bio & band

So what happens when the British invasion bumps up against alternative twang? Initially, a lot of confused looks and awkward handshakes. Eventually, a fascinating, unique and eclectic style with the potential for wide appeal.

Gini Dodds has been inspired by The Who, Neil Young, The Kinks, The Band, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, The Pretenders, Lucinda Williams, The Hollies, The Byrds, Warren Zevon and The Raspberries to name a few. But it's what she's done with those influences that tells the real story. After taking a songwriting course taught by Ray Davies of the Kinks, Gini began putting her nose to the grindstone and found her own voice.

Although Gini's songs are as diverse as the genres she pulls from, her use of sophisticated melodies and arrangements is a unifying theme. Her lyrics are intelligent and soulful; a rare case when an artist was actually ready to record a first album that was bursting at the seams with great songs. Sweet Christine, a song off her first CD, Mellowdrama, was a winner in the 2001 Nashville Songwriters Assocation songwriting contest. She has also been a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition on more than one occasion.

Gini Dodds sings from a woman's point of view, but her stories have such a timeless and universal quality that anyone who listens gets pulled in. The melodies alone, along with the sound of her distinctive voice, are enough to make you listen to what she has to say. Stylistically and vocally, she has been described as a cross between Chrissie Hynde and Lucinda Williams. She is currently recording her third CD and performing around the Minneapolis area with her rock band, The Dahlias, in support of the second CD, Good Medicine, both engineered and produced by long-time collaborator John Wright. She also does solo acoustic shows featuring both her Brit pop and alternative country material.

The Dahlias are Gini Dodds (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jeffrey Willkomm (bass), Jon Larson (keys), Terry Isachsen(lead guitar), and John "Bongo" Haga (drums).