There is no shame in admitting my unrelenting soft spot for the melodic charm of girl groups (past and present). In fact, my self-diagnosed infatuation led to the discovery of Oakland’s own the Hot Toddies (MySpace). Complete with infectious sing-along melodies and sharp wit, the spunky NorCal quartet creates an overly addictive brand of naughty bubblegum pop. Their debut LP, Smell the Mitten, will be available July 20th via Asian Man Records (in-store release is September 11th). So in anticipation of the forthcoming record and Northwest tour, the band granted Broken Dial a brief snapshot of their world.

Elie Z. Perler: Before we begin, I would like to thank you for your participation in this interview for Broken Dial. Please introduce yourselves to our readers.

Erin: We are the Hot Toddies, an all girl rock band from Oakland, CA! Heidi Bodeson sings, and plays both bass and guitar; Jessica Wright plays the keys, guitar, and sings pretty harmonies; Sylvia Hurtado pounds the drums; I sing, and play both guitar and bass.

EZP: So how did the four of you collectively become the Hot Toddies, and why did you choose that name in particular.

Erin: The Hot Toddies formed in 2004 while relaxing on a beach in Mexico, heavily under the influence of Tecate and tequila. Heidi and I began writing songs, and Jessica and Sylvia joined the band in the fall of 2005. Together we are a fun loving group of girls from Oakland, who play and sing charmingly about being bad. We chose the name “The Hot Toddies” after one of our favorite alcohols - whiskey.

EZP: Whiskey’s always a good selection. And while we’re on the subject, care to share other drinks of choice?

Erin: [Laughs] It would probably be easier (and shorter) to tell you what we don’t like.

Jessica: Vodka Red Bull

Sylvia: Whiskey!

Heidi: Southern Comfort

Erin: Gin

EZP: Yeah, I’m also not the biggest fan of gin. But it’s awesome how you so candidly broadcast your love of drinking.

EZP: How would you characterize your sound, and who are your biggest influences?

Erin: Our songs sound like happy times! We have pretty varied influences though, such as the Beatles, Weezer, the Beach Boys, Mates of State, Green Day, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Dance Hall Crashers, Journey, and Spinal Tap to name a few.

EZP: Wow, quite bizarre to hear Spinal Tap and the Beatles mentioned in the same group of influences! Being a huge Beatlemaniac myself, I am curious to know which of their albums is your favorite.

Jessica: Abbey Road, especially the second half.

Erin: Rubber Soul (also Abbey Road).

Heidi: The White Album a.k.a. The Beatles (also Rubber Soul and Abbey Road).

Sylvia: Who the hell are the Beatles? Go Sabbath!

EZP: Right on! But choosing a favorite Beatles record is tough business. I would also say Abbey Road, with Rubber Soul a close second.

EZP: My first exposure to the Hot Toddies was on Seattle radio station KEXP. How has that station helped your career?

Heidi: We have a huge boner for everyone at KEXP, and we’re pretty sure it’s mutual. So when we get together we make sweet love to the city of Seattle.

Jessica: [Laughs] No seriously, after they played our songs on the radio we went up to play and had a great show. It was really fun because so many people came!

EZP: Your debut record, Smell the Mitten, is slated to drop in mid-July. How have fans reacted to the new material at shows? Is there anything you would like to “leak” regarding its release?

Sylvia: We don’t keep secrets. We let it all hang out.

Erin: If we had a secret though, it would be the hidden track on our album. It has a lot of bad words in it. Don’t play it for your mom.

Sylvia: My mom thought it was hilarious!

Erin: My mom probably won’t. But people have been really excited about our album! Of course, they probably wouldn’t tell us if they weren’t. Anyway, we’re really excited and that counts too, right?

EZP: Without a doubt. If you’re not pumped about creating music, then what’s the point? But let’s talk more about your shows. Any strange occurrences or memorable shout-outs from belligerent bar denizens?

Erin: Not particularly at shows. We tend to be slightly liquored up as well. I remember one show in Modesto where the crowd started a dance circle with the tambourine. That was awesome. Heidi’s dad got in there dancing too! Another time, Sylvia was rock-ognized (v. to recognize a rockstar in public) in the shoe department at Target, and that was pretty crazy. Her friend was like, what the hell, are you famous or something?

EZP: Take us through the songwriting process. How does it usually work?

Erin: We like to write songs while we’re really happy, which usually involves sunshine, booze, and an acoustic guitar.

EZP: An excellent combination. And clearly the formula proved successful with “Seattle,” a witty tune that is bluntly sexual in nature. What is it about the city that prompted you to pen a tell-all ode of sorts?

Heidi: Mostly it was the Space Needle, it was really big. Also the fact that it rhymes with so many naughty words.

EZP: Your label, Asian Man Records, specializes in Ska/Punk. When can we expect a B-side punk track? Everyone has aggression to vent.

Erin: Wait for the album

EZP: What is your reaction to the wealth of comparisons to sixties-era girl groups? Is it bothersome, or do you take it in stride?

Jessica: I don’t think we really listen to most of the groups we’ve been compared to, so it’s not like they’re a huge influence.

Erin: Yeah, I don’t even own [music by] any of the bands we’ve been compared to. However, I’ve always liked oldies, so I don’t mind the reference. My favorite [comparison] was when someone told us we sounded like the Beach Boys mixed with Ween!

EZP: Like you, I was raised with a steady diet of classic oldies. But that couldn’t stop me from purchasing Motley Crue’s Dr. Feelgood, which was the first cassette I bought with my own money. What was the first album you remember buying?

Sylvia: Kris Kross. I thought they were cute. I think I was one of them for Halloween one year. My pants were backwards.

EZP: I think everyone went through that phase, but too many are unwilling to admit it. As for current music, name some bands you are listening to these days.

Erin: The Decemberists, The Advantage, Joanna Newsom, The Magic Numbers, Rilo Kiley, Tim Armstrong, The Blow, Raconteurs, The Shins, The Scratchies, Two Seconds

EZP: Thanks again for your time, girls. I now leave you with the final word.

Erin: Thanks so much for asking us to be on Broken Dial! We’re really excited for the new record. It definitely shows more of the new stuff we’ve been working on.

“Jaguar Love” - [mp3]

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