Dia Frampton is well aware of what it means to be the odd one out.
She’s a female vocalist fronting an indie/acoustic band known as Meg & Dia, and life on the road as a female can be pretty rough. Luckily, Dia is able to share the experience with her sister, Meg, who is the guitarist for the five-piece band.
The Chronicle spoke with Dia about past and present tours, music and what it’s like to be one of the only chicks in a musical world dominated by guys.
Originally from Draper, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City, the sisters began playing music at a young age. The sisters played in several bands throughout high school and formed Meg & Dia in 2005 after acquiring three other band members. Their current record, “Something Real,” was released in 2005 by Doghouse Records, though distribution has now been taken over by Warner Bros. Records.
It’s refreshing to see a female who is able to rock out with her band but also still provide incredible vocals. In regards to other female singers, Dia said some of her favorites are the singers of The Cranberries, The Cardigans, Tori Amos and Regina Spektor.
“I have been listening to the more piano based quiet stuff,” Frampton said. Dia also claims one of her biggest musical influences to be another female fronted group, The Dixie Chicks.
“I still love them, they are absolutely amazing to me. I love their harmonies and how they branched out,” Frampton said.
Dia is used to being surrounded by guys, as most of the band’s touring takes place with bands that are composed solely of males. In 2006 and 2007, Meg & Dia took part in the well-known Warped Tour, and have also toured with bands such as Sugarcult, Bayside, Say Anything and Saves the Day.
“Our first tour we went on was with Sugarcult, they couldn’t of introduced the touring life with other bands any better,” said Frampton of her tour mates. “They are really nice dudes that I’m appreciative to.”
Currently on tour with Angels & Airwaves, which is fronted by former Blink 182 member Tom Delonge, Frampton said it’s a bit “overwhelming” to watch Angels & Airwaves perform.
“My jaw dropped at the crazy stuff that I was seeing. They put so much into making it important for every kid,” she said.
Going on tour with the band also provides the opportunity to play for more people. “I didn’t realize how huge it was going to be until last night (their first night playing),” Frampton said. “There’s huge lines of kids waiting for Tom Delonge to come out of the bus for five seconds.”
For fans of Meg & Dia, their new album is expected next fall. Touring will be put on hold, and the band will record this summer.
Meg & Dia will be opening for Angels & Airwaves February 12th at the Webster Theatre in Hartford.
