The Devotchkas
New York street punk band with a rotating lineup and lasting festival presence.
The Devotchkas are a four-piece American street punk band from New York City. Their name, derived from the Nadsat word for 'girl' in A Clockwork Orange, reflects the band's all-female lineup. In 2021, they were named one of '20 Important Female-led rock bands you should know' by Rarepeace.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- New York City
- Genre
- Street punk
- Years active
- 1996–current
- Label
- Punk Core Records, Dig My Grave Records
- Associated acts
- The Krays
- Bitch Switch
- Yum-Yuckers
- Current members
- Gabrielle
- Mande
- Alaine
- Jennifer “JJ” Leigh
- Past members
- Jon; Stephanie
Facts from the source article.
Early years/line-ups
The band formed in 1996 as an all-girl group by three friends. Early drummers were temporary, including Jon from The Krays, until Gabrielle joined in 1999 to solidify the lineup. In 1998 they signed to Punk Core Records and released a debut EP that sold over 5,000 copies, a high figure for a vinyl debut. A second 7-inch EP and an extended CD, both titled 'Annihilation', followed in 2000. After a six-week European tour in 2001 supporting that release, singer Stephanie left. Jennifer Leigh (JJ) took over vocals for the 2002 album Live Fast, Die Young. The band briefly considered renaming to The 99s but quickly abandoned the idea. A successful European tour in summer 2002 supported the album, after which the members parted ways for a long hiatus. In January 2022, they announced a reunion show at CY Fest in Los Angeles for September 2022, featuring the Live Fast Die Young lineup for the album's 20-year anniversary.
20-year reunion at CY Fest 2022, 2023
For the 2022 CY Fest, a limited color flexi titled 'From The Vault' was released, containing 'My Scars' and a previously unreleased version of 'Wicked Heart'. Returning to CY Fest in 2023, the band issued a special edition repressing of Live Fast, Die Young that included two previously unreleased live tracks from CBGBS recorded in 2001 and a vocal scratch track version of 'Wicked Heart'. These remain the only official new releases by the band. After positive reception, they were invited back for CY Fest 2023 and announced for 2023's Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, though they postponed that appearance to 2024. The 2024 performance was cancelled following the death of vocalist JJ's father. The band reunited in Los Angeles at Punk Invasion in March 2025, again receiving positive reviews. They have stated they are no longer associated with former singer Stephanie and continue with JJ as permanent vocalist, playing periodically at festivals like CY Fest and Rebellion Fest while releasing new material despite members living in different parts of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which record labels has The Devotchkas released music on?
The Devotchkas has released music on Punk Core Records and Dig My Grave Records.
Who are the current members of The Devotchkas?
The current members of The Devotchkas are listed as Gabrielle, Mande, Alaine and Jennifer “JJ” Leigh.
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