By Ernesto Gonzalez Diaz
HAVANA TIMES – Seven talented young women make up the band. They are striving to carve out a space in the complex landscape of Cuban rock, impressing with their versatility, stage presence, and the passion with which they perform.
I had the opportunity to talk with them, somewhat informally, after their latest performance on Sunday, January 21st, as they were invited to a jam of the La Vieja Escuela group at the Casa de la Amistad in Vedado, Havana.
HT: How and when did the group come together?
Wendy (drummer): The project was created in late 2019 by the current manager of the group. At that time, amid the pandemic, she wanted the project to be ready when the entertainment world returned to normal. Initially, there were only four members, known as Four Femmes. Later, more instrumentation was added, and we became Five Femmes, although now we are seven. But Five Femmes is the name that stuck.
The decision to play rock was also made by our manager. We believe that women haven’t had many opportunities in this genre, as it has always been dominated by male presence. Nevertheless, it has been proven that women have the ability to play anything, provided there is discipline and a calling. Rock is a powerful genre, full of emotions, and women who have embraced this music have understood these emotions, conveying them to the audience. It’s intense, full of energies that we have understood well, and we are convinced that the feminine touch will be accepted. That’s why our manager sought young women who love rock when she was forming the project.
Rosa (bassist): Our band is unique in the country, and we want to gradually reach fans of this genre. We rehearse a lot to offer a fresh and worthy presentation, knowing that we have a long way to go. It’s a challenging project, but we are all willing because, above all, we love what we do.
HT: How did you get into music?
Rosa (bassist): Well, when I was a child, I received some guitar lessons, but nothing serious or professional, just basic things. In the midst of the pandemic, a project called The Line was created, and they needed a bassist. That’s when I joined, even though I had no idea about playing the bass at that time. I seized the opportunity, started learning the songs without even knowing the notes I was playing. It was challenging at first, but it’s all about effort, discipline, and the willingness to do what you love.
I realized that the bass was a wonderful instrument; it helped me a lot with stage fright and gave me a lot of confidence in myself and what I was doing. Although the group disbanded