Reclaiming Your Power

Photographs by Rick Perez

Los Angeles musician Doll Klaw opens up about reconnecting to her Mexican roots, translating life experiences, and how her latest single, “Inside”, is about finding the power within.

Los Angeles, California

Who is Doll Klaw and what is your music about?

Doll Klaw is myself, Jessica Caro. My music is a result of me processing and translating my life experience into a format other people can digest and understand.

Where did you grow up? How has this influenced you as a person and an artist?

My parents were divorced so my mom was always away at work to provide for me and my brother. So, every morning on my mom’s way to work she would drop me off at my Tia Manuela’s apartment in South Central. When I was a kid my dad lived with my Grandpa so I also spent a lot of time at my grandpa’s house in San Gabriel, as well. After moving numerous times around South and East Whittier my mom finally bought a condo in El Monte. So collectively I grew up in all those neighborhoods but I do claim El Monte as my hometown. I definitely embraced the hood mentality and am happy to know I can handle my own. I’m sure part of my personality can be attributed by the people and lifestyle I grew up with. I’d like to think my personality comes out in what I create.

In one of your Instagram posts, you said that you will be visiting the homeland of Chihuahua, Mexico, and that your great grandfather was the Chief of the Tarahumara tribe. Why is this trip important for you? How do you feel knowing that your great grandfather was a chief?

As an adult I’ve been longing to reconnect with my roots so it means a lot to be able to learn from people who have first hand accounts and who can pass down their knowledge to me. I’m also looking forward to admiring the nature and to be able to witness in person where my bloodline comes from.

It’s a very powerful and proud feeling to know my grandfather was a chief. I must say it does resonate.

You just released "Inside", the first single off your upcoming EP, "Thorns". What is this song about? Why is it important to you?

“Inside” is about reclaiming your power and pulling from the strength inside of you. It’s important to me because I feel like in my past I’ve allowed other people to get in the way or at least be an excuse for me not achieving my goals. This song is kind of like a “Eureka!” moment for myself.

What were some struggles and some joys in recording "Inside"?

As far as struggles while recording it, nothing comes to mind. It was a great recording experience. It was great to hear the evolution of the song as I recorded each layer of the instrumental. It felt AMAZING while I was delivering those lines with the vocals. Like, I just wanted to twerk and do a sassy finger snap when I was done. Which I probably did as I tend to always encourage a lil twerk sesh.