Five Questions with Jamie-Lee Lecompte – Lead singer of RawRawRiot

Cornwall Ontario — Jamie-Lee Lecompte who lived and worked in Cornwall Ontario as a residential counselor is currently the lead singer of Ottawa all girl punk band RawRawRiot. The other band members are Sarah Destruction (guitarist), Sarah Danger (bassist), and DD Riot (drums). These women clad in torn jeans, band t-shirts, and leather jackets have been making huge in-roads in the Ottawa music scene. The band which has shared the stage with Canadian Punk Legends DOA are opening up for another famous band next month. RawRawRiot are opening up for legendary New York punk band The Casualties on Friday April 26th at Mavericks (221 Rideau Street) in downtown Ottawa.

Jamie-Lee Lecompte answers five questions for the Seeker. This interview was conducted by Jason Setnyk.

1. What were your favourite bands growing up? Before you were in RawRawRiot are their any notable musicians that you ever met? What did those experiences mean to you?

I have had many musical tastes and could make a never ending list of favourite bands growing up. Some of these bands would have to include NOFX, No Use For a Name, Misfits, Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion, Sublime, and Dayglo. Having played with DOA and Dayglo I was privileged to have met all of the members including legendary DOA singer Joey Keithley. I also had the chance to meet Jello Biafra and this was a surreal experience as Dead Kennedys are a huge influence to me.

2. Explain the creative process of song writing for RawRawRiot, from lyrics to rifts to drum beats? What makes your music authentically “RawRawRiot”?

Unlike a lot of bands, our songs don’t really ever get written at our regular jams. Our music is all experience and values based. When we write a song we are usually jamming at a party or just chilling out in a living room. It usually will start with a short riff or beat Sarah or one of the girls come up with which I add lyrics or vice versa.

3. What does it mean to be in an all girl band? Do you think women are becoming more active in the music scene today? From your experiences have you perceived any barriers or obstacles that women may face that could deter them from getting involved in the local music community?

We don’t really consider ourselves an all girl punk band. Mainly for the reason that when we hear, “You guys are good for an all girl band”. We consider ourselves good for any kind of band with any sex. That attitude alone can deter women.

4. From playing in front of audiences, to recording music, to jamming and writing music – what are the most profound lessons have you learned through your experience as a band?

Everyone is equal, everyone has a say. It is a group process. Another thing is to have fun. We meet up and have hangouts, go out together, have sleep overs. You need to enjoy your band and band-mates and not feel like everything is a job.

5. What are your future plans as a band? Any upcoming releases and/or tours? What do you want to accomplish in the long term with RawRawRiot?

We will be playing a show on April 26th, 2013 with The Casualties, Dayglo, Hold a Grudge and the Nummies at Mavericks which is being put on by Spectrasonic. We would love to keep playing regular shows, keep writing new music, perhaps a tour.

On top of being a band Sarah Danger is working on her master thesis, DD a recent graduate from the Environmental Technician program works long hours landscaping, Sarah Destruction is going into her second year in the Social Service Worker program, and myself being a behavioural counselor. We are very busy women but our music is our passion so we hope to see great things in our future.

Thank you Jamie-Lee, the Seeker would like to wish you and your band the best! Congratulations on your upcoming gig!