Mo-dettes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Kate Korris |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Mo-dettes was an international all-female post-punk ensemble formed in 1979 by guitarist Kate Korris, who had previously been a founding member of The Slits and briefly part of The Raincoats, alongside bassist Jane Crockford, formerly associated with Bank of Dresden. The lineup was completed by vocalist Ramona Carlier and drummer June Miles-Kingston.
Biography
The most recognized song by Mo-dettes, "White Mice," penned by Jane Crockford, was independently released in mid-1979 through Mode Records, featuring "Masochistic Opposite" as its B-side. This track advocated for sexual independence, while the group maintained a critical stance toward partisan feminist ideologies. Produced by David Cunningham and distributed via Rough Trade, it found success within the independent music charts.
Their prominence grew following appearances on BBC Radio 1’s John Peel program during January 1980, where they performed multiple pieces. They returned for additional sessions in August 1980 and July 1981.
Mo-dettes signed with Deram, a subsidiary of Decca Records, and issued their sole album, The Story So Far, in November 1980. This record combined original pop-punk compositions with covers such as The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" and Édith Piaf's "Milord." In 1981, under the alias Bomberettes, they contributed backing vocals to John Cale's album Honi Soit. Their rendition of "Paint It Black" achieved modest chart success, narrowly missing the UK Top 40.
The band’s final single, "Tonight," released in June 1981, experienced limited chart impact amid internal pressures as Decca urged a transition toward mainstream pop sounds. Following this, guitarist Melissa Ritter joined to enrich their sonic texture. After changes in early 1982—including Ramona Carlier’s exit and her replacement by Sue Slack—Mo-dettes dissolved in November 1982.
Jane Crockford married Daniel Woodgate of the ska group Madness in 1980; their marriage lasted fifteen years. June Miles-Kingston went on to play drums and provide backing vocals for Fun Boy Three and later served as drummer for the Communards during the late 1980s. She is also the sister of Bob Kingston, former guitarist for Tenpole Tudor.
Album
- The Story So Far – 1981
Singles
- "White Mice" (1979) – Mode Records
- "Dark Park Creeping" (1980) – Deram Records b/w "Two Can Play"
- "Paint It Black" (1980) – Deram – UK No. 42
- "Tonight" (1981) – Deram – UK No. 68
- "Kray Twins" (1981) – Human Records HUM10 – Live at The Marquee / b-side: White Mice
Personnel
- Kate Korris (Korus) – guitar (originally from the US)
- Jane Crockford (Perry Woodgate) – bass
- Ramona Carlier (currently Ramona Wilkins) – vocals (Swiss)
- June Miles-Kingston – drums
- Melissa Ritter – guitar