To many European fans, the name DOROTHY might not be familiar. However, this rising hard rock band in the United States has already made a significant impact, dominating the charts and successfully touring both the West and East coasts. Now, DOROTHY is set to release their latest album, “Gifts from the Holy Ghost,” originally launched in 2022, through Roc Nation. Join us for an exclusive interview to learn more about this exciting release.
Dorothy new album in Europe
Hi Dorothy, welcome to Femme Metal Webzine. Thank you for taking the time to check out this interview and reply. How are you?
Thank you for having me, I’m blessed (not stressed).
Even though your last full-length was previously released last year in the US, “Gifts from the Holy Ghost” is reaching just now to the European shores. What can you say about the album’s production?
I am so thrilled that GFTHG is taking off in Europe, it’s exciting! The album was produced and mixed by Chris Lord Alge. It was an incredible experience getting to work with him and many other talented and well-known people on this record.
Dorothy collaboration on “Gifts from the Holy Ghost”
“Gifts from the Holy Ghost” sees the collaboration of the former Five Finger Death Punch guitarists Jason Hook, Scott Stevens, and Breaking Benjamin’s Keith Wallen as co-writers of “A Beautiful Life”, “Rest in Peace” and “Made to Die”. How was to collaborate with them? And which was the most important lesson learned as an artist from this experience?
Each person had a unique sound and set of gifts they brought to the table. I wanted to write with as many great guitar players as I could. And I think all of them are at the top of their field. I learned that every album has a different development process so I go with the flow.
As a title, “Gifts from the Holy Ghost” reminds me a lot of Dickinson’s novella “A Christmas Carol”. What lies behind the meaning of the title album? Why is it so meaningful for you?
The album is named after the gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit. It’s how I aspire to operate in my daily life. I tried to plant as many good seeds lyrically into the album as I could.
The singles
“A Beautiful Life”, “Rest in Peace”, and “Black Sheep” are the singles from “Gifts from the Holy Ghost”. Which insight can you reveal about them?
I was very happy with how well “Rest In Peace” did on the charts. It’s clear the fans loved the song so there will be similar music on my next album “The Way”.
After “28 Days in the Valley” which had a more experimental flavor, “Gifts from the Holy Ghost” stays true to the core of Dorothy. What did you appreciate the most from that album session? And, then how is it reflected in “Gifts from the Holy Ghost”?
I wrote and recorded the album during the global lockdown. I knew people would need and want music that was uplifting so that kept me going through the process.
Dorothy special playlist on Spotify
You have recently released a special playlist on both Spotify and Apple Store called “Through the Years” which features the best songs from all the full-lengths so far released. In retrospect, how do you feel about it? And, if you look back at the beginning of Dorothy, what do you see?
In the beginning, I was just having fun, messing around. With each album I grew in my songwriting skills and as a vocalist. I think an artist should always take risks and try new things but always keep one eye on their roots.
Now, a more general question. In these revolutionary times, we are more sensible than ever to gender-equality thematic and mental health issues. From your perspective, what is the situation of gender equality in heavy music? Then, how much challenging is open about mental health issues?
I’ll address being open about mental health issues. Many people have them and having dialogues about mental health de-stigmatizes these issues. It helps others feel less alone and isolated and could encourage their healing journey. This is why I’m candid about my mental health struggles. I share things I find healing. My faith has been the most stabilizing thing in my life.
The future
What lies ahead of Dorothy right now? Any chance of a European tour? What are the next band’s plans?
I’m working on my 4th album “THE WAY”, and would be over the moon to come to Europe if Europe would have me.
So, Dorothy, we’re almost at the end. Please be free to say hi to your fans and readers. Thank you so much for this interview.
Hi to our fans, hello from the band. We miss you all so much and will see you on tour soon. We love you!