Calgary’s Rebel Grrrlz Are Lifelong Punk Rock Kids

Rebel Grrrlz at SoundOff Summit 2025. Photo by Daman Singh.

Calgary-based band Rebel Grrrlz were raised on music of the punk and riot grrrl persuasion. The five members described growing up immersed in the local punk scene, long before the band formed in 2023.

This was the case for lead vocalist Tuula Gould and lead guitarist Cricket Gould. The siblings had parents in bands and a mother who loved playing them the music of Sleater-Kinney and Bif Naked.

“And then me and Cricket just got more and more involved into the music, and we just kept listening. We have felt really inspired to spread the message that those artists have,” Tuula said.

Similarly, rhythm guitarist and scream singer Finley Lawrance’s father is a videographer and musician. Drummer and backing vocalist Scarlet Hegel explained that she has been a “punk rock kid” for as long as she can remember. 

Bassist Paulina Simm also described having a lifelong interest in punk music. Joining BAM! Camp only fostered that interest more. Formerly known as Girls Rock Camp, BAM! Camp is a non-profit organization based out of Calgary that runs summer camps open to cisgender and transgender girls and non-binary people between the ages of 12 and 17. The goal of BAM! Camp is to create a positive environment for youth to gain music education and performance experience.

It was through BAM! Camp that Tuula, Cricket, Simm, and Lawrance eventually became friends. Hegel would join the band later. As Tuula explained, they realized that together they had the complete lineup of instruments required to start a band.

“Since all of our parents have been in bands growing up, I assume all of us have wanted to follow [in the] footsteps of our parents and just … express ourselves through music,” Tuula said. “I think that’s a way to get your emotions out there, whether it’s playing your guitar really heavy or screaming with backing vocals.”

Since BAM! Camp, 2025 has proved to be a particularly big year for Rebel Grrrlz. They played their first show in Edmonton during the Purple City Music Festival in September. In June, they released their first EP with five songs. And in their home city of Calgary, they got to play at Calgary’s biggest event of the entire year — the famous Calgary Stampede. Playing the Coca-Cola Stage was “the most nervous all of us have ever been,” Tuula said.

“We were like, how are we doing this right now? This is so amazing.”

Despite the understandable nerves, the show went well. It allowed them to reach an audience that wouldn’t typically attend punk shows or engage in the scene. Lawrance remarked on seeing some cowboys moshing. 

“It was really cool to see everyone enjoy and experience [it] all together. Even though they have different issues, different interests, different things going on in their life, they all just kind of connected in that moment,” Lawrance said.

Rebel Grrrlz at SoundOff Summit 2025. Photo by Daman Singh.

Their recent EP, titled We’re Gonna Eat Your Soul, is a culmination of their songwriting since the band's early days at BAM! Camp, Lawrance explained. While working on the songs, Tuula said they were able to figure out Rebel Grrrlz’s sound as a band.

“Our songs… reflect our values in life. Sometimes we have silly songs like “Vegan Hotdog” but we just talk about what we believe in,” Tuula said.

Tuula explained a lot of Rebel Grrrlz’s lyrics talk about the experiences of women, especially their own within the punk scene.

Even months after the EP’s release, the band explained they still have people come and talk to them about it, whether that’s at shows or in school. Lawrance mentioned seeing Rebel Grrrlz’s songs on her high school’s playlist. 

For other young people interested in getting involved in Calgary’s punk scene, Rebel Grrrlz had some pieces of advice. Simm advised against starting any drama. Cricket recommended taking any show opportunities possible when starting out. Tuula emphasized the importance of taking up space.

“Don’t be afraid to express what you’re trying to express. It’s music. Somebody out there is going to like it,” Tuula said.

In the new year, Rebel Grrrlz plans to continue on the work they’ve already started: playing shows and releasing music. Currently, Rebel Grrrlz is working on three songs, which they hope to release in the new year. Additionally, they’ve been approached about having their music featured in some short and feature films. Their upcoming song “Nemesis” will be featured in a short film by Edmonton-based filmmaker Sylvia Douglas, 

Getting their name out there and featuring within other people’s art is an opportunity the band is really excited for, Lawrance said.