.

.

Interview with
MARISA DABISE
from
MANNEQUIN PUSSY

(23rd September 2024)

Interview with Stephanie Jewell

Mannequin Pussy’s debut tour hits
Australia this December – for tickets see HERE

.

Photo – Millicent Hailes

.

Watch to the full interview below

.

‘Mannequin Pussy delivered a no holds barred, full throttle performance that was unrelenting and unforgettable. This was live music as alive, as visceral and as vital as you’re likely to find this year’ – Louder Than War

‘This is punk at its most multifaceted and emotional, overflowing with desire and angst’ – Kerrang

‘Like Turnstile’s Glow On, I Got Heaven moves with an intuitive grace that makes it feel stadium-sized without losing its nuance or its grounding in the scene that birthed it. It’s easy to love, and it knows it’ – Rolling Stone

.

.

Behind the Scenes with Mannequin Pussy: Touring, Creating, and Keeping the Balance

Interviewing bands is always a thrill, but few conversations have had the raw energy and honesty that I experienced while chatting with Marisa Dabise of Mannequin Pussy. We delved deep into their journey as a band, their creative process behind the new album I Got Heaven, and the excitement of their upcoming tour in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Hailing from Philadelphia, Mannequin Pussy’s story is one of serendipity, creative frustration, and sheer willpower. What started as an outlet for their vocalist to scream into the void and wield a guitar eventually morphed into a full-fledged project, bringing together like-minded collaborators along the way. As Marisa put it, “Once you start playing music, you just get involved in a scene, and before you know it, you’re meeting your bandmates.”

The formation of the band wasn’t an overnight success. Their journey has been a patchwork of introductions and departures, including a few lineup changes. When asked about the challenges they faced, I was met with an interesting anecdote about an old drummer with a bit of a temper, but it all worked out for the better. The universe has a funny way of setting things right, and through a mutual friend, the band found its current drummer, Kaleen. Their relationship with other band members came naturally through their love of music, with Maxine joining the band as a bassist after a longstanding friendship.

.

.

When Marisa was talking about their latest album I Got Heaven, I was struck by their relentless drive. Recorded after the world started opening up post-pandemic, the band found themselves back in the studio with fresh creative energy, new collaborators, and a desire to push boundaries. They went from writing sessions to recording in a whirlwind, wrapping up the process in just a few months. That urgency, they said, added to the record’s raw and intense feel. The album features a blend of fast-paced punk energy with some slower, more introspective moments—each track a different reflection of the band’s current state of mind.

Their music video for “I Got Heaven” was filmed on a working farm in Pennsylvania—a magical, sun-soaked day where they connected with nature, animals, and each other. While the exact location is kept under wraps at the request of the farm owners, it was a memorable experience that reflects the beauty and rawness of the song itself.

Excitement was palpable when we discussed their upcoming tour in Australia and New Zealand. December is shaping up to be a busy month for the band, and it will be their first time performing down under. “I’ve wanted to play shows in Australia for years,” Marisa told me, and they’re ready to bring their electrifying performances to new audiences. Between US tours, a stint in Mexico City, and shows in Japan, it’s an intense schedule, but the band is more than up for it.

.

.

Touring can be grueling, and they’ve had their fair share of challenges, even needing to cancel a tour earlier this year due to burnout. But that experience taught them the importance of balance. Strength training, therapy, and carving out moments of solo time, especially in the chaos of life on the road, have become essential parts of staying grounded. And when they’re not working, they’re on the hunt for local spas—something to keep them centered during their downtime.

On their downtime? “I was just thinking about how badly I want to go on vacation,” Marisa admitted, sharing that their year has been nonstop work, with little time for rest. Yet, when they do unwind, they love dancing, spending time with friends, or simply having a solo moment in a tranquil space.

The conversation also veered into Marisa’s musical influences, from Iggy Pop to Karen O, and how those artists have shaped not just Marisa’s sound but her entire outlook on the creative process. Marisa’s favorite track from I Got Heaven? “Loud Bark.” Even though it’s not a single, Marisa’s deeply connected to that song and proud of what it represents.

.

.

As they gear up for their Australian tour, Mannequin Pussy promises to bring the same intensity, passion, and raw energy that they’ve poured into their music. And for all of us here at Amnplify and across Australia, we’re counting down the days until we get to experience it live.

Stay tuned for more from Mannequin Pussy as they take on new territories, connect with fans, and keep pushing their boundaries as a band. — Stephanie Jewell (Amnplify)

Catch Mannequin Pussy on their Australian tour this December, and keep up with all the latest music news and interviews on Amnplify.

.

.

Follow MANNEQUIN PUSSY
​Website – Facebook – Instagram – X
YouTube – Spotify – Apple Music

frontiertouring.com/mannequinpussy

.

Watch to the full interview below

.

Press Release 22nd August 2024 (below) HERE

MANNEQUIN PUSSY:
Philadelphia rockers announce
I GOT HEAVEN Tour
– Australia & New Zealand
December 2024

Tickets on sale Wednesday 28 August

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB