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| Pichardo playing drums, photo by Stephanie Mendez |
In the underground
punk scene, female talent is scarce and few local bands feature women with
musical skill. Two prominent Orange County women, however, are an exception to
this dilemma.
Corrina Pichardo
and Gloria “Goonies” Ulloa are musicians involved in the OC music scene. For them,
music is not merely an amateur interest, but a prominent passion and lifestyle.
Pichardo, a
21-year-old resident of Orange, plays drums and is involved in numerous music
projects, most recently as drummer for punk band Spitwad. Pichardo has been
performing since she was a teenager.
“I've been in
bands, filled in,” she said, “whether it was a backyard, venue, house, or
whatever.”
Pichardo’s most
memorable performance involves approbation from members of old school Los
Angeles band, Youth Brigade.
“I filled in on
drums for a friend’s band at The Vibe Bar & Grill in Riverside,” she said, “we
opened up for Monster Squad, Career Soldiers, and Youth Brigade. After our set,
a bunch of people kept coming up to me complimenting me, including members of
Youth Brigade.”
Although
Pichardo was young, the impact was profound on her.
“I was only 16
at the time and Youth Brigade has always been one of my favorite bands, so that
was very inspirational and motivating to hear from them,” she said.
Ulloa, a
23-year-old resident of Anaheim, plays guitar and bass but also dabbles in
drums, keyboards, and most recently, saxophone. Ulloa also began performing when she was a teenager.
“I did a lot of
talent shows in high school with friends,” she said, “I was in my first serious
band when I was about 16, called Paramnesia.”
Following her
early shows, Ulloa became involved in other musical projects.
“After that I
was in a few other bands,” she said, “and started playing venues like El Centro
Cultural De Mexico in Santa Ana, The Doll Hut in Anaheim, and even guest sang with
Mafia Rusa at the Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood.”
Ulloa performing with skacore band Mafia Rusa at The Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, video by Veronica Santiago
Both women’s introduction
to music began as a family affair when they were young. For Pichardo, the
influence came from her grandfather.
“My grandpa has
always been very musically orientated,” she said, “and would always encourage
me and my cousins to start playing instruments, that way we could jam out with
him.”
Pichardo said
that no matter how good or bad her skills were at the time, her grandfather encouraged
her.
“He never cared
that we really didn't know how to play whatever instrument he had lying around,”
she said, “he would just tell us good job.”
For Ulloa, the
influence began with her siblings. “I grew up
following a lot of what my brother and sister would do,” she said, “whatever
they were listening to, I was listening also.”
Ulloa’s brother wanted
to make music with her.
“My brother
picked up multiple instruments growing up,” she said, “I was always interested
in learning, so he figured if he taught me to play something, he'd always have
someone to jam with.”
While Pichardo
initially dabbled in different instruments, she wanted to dedicate herself to one
instrument. Her first choice was not in fact the drums.
“I had decided
for years I wanted to play bass,” she said.
When the time came
to choose her arsenal, the choice surprised Pichardo herself.
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| Pichardo on the drums, photo by Stephanie Mendez |
“My parents told
my brother and I that if we really wanted to start playing, they'd buy our
instruments,” she said, “I was so set on playing bass and then came out of the
store with a drum set instead. I'm still not sure what changed my mind.”
Pichardo’s
decision to play drums ultimately resulted in a fanbase. Edgar Velasco, drummer
for punk band H.I.B., said Pichardo’s drumming is impressive.
“There aren’t a
lot of female musicians, even less drummers,” he said, “so seeing Corrina play
the drums is refreshing, especially her style of drumming. It's great seeing a
really good female drummer who stands out.”
The ultimate end
goal for both women is not the music industry, though Ulloa once flirted with
the idea.
“I was really interested in learning the
business side of music,” she said, “I applied at the Musician's Institute in
Hollywood then decided it wasn't for me.”
According to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for musicians in 2010
was $22.39. Ulloa is content staying on track with her endeavors.
“I love playing
music and playing in bands, but I feel a lot better knowing I can do it on my
own terms,” she said.
For Pichardo,
her involvement in the music business would be a grassroots approach.
“I've always
wanted to open up a record store, maybe record label, that way I'm always
surrounded by music,” she said, “I know if that were to happen I'd be very
pleased.”
