Dirty Martini

Singers and multi-instrumentalists McKinley, Lara Michell, and Stephanie Schneiderman had all been enjoying individual solo careers before they decided to join forces for some random shows around their base of Portland, OR, starting first with a Valentine's Day gig in the early 2000s. Finding they had more fun playing together than separately (coupled with the positive responses they were getting from local crowds several shows later), the trio started a band for real. Dirty Martini, their collective drink of choice, were born. An eponymous debut appeared in 2005 through Portland-based Pampelmoose; it was recorded live at a 2004 gig before being fleshed out in the studio. Citing main influences of PJ Harvey, Aimee Mann, and Kristin Hersh, the gals followed up in fall 2006 with Tea and Revenge, produced by John Askew and Gang of Four's Dave Allen. A subsequent tour in support brought musicians on the road who had played on the album, including bassist Keith Brush, multi-instrumentalist Todd Bayles, and now full-time drummer Ned Failing.