Mama Quilla II
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 in Toronto, Canada |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
Key people | Lorraine Segato, Lauri Conger, Linda Jain, Linda Robitaille, Susan Sturman, Billy Bryans |
| Products | Music recordings (EP) |
Mama Quilla II was a Canadian rock ensemble established in 1977 in Toronto and remained active until 1982. Although their discography as Mama Quilla II consists of a single EP, the group’s altered lineup subsequently transformed into the notable pop act Parachute Club.
History
The origins of Mama Quilla II trace back to an earlier formation named Mama Quilla, which took its name from the Inca deity. This initial band was created in the early 1970s by Sara Ellen Dunlop, a prominent figure in Toronto’s music community until her passing in 1975. Founding members featured Linda Jain, Linda Robitaille, and Jackie Snedker.
Connection to "women's music"
Lauri Conger, the band’s keyboardist, highlighted an early deliberate decision to work exclusively with female musicians, moving away from mixed-gender ensembles. Mama Quilla II distinguished itself as one of the pioneering women's music groups to incorporate electric instruments instead of traditional acoustic arrangements, showcasing an innovative stance within the genre.
Notable performances
In May 1979, the band served as headliners at the inaugural Bi-National Lesbian Conference held in Toronto, an event organized by the Lesbian Organization of Toronto (LOOT) alongside the Toronto International Women’s Day Committee.
Evolution into Parachute Club
Although Susan Sturman was responsible for much of Mama Quilla II’s songwriting, vocalist Lorraine Segato and percussionist Billy Bryans initiated a side endeavor named V to present their own compositions. When V received an invitation to perform at the 1982 Toronto Festival of Festivals, absences among members prompted Segato and Bryans to enlist keyboardist Lauri Conger and session players, forming The Parachute Club. This newly formed band secured a recording deal with Current Records in 1983, effectively marking the conclusion of Mama Quilla II.
Band members
Throughout its five-year existence, Mama Quilla II typically functioned as a seven-member all-female group. Principal personnel included Lorraine Segato (vocals, guitar), Lauri Conger (keyboards, vocals), Linda Jain (drums, percussion), Linda Robitaille (saxophone, vocals), Susan Sturman (guitars), Catherine McKay and later Jacqui Snedker (bass, vocals), Maxine Walsh (percussion), Susan Cole (vocals, piano), and BJ Danylchuk (keyboards, vocals). The band was managed by Nancy Poole. By 1982, percussionist Billy Bryans, who later collaborated with Segato and Conger in Parachute Club, had joined and contributed to their EP. As the only male member, he was playfully referred to as the "Token Male" by his bandmates.
Discography
- 1982 KKK//Mama Quilla/Angry Young Woman Tupperwaros; EP. Produced by Billy Bryans. Engineered by Daniel Lanois.