Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Boston’s Women in Peril. Together we discussed how they met, Berklee College of Music, their influences, and what we can expect from them in the future!
1. Mustard would like to welcome you to Music Shelf. They are grateful to have you join them. How are you doing today?
Chase: Doing well!
2. What was the first song or album that you remember connecting with? How did this song or album inspire you to pursue music?
Chase: The first song I ever remember connecting to was ’Snow (Hey Oh)’ by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The melody was something that has stuck to my bones my whole life, before I even fully knew the lyrics, I could sing it. I always felt an indescribable feeling when listening to it and I think it was the first time that music felt like a whole separate language. It conveys things that often times words can’t. I think after that I was just enamored with music and with the act of writing and working a feeling.
3. Music Shelf has had the pleasure of speaking with other artists from Berklee. Could you share with us your experience? What is your major? How do you plan to use your major in the future as an artist?
Chase: So far I love Berklee. It’s definitely been a challenge. Though I was trained classically, I didn’t have a ton of theory knowledge and I definitely didn’t know how to lead a band. Now I have a good foundation, and I’m a declared Songwriting major. I’ve made so many good memories, friends, and have had so many great experiences here. It opened my eyes to music in a way I hadn’t experienced before. The future for me is ever changing. I want to get some music released and hopefully set up a tour or two in summer ’23. Honestly though, wherever I end up, as long as I’m doing music with the people I love I’ll be happy.
4. If you could turn a song into any Berklee residence hall which would it be and why?
This is an interesting question. I think I would turn Locks into 160 Mass ave because I think it gives off the same energy. “You think you’re so cool, and I think you’re right” vibes
5. You are the lead vocalist and guitarist of Women in Peril, whose members are also Berklee students. How did everyone meet? When did Women in Peril form?
The members of Women In Peril have a funky little meeting. Daisy Soper (our drummer) and I met on the second day after moving into the dorms. Though the band didn’t start there, I did ask her to join my figurative band almost immediately. Kalika Reece (our trombonist) I had met briefly first semester but didn’t become close with until second semester. I was nervous to ask her to join since I didn’t have any knowledge of trombone, but I’m so glad I did. Jaxon Lane(our bassist) was originally just filling in until I found a bassist who fit, but after one rehearsal I think we all knew he fit right in. We started up in March of 2022 but didn’t start gigging until around late April 2022. Soraya Rafat (our guitarist) didn’t join until September 2022- I honestly couldn’t tell you how that happened, but I’m so glad it did. Now we all jump around and play our songs together!
6. Who (or what) influences Women in Peril?
Chase: I love bands like mom Jeans and Phoebe Bridgers, I don’t know if we’re influenced by them though.
Soraya (guitar): I feel like there’s a lot of things that influence WIP altogether but personally i feel like a lot of my sound/writing comes from bands like PVRIS, paramore, the 1975, HAIM, turnstile, snail mail, etc.
Jaxon (bass): For me it’s definitely each other. There are a couple of things that we draw inspiration but it’s mostly my fellow band mates
7. What is Women in Peril’s creative process?
Chase: I like to think that I bring in a shell of a song, and then we workshop it together as a band. I want to make it more collaborative though.
Soraya (guitar): haven’t been in the band long enough to know the creative process for all the songs but i do really love hearing your chord progressions and building ideas off of that 🙂 i always have so much fun emo-fying everything
Jaxon (bass): . I would say each other again! There’s people in the band that are great with lyrics and people that are great with music! I feel like we have a great mix of being able to bounce things off of each other
8. Women in Peril can be found playing a ton of shows in the Boston area. What does a Women in Peril show look like? Does Women in Peril have a favorite venue?
Chase: our shows are fun I think, I try to make everyone feel very included. No matter what, if you’re here with us, you’re with us!
Soraya (guitar): I LOVE wonderland even though it’s the only place i’ve played with u so far lol i just really love that venue. it feels like a safe space to me
Jaxon (bass): They look like fun! There’s no specific way a WIP fan looks and that’s the beauty of it. We make music for anyone and everyone and that reflects in the people that come to our shows. WIP shows are a safe place for all! For me personally, I’d have to say that wonderland is by far my favorite venue I’ve played at.
9. Mustard has heard great things about New England Clam Chowder. Is it worth all the praise?
The clam chowder is pretty great I won’t lie.
10. What is next for Women in Peril?
Next up is getting out EP recorded. We’re super stoked to be working with a really great engineer/producer in NJ this January. We hope that you’ll wait for us!
11. Where can readers listen to your music?
For now we are a listen live or via Instagram only band. There’s a few YouTube links with us, but right now were just suuuuuper underground 😉
Music Shelf With Mustard 