Interviews: Ratchet Dolls

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock band Ratchet Dolls from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Kevin Sauceda: We were actually forced to change the band’s original name after a dispute between ourselves and a band from another state. In an attempt to prevent conflicts in the future, we decided it was best to rename the band while it was still young. At the time, “Ratchet” was becoming a trend on the internet and it somehow stuck to my head. I finally presented “Ratchet Dolls” to the team and everyone thought it was stupid, but after a couple of days it grew on to all of us. It had “a ring” which made it easy to remember so it stuck. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Kevin Sauceda: I grew up in a very musical home because of my older brother. He introduced me to Punk, Classic Rock, and Metal at a very early age. I feel that Hard Rock implements all of the genres I grew up with, so I naturally gravitate toward it.

Robert Mendoza: I grew up on Kiss, Mötley Crüe, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Guano Apes, P.U.S.A. The Beatles and The Doors. It’s music that speaks to me naturally.

Eli Moreno: It’s the best. You can never go wrong with hard rock.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Robert Mendoza: I’ve known Kevin for over 10 years and kept up with his old band which he eventually turned into Ratchet Dolls. I would jam with him throughout the years for fun and helped the band record their first demos. I actually met Eli through the band’s old bass player. He randomly walked into the room and offered me some pizza. [Band Laughs]

Eli Moreno: Yeah, I knew Kevin from high school. I actually don’t remember offering Robert pizza. I thought I had met him through Kevin right before I joined the band. [Band Laughs]

Kevin Sauceda: I met both Eliseo and Robert when I was about 15-ish. Eli and I studied Classical Guitar together back in high school; although we didn’t really speak much outside of that class. Robert I met randomly through social media on New Years Day (I forget the year). He approached me through a message on MySpace to talk all things music. 10 years later, we’re all sharing stages across the country together!

4. Each band member favorite band?

Kevin Sauceda: This is difficult because my musical taste is extremely versatile. However this last year, I listened to a lot of Hank Von Hell (ex Turbonegro) from Norway, Santa Cruz from Finland, Starbenders from the United States, and AURORA from Norway.

Robert Mendoza: Kiss and Mötley Crüe have always been my favorite bands. If it wasn’t for Nikki Sixx’s interview from Uncensored VHS – I probably wouldn’t have known about KISS till much later in life.

Eli Moreno: Yeah, it is definitely hard to pick. It’s between Iron Maiden and Megadeth

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Kevin Sauceda: Personally, I connect better with music when I write based on my personal experiences. I’m sure that’s not an uncommon answer you get, but there’s something special about being to tell personal stories from your life through music.

Robert Mendoza: My Heart, My Thoughts! It has to be real.

6. Where was your last gig?

Kevin Sauceda: Our last gig was in San Antonio at Fitzgerald’s. Beautiful venue and amazing sound!

Robert Mendoza: We all had a great time there! We were treated well, the staff is amazing and the opening bands were incredible!

Eli Moreno: What they said. [Band Laughs]

7. Where would you like to act?

Kevin Sauceda: Ratchet Dolls is actually debuting at the legendary Whiskey A Go-Go in Los Angeles. We’re performing Halloween night which is going to be absolutely incredible! Definitely a dream come true for us. 

Robert Mendoza: Anywhere. So long as it’s comfortable and has some good food establishments nearby. [Band Laughs] I’ve always wanted to play House of Blues; the sound is amazing there and it’s always really cold which is comfortable for me.

Eli Moreno: Honestly, anywhere they’d have us would be great.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Kevin Sauceda: I don’t look up to very many people or musicians, but I feel like being featured alongside Mick Mars would be a very humbling experience. I don’t believe he got the credit he deserves from being a part of Mötley Crüe.

Robert Mendoza: When I write, two voices pop up in my head during the process. Those Voices are P.J. Harvey and John Corabi. They both have voices that go well with different genres of music which is awesome.

Eli Moreno: Probably dave Grohl. He seems cool to play with.  

9. Whom not?

Kevin Sauceda: I wouldn’t want to be disrespectful to anyone answering this, so let’s just say I would like to be featured in anything with myself. I feel like I wouldn’t get along very well with myself. [Band Laughs]

Robert Mendoza: I don’t even want to mention them. [Band Laughs]

Eli Moreno: I’m not sure. I don’t think I’d have a restriction on whom to appear.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Kevin Sauceda: Oh, most definitely! I started gigging at school productions at the age of 13, and I was terrified! These school gigs were always in front of many people and I was always a shy kid. I remember rehearsing by myself in front of a mirror and just going up to do it. I imagined being alone in the room and it always helped me. Give it a shot - it may help!

Robert Mendoza: I don’t get scared of the crowd or freak out when I mess up on drums. However, one thing I have trouble with is remembering lyrics. I don’t stop playing, but it’s like “damn” and I get disappointed with myself.

Eli Moreno: Yeah, I’ve been there too. The best thing is just to do it. It never goes away but it gets easier.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Kevin Sauceda: Shoot, that’s hard… Like I mentioned earlier, I cycle through artists every year or so and they all inspire me in many different ways. As a musician, I feel that it’s good to not limit myself to any specific genre. That being said, the artists I listen to on the daily all sound very different from each other.

Robert Mendoza: Mötley Crüe introduced me to KISS. Then KISS introduced me to The Beatles. At the core, I would have to say those 3.

Eli Moreno: My inspiration comes from varies places, but any old school rock would do the trick.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Kevin Sauceda: I once had a fan try to pressure me to shoot up with him in the restroom right before I hit the stage. I kindly declined his offer which really upset him. Shortly after we started our set, the same man jumped on stage and started being extremely aggressive. I was very lucky to have security there to stop him, otherwise this guy might have done something stupid.

Robert Mendoza: I was in another band at the time, but a lingerie model that opened up a show for us asked to move in together after watching us perform. I honestly wonder what she was after

Eli Moreno: My picture. [Band Laughs]

13. What do you think of your fans?

Kevin Sauceda: The vast majority of musicians rely on fans to survive on the road. It truly shocks me when I see a band disrespect their followers; I’ve seen it happen in person. I truly appreciate all our followers and always try to be as attentive as possible with them. They only get to see you for a moment, give them their money’s worth.

Robert Mendoza: Anybody that leaves the comfort of their home to come see us - I have mad respect for you and appreciate you! Even if you don’t leave your house and just listen to the music or watch our videos. Thank you! It feels good to be noticed a little. It feels even better to know the sacrifices this band makes are worth it!

Eli Moreno: They’re an awesome bunch of cool people!

14. What do you think of our site?

Kevin Sauceda: Keeping a site organized with a small amount of information can be difficult, but Breathing The Core has managed to categorize a large amount of information flawlessly! It is extremely easy to search and navigate through all your pages. In addition, I think what you guys do to help rising musicians is amazing. We always appreciate an outlet that allows us to connect with our fans. Thank you.

Robert Mendoza: I love the color scheme! Very easy on the eyes. You have great musical content and I love that you list all the sub-genres for consumers!

Eli Moreno: Honestly, I really dig it. Has a lot of awesome info on bands I’ve yet to listen to.

15. Something to add?

Kevin Sauceda: Hey, Gang! We are Ratchet Dolls and we just released a new music video for “Out of Control” which is now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyyp4aIdGSU. There was a ton of fire involved in the production which practically burned our eyebrows off! Go watch it - you won’t be disappointed! We’ll be in Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico this fall - check out all our tour dates at www.ratchetdolls.com. See you soon!