Holly West and Dead Groove Band: The Evolution of a Rock Powerhouse

Holly West’s journey in music is a testament to passion, perseverance, and raw talent. A self-taught bassist and vocalist, who's entry into the music scene wasn’t a conventional one. She picked up music through sheer determination, influenced by a range of genres spanning from blues to heavy metal. Her early songwriting journey began with poetry, heavily inspired by her grandmother, a poet. Her childhood experiences, including exposure to harsh realities like addiction and domestic violence through her family and her grandmother’s work at a battered women’s shelter, deeply influenced her lyrical style. Her first breakthrough came with her 2017 solo debut, Mokita, an EP that showcased her ability to fuse groove-heavy rock with emotionally charged lyrics. But it was her role in Zepparella, an all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band that propelled her into the national spotlight, where her high-energy performances and technical proficiency turned heads. 

The Formation and Growth of Dead Groove Band

In 2020, Holly West co-founded Dead Groove Band with Aching and  Salaverry fusing classic rock, stoner rock, and heavy blues into a signature sound. Their self-titled debut album was praised for its deep grooves, bold riffs, and raw energy. Now, with their new EP Rubicon, they are evolving their sound into a more polished, refined version while staying true to their heavy and groove-driven roots.

The band’s creative approach embraces both original compositions and covers. While West acknowledges the risks of performing covers too faithfully, Dead Groove puts their own twist on the songs they take on. This mindset aligns with their work under Cleopatra Records, a label known for curating unique compilation albums featuring reimagined versions of classic tracks. Their cover of “Ace of Spades” on Rubicon reflects this ethos—a slower, groovier take on the Motörhead classic, infused with Dead Groove’s signature energy.

The Creative Process and Writing of Rubicon

Unlike their first album, which was written and refined over digital meetings and remote collaboration, Rubicon was crafted in an immersive setting. The band traveled to Lima, Peru, to write and record the three original tracks together. The shift in their creative process allowed for more spontaneous collaboration, shaping a sound that represents a matured and refined version of Dead Groove Band.

The EP features three distinct tracks:

1. “Fire” – A high-energy track influenced by Jimi Hendrix and The Cult, featuring intense riffs and a dynamic groove. West calls this her favourite track, describing it as a fun song to play and sing.

2. “The Damned” – A politically charged track that reflects frustrations about economic struggles and societal pressures. West sees it as a continuation of Dead Groove’s signature deep groove sound, akin to their track “Book of the Dead.”

3. “Ace of Spades” – A tribute to Motörhead, slowed down and reimagined with a blues-infused groove and West’s powerful vocals.

The Meaning Behind Rubicon

West explains that Rubicon signifies a “point of no return,” reflecting the band’s evolution from their raw, debut album to a more polished and cohesive sound. The name originates from Julius Caesar’s historic crossing of the Rubicon River, symbolizing an irreversible step forward. This EP marks Dead Groove’s transition into a new chapter, where they are poised to reach greater heights with Cleopatra Records.

Live Shows and the Energy of West Hollywood

Dead Groove Band’s live performances are as intense as their music. Their upcoming shows include a March 19th performance at Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, followed by their Rubicon release show at the legendary Whisky a Go Go on March 23rd. West describes their setlist as a mix of fan favourites from their debut album and the entirety of Rubicon.

Living in West Hollywood has significantly influenced the band’s journey. Being near iconic rock venues like Whisky a Go Go has led to interactions with renowned musicians, from Glenn Danzig to members of classic punk bands. West attributes this environment to Dead Groove’s continuous artistic growth and expanding network in the rock community.

The Role of AI in Music

During the interview on The Path Radio Spotlight: YouTube.com/@ThePathRadioMix , West also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence in music. While she and Aching have used AI tools for video production at Cleopatra Records, she firmly believes that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. The emotional and personal touch that musicians bring to songwriting and performance is irreplaceable. She cited examples like AI being used to complete an unfinished DMX track, emphasizing that AI should be viewed as an assistant rather than an autonomous creator.

Merchandise and Future Plans

Dead Groove Band is expanding their merchandise, offering exclusive signed copies of Rubicon, T-shirts featuring Fred Aching’s artwork, and hats with the album’s branding. Their website, deadgroove.com, will soon be fully operational for fans to purchase merch directly. Looking ahead, the band aims to continue touring and exploring new creative ventures. West also hinted at the possibility of a solo project in the future, while continuing to refine her writing through her blog, which she hopes will eventually become a published book.

A Band on the Rise

Holly West and the Dead Groove Band embody the essence of rock’s rebellious spirit, fusing groove-heavy riffs, poetic lyricism, and an undeniable passion for the craft. With the release of Rubicon, they are taking a definitive step forward, cementing their place in the evolving rock and metal landscape. Whether through their high-energy live performances, thought-provoking songwriting, or innovative covers, Dead Groove Band continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

Fans can follow Dead Groove Band on social media (@deadgrooveband) and streaming platforms for updates on new music, tour dates, and merchandise. If their trajectory so far is any indication, this is only the beginning of an exhilarating journey for Holly West and her bandmates.