ION INDIE MAGAZINE August 2014, Volume 3 | Page 27

Songstress of Substance
By Kiki Plesha
It is no secret that I am an O.G. Chi Town Rocker Chick meself from back in da day—thus, The
Windy City occupies a special place in my hell-raising, head-bobbing heart. This particular
Chicago-based vocalist/songwriter first came to my attention by way of one of my “homies”
from my old stomping grounds of Chicago--and justlikethat, I was in touch with DEANNA
WHALEN of the acclaimed group MAID OF METTLE. I had the opportunity to chat with Whalen
–she was genuine, engaging, HUMBLE…and also somewhat uncomfortable talking about
herself and NOT the band (I LOVE that!). But, talk she did--and her story was both poignant
and uplifting and in the “warrior spirit” that all tenacious rocker chicks harbor in their souls.
Not being able to resist speaking of the band, Whalen shares, “MAID OF METTLE is about the
human will to carry on, the search for ways to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually, and
the attempt to become more whole and find some sort of peace and healthy release from
the traumas of this life.”
Deanna Whalen is a maid with a message!
Whalen bravely shares, “My childhood was quite challenging in some areas. I suffered abuse
from a non-family member and have spent my life trying to find ways to cope and heal from
this. I am very interested in helping raise awareness against child abuse and plan to do my
part to help.”
Apparently, Whalen is also a maid on a mission!
She reminisces about her childhood and its impact on her musical roots—“It all started when
my mother received a phone call from my Kindergarten teacher telling her that I had a vocal
talent and they might want to encourage it along.”
Her childhood was one centered in music. As is the case with many vocalists, Whalen started
in church with her musical family. Her Dad, (TOMMY BOYD) is a legendary Bluegrass musician
and Whalen was raised around the music scene and moved all over the country as a
“Bluegrass Festival Rat”. Yet, free-thinker Whalen developed her own personal tastes in music—
and it was with the purchase of her first record player that the melodic strains of KISS, CHEAP
TRICK, QUEEN, BOSTON, and STYX could be heard wafting through the familial abode—much
to the confusion of her parents!