Jenine Cali

The Dirty Hooks

This month Jenine Cali of The Dirty Hooks answers a few of our questions

MB: What first got you into creating music?

JC: My mom was actually a performer/singer in the late 60’s.  I guess in one of her performances she played a drum beat which required her to purchase a drum kit.  I discovered this dusty drum kit in the corner of our garage when I was little and I was drawn to it, teaching myself how to play.  She also would sing with my sister and I all of the time, teaching us how to harmonize together.  Music was always a part of our lives growing up so of course that got me interested in creating music.

MB: As a drummer and a lead vocalist - how is creating and performing different for you than it would be as a lead guitarist/lead vocalist etc?

JC: I wouldn’t say it’s any different.  You always want to write what’s best for the song and what works with all the other parts.  That’s pretty much the motto for our band.  Things fall into place with creating and performing when everyone is on the same page. 

MB: What is your favorite part of being a musician? Writing, recording, performing?

JC: I’m in the performing category. It’s hands down my favorite thing to do.

MB: What is your creative process like?

JC: I’ve learned that you can’t force creativity.  I/we like to get a few ideas together and then see what sticks.  I feel you kind of know when the part is just right or gives you those goosebumps when it comes together.  It’s more of a feeling for me.

MB: How is the Las Vegas music scene different than other cities? 

JC: I have always said that Vegas is a tough town for music. Being a 24hr town and competing with the hotels, bars and gaming is hard.  There is always something to do or see here and it can become a juggling act when booking shows and certain performances.  A lot of tours bypass Vegas and that’s unfortunate.  You can see a really great indie show here and the venue is at half capacity and then see the same show in LA and it’s sold out.  It can be a little strange here sometimes.

MB: What’s the origin of the band name?  Is there a story behind the naming of the band?

JC: Actually when I joined the band the guys had a few names they were tossing around.  We wanted our name to have something to do with our music and we all agreed on The Dirty Hooks.  Dirty as in a badass bass line/guitar riff you hear that chills you to the bone like the Blues. Hook is that part in the song that catches you, it could be the chorus or the bridge.  There it is...The Dirty Hooks.

MB: What's the best advice you've ever been given? 

JC: Don’t trust anyone who gives you their “business card” on a book of matches.  There was a time when you would get napkins, matchbooks, etc. as someone’s “business card” because they just happened to run out right then and there.  Don’t trust those people kids! Professionals come prepared.

MB: What are you doing to stay creative during the quarantine?

JC: My drums have been in my living room this entire time.  I don’t want to be holed up in a bedroom even more secluded. Also, I have been listening to my vinyl collection and picking up my guitar here and there.

MB: Is there something you’d like to do more of in the future?

JC: I would love to do more touring and playing out of town.  Not sure what that the future looks like for live music, but a girl can dream haha.

MB: What's next for The Dirty Hooks?

JC: We are working on some new songs and hoping to release a full length album. We want to put out good songs and good music.  It may take us a little longer but we like to put the work in and not rush things.

Thank you Jenine for taking time to answer some of our questions! To check out some of The Dirty Hooks music, click a couple of the links below.