The SoapGirls, an alternative rock band from South Africa consisting of sisters Noemie (Mie) and Camille (Mille) Debray, kicked off their latest tour, Rock DNA, at The Crucible in Madison, Wisconsin. The SoapGirls got their name from their childhood days as street performers, when they would sing and sell soap to raise money for charity. Known for their fearless energy on stage, catchy guitar riffs, heavy bass lines, and pounding drum beats, these ladies put on a show that truly reflects their passion for music, life, and being exactly who they want to be.
I had heard of The SoapGirls before but had never actually listened to their music prior to this show. Going into a concert without knowing a single song can sometimes make for a less enjoyable experience. However, as soon as The SoapGirls hit the stage, I immediately connected with their sound. The guitar and bass tones were excellent, packed with memorable riffs and backed by powerful drumming. Both Mie and Mille handled vocal duties, and each sounded great throughout the set. At times, Mille even broke into heavier growling vocals that added another layer to the performance.
I was locked in from the first song through the final encore. There wasn’t a single song that I didn’t enjoy or feel connected to. The stage presence of Mie and Mille was fantastic, with plenty of energy between them and an obvious chemistry that comes from being sisters. That connection extended naturally to the audience as well. Going into the show not knowing what to expect, I left as a fan and am already looking forward to checking out more of their albums and future shows.
Not only are The SoapGirls entertaining musically, but they also have great personalities. They spoke often between songs and kept the crowd engaged with plenty of humor, joking with each other and the audience throughout the night. Early in the set, Mie mentioned how great it was to be back at The Crucible and how exciting it was to start the tour in Madison because things could only get better from there. She quickly followed that up by saying she was just kidding. Later in the show, they held a drawing where the winner would get to come on stage for a Polaroid photo with the band. Before announcing the winner, Mie joked that whoever won would come on stage and get the hell beat out of them.
The SoapGirls’ connection with their fans was one of the highlights of the night. Whether getting right up to the barricade, stepping into the crowd, or simply interacting between songs, they delivered an up close and personal experience that worked perfectly in the intimate club setting. About halfway through the set, Mie spoke about being comfortable in your own skin and being who you want to be. She then announced she was taking her top off and invited anyone in the audience who felt comfortable doing the same to join her. Several audience members participated, and The SoapGirls launched into “In My Skin.” Other songs featured throughout the set included “Psycho,” “Champagne Cocaine,” “Devil,” and “Heart In Bloom.”
My biggest takeaway after seeing The SoapGirls was wondering why they were playing such a small venue in front of a relatively small crowd. They are a band that more fans of rock, alternative, and punk music should absolutely be checking out. Then again, a larger venue might take away some of the intimacy that makes their live show so special. That close connection with fans is part of what sets them apart. With the tour just getting underway, there will be plenty of opportunities around the country to catch The SoapGirls live. If you’re already a fan, you won’t want to miss it. If you’re curious, you won’t be disappointed.
The Soap Girls Tour
