Doomed Confessionary: Olivia Saperstein (Pegzilla)
Photo credits: Grady
If Black Sabbath got hexed by a riot grrrl and dragged through the desert at midnight, you’d get Pegzilla. The three-piece heavy rock band out of Los Angeles, California features Olivia Saperstein on vocals and guitars, Juan Barsse on bass, and Ryan Swain on drums. With hints of doom metal, psych and even punk rock it’s hard to fit this rowdy trio into a tidy box. Instead label them one thing: LOUD.
For their first release since reforming and losing their Altadena home in the Eaton Canyon Fires, Pegzilla is back with »Bootlicker«, the first single from their forthcoming debut album »Disobedience«. Scheduled for release on December 4th, the song is a direct response to the current U.S. administration and its inhumane practices.
Fans of Kyuss, Black Sabbath, Queens Of The Stone Age, Babes In Toyland, and the like, pay heed!
Can you please say a few words about your band?
For me the band initially started as a revenge fantasy – the imagining of killing evil men. Fighting injustice has always been at the root of it. Lately I’ve been more intrigued and inspired by womxn’s stories and feel they’re more deserving of my energy.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
In this economy? Like most musicians these days, it’s the juggling between making a living and doing what you love and hoping you can fuse the two at some point.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m definitely the most proud of the album we just recorded, Disobedience. Everyone in the band really gave their all and I can really hear that in the music. I love each and every song, what they stand for, and how the project pushed me and made me challenge myself.
What was your biggest regret?
I wouldn’t say I have any regrets. Since 2/3 of the band lost our home in the Eaton Fires in January, we’ve really been doing whatever it takes to pick ourselves up as a band and move forward. I try not to focus on the past and just keep looking to what’s ahead – what causes I can make toward the future.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our last tour was definitely my favorite because we all had a really positive attitude and left no stones unturned preparation wise. Any show where I feel like I can move or empower even one single person is a success to me. This year I’d probably say my favorite show was on 3/8 at Permanent Records. It’s nice when you feel people understand and resonate with what you’re trying to do and you can really let go.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
There are just as many amazing, kind hearted folks as there are gatekeepers. Maybe not a surprise, but some of the most genuine people I’ve met in LA are from the music scene.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Die Spitz, Ruby The Hatchet, Silverchair, Witching, Iress, Deafheaven, Green Lung.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
To lean into my weird.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Anything nostalgic from the 90’s and early 2000’s.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Los Angeles?
It’s changed a lot since Covid. But I’m just happy to still see so many familiar faces out there doing their thing, and grateful to anyone and everyone who supports the local music scene. Also there are so many womxn in bands here and it’s so inspiring.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
December 4th at the Goldfish in Highland Park for our »Bootlicker« single release! We’ll have limited edition 7 inch vinyl 😉
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To drop our first record – keep playing, touring, creating art and releasing music for as long as humanly possible.
How can people best support your band?
Stream our music, add us to playlists, share with your friends, and come see us live!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you so much for your support! Hope that our new material makes you want to kick the shit out of something evil.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well