Female Talent in Male-Dominated Orange County

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.

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.”