be what Sandra has as her latest obsession, country music. Wishing she could attend Stage Coach which she described, thusly, 'ya know Coachella right? Well its there, same place only its like all of my favorite country bands in one place. I would love to say hey I'm a huge fan! They'd be like…" Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum and an interesting admission of 'going all fangirl' at the mention of Taylor Swift.
Really? How wonderfully contradictory Sandra Alva is. Going in to her interview I expected alot of 'hey man rock and roll' swag but instead got an incredibly upbeat and diverse woman who admits to 'going wild and getting exhausted' behind her drum kit and sometime getting so hyper shes unable to sleep.
The rigors of touring are her passion and are far more rewarding than recording which she described as "being locked in a room for a month'. Touring, travel, and face to face time with her fans and thousands of Twitter followers (seriously its absurd the girl has 47,677 followers..wait, make that 47,878 cuz I'm on board now. How could I not be? Charismatic hardcore girl with brains and style with less ego and more balls than allot of boys on the circuit. Hell, she could easily be my kid.
And its just begun. With the power of her new band Alva is destined for success having scored a major handshake with Hot Topic. Modern Day Escapes album "Under The Gun", blends hardcore chops with powerful melody. Lyrics that are relatable and with just a touch less ego box than most in their genre the band seems to be on the right path to success with a twist. See this is a band that teenaged girls will swoon over and boys will actually appreciate. What remains most consistent is the cohesive sound that's created. There is no stand out,rather this is a band in the greatest of sense. Sandra Alva has found a perfect vehicle for her talent and her personality. Part of a team and able to shine, even from behind a kit in dark shades.