BY ERIN WALDNER
Californian staff writer
e-mail: ewaldner@bakersfield.com
Date: 9/27/2007

Kelly Ogden has been living out of a suitcase this year.

Her pop-punk band, The Dollyrots, released its second album, "Because I'm Awesome" in March. The months since have gone by "really fast," Ogden said. "I just feel like we've been on the road for most of it."

The band's hard work has paid off.

The infectious title track from "Because I'm Awesome" has been featured in back-to-school commercials for Kohl's department stores, the TV shows "Ugly Betty" and "Greek," even on certain airlines. You can also hear it on the radio.

We recently spoke with her by phone. She was at home -- an apartment near Koreatown in Los Angeles -- but the 20-something would soon hit the road again. The Dollyrotts -- a trio consisting of Ogden (lead vocals/bass), Luis Cabezas (guitar, vocals) and Chris Black (drums) -- plays Jerry's Pizza Monday night.

From here, they head north to Stockton and Modesto before making a U-turn to play a gig in West Hollywood.

Asked what she misses from home when she's on the road, Ogden said "my cat"
and "making my own food. I love cooking."

So what's next for the band?

"We're itching to write," Ogden said. "Every time we get home it's only for a few days. I know Luis has some songs brewing."

She expects the band will enjoy a prolonged break during the holidays, during which, she said, "we'll do a little writing."

Then it's back on tour next spring.