Did you all experience those kinds of challenges in your early days on the road?
Maria: “Moving to LA and trying to join a band was pretty scary. I was constantly knocked back. No-one would audition me because they didn’t want a female singer. Even my own band did at first, although I eventually persuaded them. We had a jam session and they wound up taking me seriously, but that initial reaction was tough to overcome. Everyone has their own path to follow, and their own challenges, and it’s not always about gender. Most challenges I’ve faced haven’t been to do with being a woman – as an artist, male or female, you’ve got to hold your ground and persevere.”
Ash: “People often assumed I was the merch girl. It doesn’t happen so much now. New Years Day are on our way, but compared to Halestorm and In This Moment we’re still relatively new and trying to make a name for ourselves, so I still get put into a category where there is apparently only room for one band with a female singer. What I will say is that this tour is absolutely making a difference. Look – here are three girls and we’re selling out arenas!”
How does it make you feel when you have fans say that because of you, they too have started bands?
Maria: “Incredible. My mom took me to see Tina Turner when I was little, and that had a huge effect on me, so imagine what seeing Lzzy Hale playing rock music is gonna do for girls today!”
Lzzy: “I always think about all the girls out there right now, playing in their garages and building up to something that’s gonna blow our minds in future. It’s beautiful to think that we’re inspiring them, because the day will come when they step up, knock our socks off and inspire us right back again. The key is to keep doing whatever it is that brings you joy. Don’t let anybody tell you what you can and cannot achieve.”