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Birmingham Musician to play with Lemonheads at Bottletree

Posted on Jan 31, 2012 in News

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Feisty Birmingham band Jackie Lo, fronted by Jacklyn Loquidis Hamric, will be opening for the legendary nineties band The Lemonheads as they perform tracks from their acclaimed album “It’s a Shame About Ray” at Bottletree on February 18.

Jackie Lo’s sound can be compared to T. Rex, Liz Phair, The Rolling Stones, Sonic Youth, The Runaways, The Vaselines, The Duke Spirit, and Verbena. However, Jackie definitely has her own unique sound.

Jackie Lo, fronted by Jacklyn Loquidis Hamric, will be opening for the legendary nineties band The Lemonheads as they perform tracks from their acclaimed album “It’s a Shame About Ray” at Bottletree on February 18. Rachel Lockhart

“I don’t know if I have a genre that I fit into, really. I think girls playing loud and dirty guitars are kind of scarce these days. There is a lot of ‘pretty-girl’ music out there, but I want to be loud first…then pretty,” she says.

Jackie was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Florida. She eventually came to Alabama, where she finished high school and graduated from The University of Montevallo with a degree in music (flute performance).

She was trained in classical music, but after trying out an electric guitar she decided to start writing songs and begin her music career. She is the former singer and guitarist of Twinside and Sunny So Brite, and was bassist and lead vocalist for One Minute GO before she embarked on her current solo project.

Jackie discovered music at an early age.

“When I was a little girl I would tape cheat sheets on the piano keys that corresponded to sheet music and play it by ear before I could read it. I started reading music and playing when I was 12,” she says.

Her femme-fatale persona originated early. “I picked up a bass, started an all-girl band and realized that was where my heart belonged… playing loud, rock music,” she explains.

The Lemonheads made famous in the 80s and 90s with their signature punk/alternative rock will bring their tunes to Avondale's Bottletree Cafe on Febryary 18.

“Then I switched over to guitar and it just felt right, so I spent the next year writing and recording my first full length record, ‘Until I’m a Ghost,’ which is out now on Ol Elegante Records.

“I also get extremely inspired by a strong front-woman, a blazing lead guitar, and that perfect melody,” she adds.
Jackie is the epitome of a strong front-woman. “I don’t get stage fright. I just get excited. It’s the overall, almost out-of-body experience that I enjoy the most.”

On songwriting Jackie says, “My songwriting process typically has a few layers. It starts with me in my little studio with an amp and a guitar finding a riff I like, then my melody usually finds its way out. Then it’s the fun of finding my thoughts realized into a complete song.”

Although she was born in the windy city, Jackie is happy in Birmingham.

“There are so many talented musicians in this town. The label I’m on, Ol Elegante, another label in town, Communicating Vessels, and venues like Bottletree are doing a lot to get good music produced and out to the listeners,” she states.
“When you feel like there is positive momentum working in your favor, it makes you want to work harder and be a part of something bigger,” Jackie adds.

In regards to Bottletree specifically, she says, “I can’t count how many times I’ve heard a big, touring band say how lucky we are to have a venue like this in town. Brian and Merrillee are such assets to this city and its music scene. I hope everyone out there realizes that and supports them.”

Jackie “couldn’t be more excited” to perform with the Lemonheads next month.

“I’m a big fan of the Lemonheads and ‘It’s a Shame About Ray’ is an amazing album. I’m looking forward to seeing them play the entire album live,” she says.

“There’s something really exciting about performing on a stage in front of people with loud guitars, bass, giant drums, and singing to the top of your lungs.”

Amber Ritchie
Staff Writer
ambermritchie@gmail.com




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