Thunderstruck: The Empowering Reign of Thunder Queens
By Julia Girdharry
Earlier this year, Precision Record Pressing pressed Thunder Queens’ debut album, Strike One. This month, we sat down with the band to discuss what it means to be a Thunder Queen.
Many aspiring bands seldom reflect on the paradox of performing in venues that might deny them entry as patrons. Nor do they fret about gigs clashing with exam schedules or the daunting task of balancing schoolwork with rehearsals. Thunder Queens, however, are navigating these challenges with a rare blend of courage and tenacity during their formative years, transforming each daunting debut into a stepping stone. Today, they reminisce about their journey as a band of friends, touring, burning the midnight oil in hotel rooms, as an enduring, unforgettable adventure, akin to an extended sleepover. We’re privileged to witness these young London, Ontario locals grow into their roles as performers and face new challenges in the next phase of the band’s metamorphosis which speaks volumes about courage.
Thunder Queens, Lola, Clara, and Violet, re not just a band; they are a vibrant force of nature, channeling the raw energy of youth, the joy of community, and the fierce spirit of female empowerment. With their visceral and unfiltered approach to music, Thunder Queens embody pure passion and boundless dreams, delving into the complexities of teenage life and providing a platform for social commentary. For them, making music is about fostering a community and creating a space where music is accessible to everyone. With their drive for self-expression, innate musical talent, and sharp world critique, Thunder Queens are redefining what it means to be a powerful band today, giving their generation a powerful voice and representation.
A Band is Born
Lola, Clara, and Violet each grew up in different families, but their shared love for music brought them together. They immersed themselves in music from an early age, attending countless live shows and absorbing the vibrant energy of the local music scene. “We were all very involved in music,” Lola says, reflecting on their beginnings. For the band members, developing Thunder Queens was an act of strength during uncertain times. Like most hobbies, it fostered camaraderie among like-minded individuals, providing a sanctuary and a sense of purpose amid the chaos. “Forming Thunder Queens was a way for us to combine our interests and have fun while making a few songs on the side.”
This sense of fun and simplicity is at the heart of their ethos. The band’s name, Thunder Queens, encapsulates their philosophy. “To be a Thunder Queen, you need to be powerful and able to stand up for yourself,” Lola explains. “It’s about strength, living your life, and being able to express how you want to express.”
When asked about dream collaborations, Thunder Queens swiftly nominated the late David Bowie, drawing inspiration from his school of songwriting. Their lyrics defy conventions, drawn from lived experiences and crafted to foster community and challenge norms.
Thunder Queens’ lyrics delve deeply into personal experiences, challenging perceptions of what it means to grow up across generations. Their music serves as a bridge, resonating profoundly with older listeners who reflect on a different era. At the same time, it draws in community members by authentically articulating their feelings. Despite the influence of age and experience on their songwriting, their mastery of performance has evolved remarkably.
A standout lyric from their earlier days encapsulates their ethos. Lola reflects on the bridge in Lo-Vi, highlighting its significance: “One lyric that sums up the album’s themes is, ‘We don’t want to follow the rules, we don’t want to be like those other fools, we don’t want to live up to their expectations, we just want to be Lo-Vi.’ While it carries a tongue-in-cheek tone, Lola elaborates on its deeper truth, serving as an anthem for young fans: ‘You don’t have to live up to what other people want. You can set goals for yourself, which I think was good.”
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The Early Years
Thunder Queens’ journey kicked off with their inaugural show in 2019 at Call The Office, a storied venue in London, Ontario. Clara’s addition in 2022 transformed the band into a formidable trio. While their initial performances were tense, they quickly found their groove. They’ve honed their playing style and technical chops and are now focused on refining their stage presence. Clara reflects, “It was nerve-wracking but a lot of fun.” The band collectively agrees that live performances have become smoother with time, and they’re now concentrating on shaping the image they want to project.
Thunder Queens draw inspiration from an eclectic array of influences, channeling the raw energy of bands like Gob—Violet’s first live performance experience—and The Beaches, as well as Bad Waitress, both of which they’ve shared the stage with. Lola, for instance, finds inspiration in the drumming of Hole, which infuses the band’s sound with an electrifying edge. “I love the drumming from Hole. It’s just so energetic and powerful. This amalgamation of influences weaves a rich tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with their audience.
Creating Strike One
Their debut album, Strike One, was a labor of love recorded over two years at The Sugar Shack studio. The process was meticulous, involving countless hours of recording and re-recording to achieve perfection. The Sugar Shack, known for its intimate and relaxed ambiance, became a second home for the band. Simon Larochette, the engineer and producer at The Sugar Shack, played a pivotal role in bringing their vision to fruition. Larochette served as a mentor, refining their ears to discern audio quality in ways they’d never imagined, Violet reveals.
Balancing Act
Balancing school, family, and their burgeoning music career is no small feat for these young musicians. They manage their time with a discipline that belies their age, ensuring that school remains a priority while dedicating significant hours to rehearsals and performances. Balancing their music career with school and other commitments isn’t easy, but Clara captures the experience perfectly: “It’s like a job, but we have a lot of fun with it.”
This balancing act showcases the crucial support from their community. Their families and local fans provide encouragement and practical help, fostering a cherished sense of belonging and unity in their hometown, London, Ontario. “Seeing so many young people, especially young girls, at our shows is very powerful,” says Lola. “It feels like we’re bringing people out to get interested in music the same way we were.”
Community and Empowerment
Thunder Queens’ journey is a reflection of the strong sense of community that has supported them from the start. Their families have been a cornerstone of their success, providing not only encouragement but also logistical support.
This support extends to their local fanbase in London, Ontario, which has grown steadily over the years. Clara adds insight into the band’s continuous growth, stating, “We’re all always going to live shows around London, and just like around just in Ontario. And I know that we all pick up on little things that bands do, and stage presence and like, learn things along the way. And we also have a good London music community that we’re all, well, in. And we know a lot of great people and a lot of local bands.”
Looking Behind and Forward
Thunder Queens stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their journey is a celebration of youth, community, and the enduring spirit of female empowerment. Though just beginning, their impact is profound, inspiring the next generation of musicians and dreamers.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, young musicians often find themselves grappling with age restrictions that limit their access to performance opportunities. However, undeterred by these barriers, the band remains resolute in their mission to bring their music to diverse audiences. “Being able to share all kinds of music with all kinds of people is the number one goal,” Lola asserts, highlighting their unwavering dedication to inclusivity. Beyond confronting age limitations, Thunder Queens champion representation, particularly for female-fronted bands. “Playing music isn’t even about who you are as a band, It’s sharing music with people who want to listen to music.” Their ethos underscores the transformative power of music, transcending identity to resonate as a universal language accessible to all.
Thunder Queens offer sage advice to aspiring musicians, stressing camaraderie and experimentation. “Hang out with your friends,” they advise. “Stick with your instruments, play around, have fun, write dumb songs. It doesn’t have to be serious at all.” Their approach celebrates the joy of creation and a genuine love for music.
Navigating the highs and lows of live performance, Thunder Queens acknowledges the anxiety that often accompanies such endeavors. Yet, they offer a poignant reminder: “If you’re nervous about playing, you are there to deliver the music, and the people are only coming to receive it.” In this assertion lies a profound truth—that audiences are allies, not adversaries, united in their shared love for music.
As they continue to carve their path in the music industry, their unwavering commitment to sharing music with diverse audiences serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians everywhere.