The Microblades have quickly established themselves as a distinctive force in the San Diego music scene force. With their unique blend of classic rock influences and modern sensibilities, the band has resonated with local audiences and a growing fan base. Despite only forming in 2020, the group achieved significant recognition, earning accolades such as Best Pop Song of 2024 at the San Diego Music Awards. The Microblades’ journey, driven by the creative synergy of three talented women, has just begun, and their music continues to evolve as they push the boundaries of what rock can be today.

The Formation of The Microblades

Giulietta Randell, the band’s guitarist and lead singer, is the driving force behind The Microblades. At just 22 years old, Giulietta founded the band and serves as its principal songwriter. Her love for 60s and 70s rock music, inspired by artists like The Who and Allman Brothers, helped shape the band’s sound. Though often taunted for her taste in music, Giulietta’s passion for these “old man bands” persisted, and she eventually sought out a bandmate who shared her enthusiasm.

Lauren Deerinck, the band’s drummer and backup vocalist, became that person. At age 20, Lauren and Giulietta teamed up to form the band’s core. Like Giulietta, Lauren was drawn to classic rock, particularly the works of Queen and Led Zeppelin. Lauren’s drumming style, influenced by John Bonham’s powerful beats, ideally matched Giulietta’s melodic guitar work. In addition to her musical contributions, Lauren also brings her talents as a costume designer, aiming to make The Microblades’ aesthetic as striking as their sound.

The final puzzle piece came from Imogen Collis, the band’s bassist. Imogen, who moved from South Africa to the United States during middle school, brought the group a fresh, darker musical perspective. She was particularly interested in dark emo rock and nu-metal, with bands like Tool and Paramore influencing her bass lines. Imogen’s distinctive style added depth to The Microblades’ music, combining Giulietta and Lauren’s sunny classic rock influences with a darker, more intense edge.

The trio creates a unique blend of sounds that spans multiple decades and genres. Imogen aptly says, “We span three decades; Giulietta is 60s and 70s, I’m 70s and 80s, and Imogen is 90s and 2000s.” The band’s diverse influences converge into a fresh take on classic rock that feels timeless while remaining distinctly contemporary.

Embracing the DIY Spirit

From the beginning, the Microblades were determined to craft their path. They didn’t want to settle for performing covers; instead, they focused on writing original music. Giulietta’s songwriting is deeply personal, with poetic and introspective lyrics. She is committed to creating songs that resonate with her audience personally. Over time, the band has witnessed how their lyrics have taken on new meanings for fans, as audience members began singing along at concerts. This connection with their listeners has been a powerful motivator for the band, driving them to keep creating.

The DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ethos is at the heart of The Microblades’ identity. Their early performances included impromptu shows in places like parking lots and under bridges, where they would bring their equipment and perform for whoever showed up. These underground shows were often spontaneous and raw, but they allowed the band to connect with an audience in a way that formal venues couldn’t match. As 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.”

For The Microblades, these DIY shows were more than just performances; they were a form of artistic expression and rebellion against the polished, commercialized aspects of the music industry. The band’s commitment to this grassroots approach helped them build a strong local following, with people supporting them regardless of the conditions.

Musical Accomplishments and Growth

Despite being a relatively young band, The Microblades have already accomplished a great deal. They have released an EP and three singles, with one single, “Cowboy,” winning Best Pop Song at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards. The music video for “Cowboy” was nominated for an iVie award, highlighting the band’s creative vision and commitment to producing high-quality content. The band continues to significantly impact San Diego’s music scene, performing regularly at local venues and events.

The latest single, “Bruce,” celebrates the vibrant, rebellious spirit of San Diego’s late-night music venues. Like many of their songs, this track embodies the ethos of the city’s underground music scene. The song showcases the band’s growth as musicians and ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

The Microblades are focused on their next project: a new single titled “BabyLegs.” With new shows around San Diego and a growing interest from outside the area, the band is excited to take their music to new audiences. Their DIY approach continues to shape their trajectory, and they remain committed to creating music that speaks to their fans.

The Microblades’ Unique Identity

While many bands are defined by their sound or style, The Microblades have garnered attention for their all-female lineup. This has led some to label them as a “girl band,” a term that Imogen finds problematic at times. She notes, “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.” However, the band recognizes the importance of female representation in music, particularly in genres where women have been historically underrepresented. They are proud to inspire other female musicians, even though they don’t want their gender to define them entirely.

What’s Next for The Microblades?

As they continue to develop their sound and grow their fan base, The Microblades are optimistically looking forward to the future. They plan to release their new single “BabyLegs” soon and are eager to explore new opportunities outside of San Diego. The band is also excited to continue working on their music videos, with Lauren planning the concept for their next release.

With their blend of rock influences, DIY spirit, and unique identity, The Microblades are poised to make an even bigger impact in the music world in the coming years. Their dedication to their craft and their fans sets them apart, and it’s clear that their journey is just beginning.

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.