By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
March 31, 2009
After almost 16 years together, the Donnas are still going strong with their hard-rocking live shows.
Their latest album, “Bitchin’,” proves that this group hasn’t lost its punk roots or its feverish love of rock. The band, which owes more to the Ramones than it does to the Runaways, includes lead singer Brett Anderson, guitarist Allison Robertson, bassist Maya Ford and drummer Torry Castellano, who says that thanks to years of touring, the band has gotten to see a good chunk of the world — a perk of their job.
But if Castellano could go back to anywhere in the world, the California-based musician would book flights for Italy and Sweden.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. It’s too hard to pick just one favorites place, so I’ll go with Stockholm or Sicily. I really had a great time in Stockholm and there were some beautiful beaches in Sicily. We were just in Sweden last November, but we haven’t been back to Italy since 2001.
Q. What surprises you when you’re overseas?
A. In Stockholm, we were hanging out with our (Swedish) publicist and she had just had a baby. We all went into a store and she left her baby in its stroller on the sidewalk outside the store while we shopped. I couldn’t get over it! It’s just so safe there.
Q. How do you try to fit in when you’re clearly a tourist?
A. I think it’s just important to try and be respectful and not be the loud “ugly American.” I’ve found that people everywhere are really friendly and want to help you feel comfortable.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. An iPod and a good book are essential, especially on the plane. I also feel really lucky to have an international plan on my cell phone. It makes keeping in touch so much easier. I always try to travel light, but I admit that it’s really hard for me. I tend to like to have everything with me. I like options.
Q. Are you bilingual?
A. I took Japanese in school, so I love to practice while I’m over there. I love Japan and cannot wait to go back.
Q. What is your favorite part of traveling?
A. I love to try new food, people watch and experience music in other countries. Each country has its own unique way of getting into music.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ITALY AND SWEDEN
CAPITAL OF ITALY: Rome.
CAPITAL OF SWEDEN: Stockholm.
FAMOUS ITALIANS: Sophia Loren, Galileo Galilei, Roberto Benigni, Luciano Pavarotti and Alberto Tomba.
FAMOUS SWEDES: Bjorn Borg, ABBA, the Hives, Ingmar Bergman, Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo.
For more information on the Donnas, check out www.thedonnas.com. To read more about Italy, go to www.italiantourism.com. For facts about Sweden, check out www.visitsweden.com/sweden.
© 2009 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
