ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2014, Volume 4 | Page 58

Rochelle Smith: Rochelle began playing music in the 4th grade, learning the trumpet. Rochelle got her
first guitar at age 13 and began taking lessons immediately. After 2 years of lessons, she decided to
teach herself how to play Rock music. Rochelle was in several local Rock bands playing rhythm guitar
and eventually learned how to become a lead player. She was active around the local scene for 6 years,
then took a 13 year break from music to raise her son. After seeing an ad for a lead guitarist for Take
147, Rochelle found herself ready to storm the stage once again. She got an audition and was hired on
as the lead guitar player for Take 147 in 2010. Rochelle is mostly influenced by 80’s Hair Bands and
Heavy Metal.
Although a band comprised of females, there is nothing “sugar and spice” about Take 147. They are inyour-face, take-no-prisoners, no-excuses ROCK! Their performances to the new “Takers” are surprising
and unexpected—gritty guitars, raw--yet vulnerable vocals, an energetic stage presence, and riveting
and memorable music. Gretta, Amber, Patty, and Ro, grab their audiences by their hearts and hold them
captive in their hands. Take 147 has melded into a well-oiled machine—one whose parts are
interchangeable—as they are known to switch out instruments and vocals, displaying their diversity and
distinctive talent.
I asked the ladies to talk a little bit about their song-writing process--along with their vision, their
friendship, and their appreciation for their devoted fans. They shared the following…
“When writing our originals, all 4 members contribute, adding their individual musical influences, which
(we believe) gives our songs a unique sound—therefore, all of our songs are DIFFERENT…not one sounds
like the other. To achieve this creativity in writing our originals, we rent a cabin in the mountains and
dedicate the entire weekend to this--letting the creative juices flow and bonding as a band witho WB琦F