The Dollyrots - Because We’re Awesome

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“Art sometimes comes from boring places, just look at Buddy Holly; a great artist from the 1950s rock-n-roll scene who came from a small town in Texas.”  That quote is straight from the mouth of lead singer Kelly Odgen, of the Dollyrots. She’s right-on with that statement, but forgot to include one other band that fits that same scenario: The Dollyrots. Luis and Kelly grew up in the small rural town of Land O Lakes, Florida, technically the birthplace of the Dollyrots.

A few years ago they took a risk by giving up the careers that they went to college for to pursue their dream: being in a rock band. They did not know whether this would land them empty handed or rich and famous. ”You really have to risk it. To do anything in life you have to take a risk, that’s the exciting part really. Being successful probably isn’t the best part, it’s working for it.” With that branded in their heads, they took only the clothes on their backs, $2000.00 and left for California to chase their dreams. 

The band had some ups and downs, like any new business does. Their first successful break was when they recorded a track for an HP commercial, used in theaters before the Lord of the Rings. It was through that experience they met their producer and got paid for the commercial, making the deal even better.  Shortly after, they lost their bass player. Kelly picked up the bass guitar and never looked back.  The trouble didn’t stop there, their drummer also decided to leave the band. This was when Chris came into the picture, who came from a band they had previously toured with and was already familiar with them.

Those were probably the hardest times for the Dollyrots. That would quickly change for the better, as they landed a cameo spot on CSI Crime Scene Investigation.  Kelly auditioned as an actress for the spot, but managed to get the whole band in for the scene. Shortly after the cameo, they released their hit song “Because I’m Awesome”. The song was so catchy, that it landed them a spot on Ugly Betty, and was used for the theme of Kohl’s Back To School commercial in 2007. After the Kohl’s commercial aired, the producers of Greek thought it would be a great fit for their show and they had the Dollyrots on to do yet another cameo appearance.

The biggest break for the Dollyrots came when they met Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Kelly gave Joan a demo of their music and Joan hooked them up with Blackheart Records. Since then they’ve been touring across the USA, opening for Joan, and most recently Paramore at Summerfest ‘08 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They are now touring on the 2008 Van’s Warped Tour. The Dollyrots also play a lot of smaller shows in local venues across the nation.

Despite the success they have achieved, Luis, Kelly, and Chris are very humble in every sense of the word. They still make every effort to be personal with their fans: signing autographs, posing for pictures, and showing their appreciation for each fan, for absolutely no money! “We owe it to our fans, without them we don’t exist, our music doesn’t mean too much unless it touches other people.”  It’s an attitude like this, and their bubbly carefree personality that truly makes them live up to their song “Because I’m We’re Awesome”  I purposely took “I’m” out to prove a point, everyone in The Dollyrots is awesome!

The Dollyrots wanted to give advice to those who are trying to follow their dream of being a musician.  They understand the struggles, and dedication it takes and any advice from one who traveled the road is invaulable to anyone following the path.

• Do it, pay attention to everything and learn from your experiences good or bad
• Be yourself
• Don’t do things half way, do it right the first time.
• Don’t follow trends, if it sounds like something you hear on the radio today then it will be out dated.
• If it seems tough, then you know your doing things right.

The Dollyrots have two albums out, their first is “Eat My Heart Out” and their most recent is “Because I’m Awesome.”  If you already know and love these albums, you’re in for a treat because they are about to release another album early next year.  If you want to hear their music, purchase merchandise or get tour dates, go to www.thedollyrots.com or www.myspace.com/thedollyrots