Girlfight (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 2008 |
| Defunct | April 2013 |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Girlfight was a hardcore punk group originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in April 2008. The ensemble consisted of vocalist Dave Watt, guitarist Jordan Bellotti, bassist Richie Lattanzi, and drummer Brandon Volkman.
Soon after their inception, they secured a deal with Emerald Moon Records and released their initial EP titled Haggard in 2008. This was followed by the EP Ghost Eater in 2010 and their first full-length album Infinite Carcass later that year. After their contract with Emerald Moon concluded in late 2011, Girlfight independently issued the EP Defamate (2011) before signing with Mayfly Records to deliver Real Spite (2012). The band ultimately dissolved in April 2013.
2008–2010: Formation, Haggard, Ghost Eater, and Infinite Carcass
Girlfight was formed in Pittsburgh in April 2008 with an original lineup featuring vocalist Dave Watt, guitarist Jordan Bellotti, bassist Gregg Harrington, keyboardist/vocalist Laura Marks, and drummer Lenny Hotkowski. Shortly thereafter, Richie Lattanzi replaced Harrington on bass. During the development of Ghost Eater, Anthony Heubel briefly joined as a second guitarist but left alongside Hotkowski to create the band Run, Forever. Subsequently, Brandon Volkman took over drumming duties.
On May 11, 2008, Girlfight signed to Emerald Moon Records and recorded their debut EP in Pittsburgh. The EP Haggard, mixed by Paul Leavitt and mastered by Alan Douches, was released on October 30, 2008. Their follow-up EP Ghost Eater came out on March 16, 2010, featuring a limited handmade physical pressing of only 150 copies. During the writing phase for their debut album, Laura Marks departed from the group.
The band recorded Infinite Carcass at Headbanging Kill Your Mama Music studio in Louisville, Kentucky, working with producer Chris Owens (known for Breather Resist and Coliseum), who also provided guest vocals on the track "Doom Route". Released on October 16, 2010, the album received positive reviews from outlets such as the Pittsburgh City Paper. Around this time, Girlfight gained additional coverage through features in The Taste of Sound and Western World magazine.
2011–2013: Defamate, Real Spite, and dissolution
A music video for "Doom Route" was shot by Death Perception Pictures on March 14, 2011, during the release event for Infinite Carcass. After Emerald Moon Records ceased operations late in 2011, Jordan Bellotti departed from the band and was temporarily replaced by Nick Leombruno for their subsequent EP. Girlfight self-released their third EP titled Defamate, recorded by John Angelo in Buffalo, New York, on October 25, 2011. This release earned them attention in Milwaukee Magazine alongside fellow act Cut Teeth. On January 25, 2012, they signed with Mayfly Records and issued the single Holy F*ck on February 22.
In November 2012, Blare Magazine named Girlfight among its "5 Best New Artists." They premiered a music video for "Pitiful Fool," directed by Kevin Wildt and featured on Alternative Press. In April 2012, they participated in an interview with State In The Real and commenced work on new material with Michael York (of Pianos Become The Teeth) at Developing Nations studio in Baltimore. Their fourth EP, Real Spite, was released on November 13, 2012.
Girlfight quietly ended their activities in April 2013; drummer Brandon Volkman confirmed this status on May 27, 2015 via the band's Facebook page stating: "Girlfight is no longer a band. Sorry that it took 2 years for us to admit it on social media."
Band members
- Dave Watt – Lead vocals (2008–2013)
- Jordan Bellotti – Guitarist (2008–2013)
- Richie Lattanzi – Bassist (2008–2013)
- Brandon Volkman – Drummer (2009–2013)
- Gregg Harrington – Bass guitar (2008)
- Tony Heubel – Guitar (2008–2009)
- Laura Marks – Synthesizer and vocals (2008–2009)
- Lenny Hotkowski – Drums (2008–2009)
- Nick Leombruno – Guitar (2011)
Discography
Albums
- Infinite Carcass (2010)
EPs and singles
- Haggard (2008)
- Ghost Eater (2010)
- Defamate (2011)
- Holy F*ck (2012)
- Real Spite (2012)