We welcomed South Wales’ all girl group, SOLDFORPARTS, for a quick chat on the Welsh music scene and how the band strives to “make loud honest music and a change”…

Izzy: Vocalist

Saffia: Guitarist

Queenie: Drummer 

Alicia: Bassist

To begin, if you can give us some background on the band and when you guys first began working together?

Izzy: 

We all knew we wanted to be musicians in some form but things really started coming together after I met Saffia through a promo company. From there we started connecting with other musicians and eventually found the main band lineup. We had this solid group of girls all wanting the same thing: to make loud honest music and to make a change.

Queenie:

I joined the band earlier this year in February. I found Sold For Parts through social media and saw that they were looking for a drummer. I’ve been drumming for a while and have always wanted to be in a band so I was very keen. When I met the girls I saw how much talent they had and saw massive potential with the band’s future.

Alicia: Ever since I picked up a bass I wanted to be in a band but I struggled with finding like minded people until I met Saffia through a friend, and when I was introduced to Izzy aswell it was clear to me that we just clicked.

Saffia: Although it wasn’t how we began working together, I think a pivotal moment for us as a very new band was when we got to play a house gig on halloween last year. I had been playing drums for a band leading up to a gig in Cardiff in September, but the day before, things changed and we were no longer able to play there. I got really upset but my then best friend suggested that sold for parts play in her halloween house party. Another band was also made with me on the drums to play on the night. The feedback we got (SFP) after playing was so lovely and made me think, you know what, this band could be something that people love. 

Also, I’m not sure if this is interesting to people but I originally was going to be the drummer of sold for parts but I suddenly changed my mind one day saying I wanted to be able to jump around on stage which I wouldn’t be able to do if I were a drummer. Very glad I made this decision haha. 

How important would you say the community within the Welsh music scene and more specifically the punk scene has been in helping shape your identity and band as a whole so far?

Saffia:

The local scene is brilliant. So many familiar faces will come to our gigs over and over, it’s so sweet. I also love that by people coming to our gigs, I’ve gained new friendships and become closer with people who I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.

Izzy:

It’s been everything. The support we’ve had, especially as an all girl band, has been powerful. We’ve become a sort of presence in Swansea for other girls who want to get into music. People don’t just see us as girls who play instruments, they see the power behind what we’re doing. That sense of being seen and respected by the community has helped us grow so much.

Queenie:

Since being part of the community I feel like I’ve grown and gained so much confidence on the stage. Before joining the band I had massive doubts in my skills and wasn’t sure if I would be good enough because I had never played for an audience before. The girls and the crowd helped me massively to believe more in myself and my capability to perform. I think as a band we have all grown massively in the past few months and have received great support, encouragement and kind words from our following, other bands and venue teams.

Alicia: The local scene has so many dedicated and supportive fans who will go the extra mile to show their support, they give us so much motivation and over time we have gotten louder and stronger than before, I think the fans played a massive part in helping me find my confidence.

As an all girl punk band have you experienced any hardships getting into the scene compared to male punk bands or has it been quite welcoming?

Saffia:

I was really worried about us not being taken seriously by venues or other bands as we are all girl but I think almost the opposite has happened. All bands and venues we’ve played with or at have been so kind and helpful. Something I thought could be a disadvantage turned into an advantage — we’re the only all girl band we know of in Swansea. We’ve had such a positive reaction from everyone, but especially from other girls.

Izzy:

At first we definitely expected to be treated differently or maybe not taken as seriously. But we were actually surprised by how much people value us, especially women who love music. They really gravitate towards us and we’ve created a space that feels safe and inclusive. Of course not every experience is perfect but overall it’s been a lot more supportive than we expected.

Queenie:

Same opinion as Saff. 

Alicia: I think it helped get our names out because we are unique in the local scene. There is a severe lack of girls in our music industry and I think that because we have raised our voices and took that chance that it got our names out there. I appreciate our fans more than anything.

Is there any specific Welsh icons that you’ve taken influence from?

Saffia:

I’m a big fan of Panic Shack. I haven’t seen them live yet but I love their look and how they present themselves on stage in videos I’ve seen. I love making outfits for gigs and sometimes have a look on their profile for some inspiration.

Izzy:

I take a lot of physical and stage inspiration from the lead singer of Amyl and the Sniffers. Even though she’s in a band full of men, her feminine power just cuts through and completely owns the stage. Lyrically I love Alanis Morissette. Her ability to channel raw emotion and power through her words is something I really admire and try to reflect in my own writing.

Queenie:

Growing up both of my parents exposed me to a wide range of music. One of the main Welsh bands I grew up on was Super Furry Animals, a punk-rock alternative band from the 90s formed in Cardiff. They have had significant influence on me as a musician because when you see people who come from the same place as you make a name for themselves and spread their voice I find it very inspirational.

Alicia: Dreamstate, I saw them at a festival celebrating Welsh rock and they were unreal!

Following on from the above, who would be your musical icons and dream bands to play alongside?

Saffia:

Panic Shack, Amyl and the Sniffers, Bad Nerves, Idles. 

Izzy:

For me Bikini Kill are the absolute number one. Everything they stood for, their sound, their message — it’s exactly what we’re trying to channel in our own way.

Queenie:

The Distillers, Destroy Boys, Amyl and the Sniffers, Juliette and the Licks.

Alicia: Amyl and the Sniffers, Hole, Bikini Kill

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?

Saffia:

I think finding a new drummer was pretty hard. There seems to be a drummer shortage in general but especially girl drummers. So if you’re a girl reading this thinking of picking up the drums: go for it!! We need more of you.

Izzy:

One of the hardest parts has been dealing with certain people in our crowds. it can really affect the atmosphere we’re trying to create. As a group of all girls we want our shows to feel safe, fun and expressive but it can be draining when certain individuals make that difficult. Still we stand our ground and look after each other.

Queenie:

The biggest challenge for me so far was putting myself out there and having the confidence to talk to new people and be on stage. One of the main things that helped me find confidence in myself was realising nobody cares if you make mistakes — 99% of the time nobody even notices when you do. On my first gig with Sold For Parts I was so scared of making mistakes and people thinking I was a bad drummer. I came off stage feeling disappointed that I could’ve done better, but was met with open arms and lots of compliments on how great we all did. I told my friends I made some mistakes and they told me they wouldn’t even tell if I hadn’t mentioned it. As well as the constant support and warmth from the other girls.

Alicia: this is silly and personal but I’ve struggled so much with motivation recently and getting through that has been a nightmare, but being able to play together and put smiles on others’ faces really does give me a sense of purpose. 🙂