By: The Microblades

Since their formation in 2020, The Microblades have quickly made their mark on the San Diego music scene. With a distinctive blend of classic rock influences and modern sensibilities, the band has resonated with local audiences while steadily growing its fan base. Despite being relatively new to music, The Microblades have garnered significant recognition, including accolades such as Best Pop Song at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards. Their journey—driven by the passion and creativity of three talented women—has just begun, and their music continues to evolve as they reshape the rock genre in their image.

The Formation of The Microblades

The story of The Microblades begins with Giulietta Randell, the band’s guitarist and lead singer. At just 22 years old, Giulietta founded the band and serves as its principal songwriter. Growing up with a deep love for the ’60s and ’70s rock era, she found inspiration in legends like The Who and The Allman Brothers. Though often ridiculed for her “old man bands” taste, Giulietta’s connection to this music ran deeper than nostalgia—it was personal. Her emotional attachment to these songs and her desire to embody their mood fueled her mission to create music that spoke to others similarly.

Giulietta’s search for a like-minded bandmate led her to Lauren Deerinck, who would become the band’s drummer and backup vocalist. At just 20 years old, Lauren shared Giulietta’s passion for classic rock, particularly the powerful rhythms of Queen and Led Zeppelin. With a drumming style inspired by John Bonham’s thundering beats, Lauren’s musical contributions complemented Giulietta’s melodic guitar work. Lauren also brought her talents as a costume designer, aiming for The Microblades’ aesthetic to be as unique and striking as their sound.

The final puzzle piece came from Imogen Collis, the band’s bassist. Originally from South Africa, Imogen moved to the United States during middle school, bringing a new, darker musical influence to the band. She had a particular interest in emo rock and nu-metal worlds, with bands like Tool and Paramore shaping her bass-playing style. Imogen’s contributions added a heavier, more intense edge to the band’s sound, blending seamlessly with Giulietta and Lauren’s sunny classic rock influences.

Together, the trio has crafted a fresh fusion of sounds, bringing together musical influences from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Imogen says, “We span three decades; Giulietta is 60s and 70s, I’m 70s and 80s, and Imogen is 90s and 2000s.” This dynamic cross-genre blending produces a nostalgic and modern sound—a fresh take on classic rock.

The Power of DIY

One of the key aspects of The Microblades’ identity is their commitment to the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ethos. From the beginning, the band was determined to forge its path, steering clear of performing covers in favor of creating original music. Giulietta’s songwriting is deeply personal, with poetic and introspective lyrics. These authentic songs have allowed the band to connect with their audience on a deeper level, with fans singing along to the lyrics at their shows, further solidifying the bond between the band and their listeners.

Their early performances were held in unconventional spaces—parking lots, under bridges, and other makeshift venues. These shows’ raw, impromptu nature allowed The Microblades to connect with fans in a way that formal venues often couldn’t. Giulietta recalls, “The DIY shows… It’s like you’re in a war and playing against the odds… but the people who show up in the audience are ready to weather it all and weather it with you.” These performances, driven by the band’s grassroots approach to music, helped them build a loyal following. For The Microblades, these shows were more than just performances; they were an expression of artistic freedom and rebellion against the commercialized aspects of the music industry.

Accomplishments and Musical Growth

Though the Microblades are still a relatively young band, they have already accomplished a lot. In addition to their EP, the band has released three singles, including the award-winning “Cowboy,” which was named Best Pop Song at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards. The music video for “Cowboy” was also nominated for an iVie Award, underscoring the band’s commitment to creating high-quality, original content.

Their latest single, “Bruce,” is a tribute to the vibrant, rebellious spirit of San Diego’s late-night music scene. This track exemplifies the band’s growth as musicians and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. It captures the energy and ethos of the city’s underground venues, further cementing The Microblades’ place in the local music scene.

The Microblades are already focused on their next project: a new single titled “BabyLegs.” They have several upcoming shows in San Diego and are excited to explore opportunities to perform outside the area. With a growing fanbase and new music on the horizon, the band is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the music world.

Challenging Expectations: The Microblades’ Identity

The all-female lineup of The Microblades has often drawn attention, with some labeling them as a “girl band.” This label, while acknowledging their gender, is one that Imogen finds limiting. “It’s a double-edged sword being referred to as a girl band… we started this band with no intention of being an all-female act, it just happened to be that way,” she explains. While The Microblades are proud to inspire female musicians and advocate for more female representation in the music industry, they don’t want their gender to be the sole defining factor of their identity. Their focus remains on creating music that speaks to their audience, regardless of gender.

The Future of The Microblades

As the Microblades continue to develop their sound and grow their fan base, they are excited about the future. The band is eager to expand its reach with a new single on the way and plans to perform in new venues. Their dedication to their craft, commitment to their fans, and unwavering DIY spirit set them apart, and it’s clear that they are just getting started.

For more information about The Microblades, follow them on Instagram at The Microblades Instagram or listen to their music on Spotify at The Microblades on Spotify.