Band Bio Carrie Carter, Mitchella Phipps, and Paulina Vazquez came together in Whitesburg, Kentucky, where they began their musical journey in early 2018. This coincided with their efforts to establish East Kentucky's inaugural Girls Rock Camp, known as Girls Rock Whitesburg, which is part of the Girls Rock Camp Alliance—a global network dedicated to youth-focused arts and social justice initiatives. Each artist brought distinct musical influences to the group, including classical, punk, Appalachian old-time, folk, and Mexican Folklorico dance. As they collaborated, they discovered a harmonious synergy that fueled their creativity. The trio's co-written songs, characterized by a blend of powerful, playful, and audacious themes, traverse genres such as punk, classic rock, and surf-rock, leading them to describe their sound as "contraceptive rock." Following the release of their self-titled debut album, they will embark on a tour that includes Cincinnati, Lexington, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, culminating in a hometown performance at the Summit City venue in Whitesburg. [https://slutpill.bandcamp.com/](https://slutpill.bandcamp.com/)

Individual Bios

Mitchella Phipps Mitchella Phipps (she/they) hails from Letcher County, Kentucky, where she was born and raised. She received her first guitar at the age of six, although her affinity for music began long before, as she would drag her father's instruments around the house. Primarily self-taught, she learned the basics of guitar from her father and has since expanded her skills as a multi-instrumentalist. Some of her earliest musical experiences revolve around her parents' stereo, filled with rock 'n' roll vinyl. Mitchella pursued studies in Sociology and Gender Studies at Morehead State University but felt a strong desire to return home. Upon her return, she dedicated herself to community change by co-creating and coordinating Girls Rock Whitesburg. In addition to her organizing efforts, she has taught music in various after-school and summer programs, including Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAMS), Passing the Pick & Bow (WMMT), and the esteemed Cowan Creek Mountain Music School. Her artistic endeavors have garnered recognition and support from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Outside of music, Mitchella enjoys life in a holler with her partner, Tanya B. Turner, and their boxer, Louie Armstrong. Her interests in movie quotes, puns, and intersectional feminism often inspire the songwriting and sound of Slut Pill.

Paulina Vazquez Originally from Omaha, Nebraska—renowned for its rich music scene—Paulina Vazquez has lived in various cities, immersing herself in local music cultures and timidly performing at open mics. She settled in Whitesburg, Kentucky, in 2015. With classical training in piano, voice, and dance, Paulina picked up her first guitar at age 12, developing a passion for music as she recorded covers and original songs in her childhood bedroom using Pro-Tools. Growing up, she was deeply involved in community activities, where she learned to blend art and social justice. Her early experiences included dancing traditional Mexican folk dance at her aunt’s Latin-American Museum. Paulina is also a member of Cornbread & Tortillas, a collective of Latin-American and Appalachian artists focused on fostering community through art, culture, dance, and outreach efforts.

Carrie Wells Carter Carrie Wells Carter was born and raised in Red Bush, Kentucky, in a family with a strong musical and artistic background. She learned to play traditional old-time fiddle during her childhood and continues to teach fiddle lessons in Whitesburg. Carrie shares her life with her partner, Matthew, and their toddler, Ophelia, while also caring for Matthew's daughter, Teagun, part-time. Together, they are passing on their musical and artistic traditions to their children and managing their band practices at home. In addition to her musical pursuits, Carrie enjoys painting, quilting, and motherhood in the scenic mountains of eastern Kentucky.