No Big D is a four-member band that has pioneered the genre of “crunchy mom rock.”
The band hails from the outskirts of Quesnel and has played countless shows, including the Woodstove Festival in Cumberland and Coldsnap in Prince George.
The members are Melanie Dydynsky on guitar and vocals, Debbie Scallion on drums and vocals, Meghan Lackey on bass and vocals and Janelle Harder on guitar and vocals.
They launch their new album Thieves with opening act Scribbens on Saturday, April 5 at 9 p.m. at Legion 43 PG, 1110 Sixth Ave.
The four met after a Halloween party at Electric Lackeyland.
“I think we really just love playing music, and we wanted to create something original together,” said Scallion. “We really like each other a lot. It just seemed like a natural progression for us to create music with people we care about.”
The band’s new album, Thief, has been in the works for several years. It features 10 songs, with a theme that is close to the band’s heart.
“Most of the songs have been kicking around for the past couple of years, but it took us quite a while to get them all recorded and in one place,” said Lackey. “There are a couple of brand-new songs on here as well. The theme is about the push and pull between freedom and fear, your responsibilities and passions, and trying to juggle it all — living in modern times while trying to do something creative on the side.”
As a band of working parents, No Big D wanted to convey how parenthood and creativity can intertwine.
“We’re all working career women with families and kids,” said Scallion. “There’s so much demand on us from our partners, jobs, and children. We’re passionate about giving everything we can to our kids and our lives, but we’re also strong, independent women. We try to balance these parts of ourselves amid all the demands of social interaction.”
The band told The Citizen that their group has become incredibly special to them because of its unique nature and the relationships they’ve created.
“It feels really special to be in an all-female group,” said Harder. “It definitely wouldn’t have the same flair or flavour if there was a male in the mix. I feel like the world needs more all-female groups. We’re so strong and supportive of each other. That’s why we’ve grown so much — when we see someone struggling, we encourage them to push forward. We amp each other up to be the best versions of ourselves.”
The band has been approached by numerous young female musicians who’ve been inspired by their performances to form their own bands and groups.
The future is bright for No Big D. They’ve already booked several festivals and are planning a tour.
“We’re working on new songs all the time,” said Lackey. “We’ve got a few things in the works and would love to record more, write more, and play festivals this summer. We’ve been accepted to a few more. One day, we’d love to do a ski hill/brewery tour in the North, playing at breweries and shredding the powder.”
No Big D has been supported by a range of local stations and fans, and they would like to thank them for their ongoing support.
“We just want to thank everyone for all the support,” said Dydynsky. “This includes the radio stations in PG, the college stations — it really helps get us out there. Also, a big thanks to the college crew for listening to us and everyone who’s bought tickets. They’re selling fast. We’re so grateful for the awesome support we’ve received. We’ve been lucky with interviews and shows. Thank you for supporting women in music.”
The band would also like to thank their partners and families for making their shows possible.
Tickets for No Big D’s album release are $15 and are available at www.madloon.ca/tickets and at www.nobigdband.com. They will also be available at the door at Legion 43 on April 5.
