{"id":268073,"date":"2025-11-03T03:30:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T03:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/268073\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T03:30:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T03:30:18","slug":"ex-dogma-guitarist-patri-grief-our-voices-will-not-be-silenced","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/268073\/","title":{"rendered":"Ex-Dogma Guitarist Patri Grief: “Our Voices Will Not Be Silenced”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last week, three members of Dogma<\/a>, vocalist Grace Jane Pasturini (Lilith) and guitarists Amber Maldonado (Lamia) and Patri Grief (Rusalka), announced they were leaving the band<\/a> because of issues with their management that included \u201cunilateral decisions, broken promises, manipulation, mistreatment, and lies to the fans.\u201d Now, Grief has shared another statement about her feelings toward the situation, and she wants to make sure we know that her and the girls are going anywhere. I know that\u2019s right!<\/p>\n

Grief released the following, quite long statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Rusalka that once was, and will always be<\/p>\n

\u201cHey guys. Rusalka (Patri Grief) here. I wanted to talk a little bit more about the recent events, what happened, why it happened, and shed some light on the situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn November 2023, I was contacted to be part of Dogma; I immediately fell in love with the project. I instantly fell in love with the aesthetic and songwriting. It seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was hired as Rusalka, and the adventure began.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might already know how much I put my soul into this project, always bringing ideas, collaborating with my drawings on drumheads and cards, going to the merch booth every single night, and overall, defining who Rusalka was. Rusalka is based on a very, VERY personal thing that I went through, and I somehow felt the fans really connected to the character in multiple ways. Rusalka was unhinged, crazy, slightly creepy, but always supportive and there to listen. Several of you reached out to me through the character\u2019s account seeking help, which I was always happy to give. Some very personal information was shared, from the fans and from me, yet the account was taken away by the management the minute I was not admitted into the United States.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave my everything into this project because, even if things felt off with the manager. I kept thinking \u2018you\u2019re doing this for them, and you\u2019re doing this for the teenage Patri who needed you the most.\u2019 I believed Dogma was about \u201cgiving a voice to those who don\u2019t have one,\u201d which resonated with me. As a child, I always wanted to become a professional musician specifically for that reason: to give shelter. I hid in music when I needed it the most, and I wanted to return the favor. With that in mind, I went to the merch table every night, read every fan message, and answered all that I could. As the character evolved, so did I. The fans that I met \u2014 I wouldn\u2019t even consider them as fans, but friends. I was, and still am, willing to give my all to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis management took advantage of my kindness. I was willing to do so many things for free, and, of course, I barely received a \u201cthanks\u201d in return. But the minute I set a boundary (as in, \u201cHey, I\u2019d rather not let you use my gear without permission\u201d) I was met with \u201cyou\u2019re showing that you\u2019re not committed to the project.\u201d The minute I said \u201cThen why would I be helping with the merch? Why would I be assisting the two new guitarists, if I was not committed to the project?\u201d I received a \u201cI paid you accordingly.\u201d I was given a 100\u20ac tip at the end of three tours, which, as you can imagine, doesn\u2019t even match the minimum salary for the work that I had been doing. But still, it\u2019s fine, because it was my idea, and I never did it for the money in the first place. I did it for you, for me, and for Rusalka, as she was born from the crazy and misunderstood.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe used the fact that he tipped me to make me shut up, and then he said that it would be better if I stopped doing it for this US tour. He\u2019d rather stop the connection between musician and fan than recognize the efforts I put into the band.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reason why I am no longer in the band is rather simple: I wasn\u2019t accepted into the United States because management wouldn\u2019t provide the proper VISA. I watched another member get kicked out simply for asking for the correct working VISA, so it seemed pretty clear to me: either go on tour, or be replaced. There was no other option. I flew to the US with the person who was supposed to be the new singer. We were both interrogated and detained. They took our phones (you can imagine how worried my family was), belts, earrings, and even our shoelaces. After 48 hours, we were sent back home.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe minute I turned my phone back on, I had a message from management saying \u201chey I found a replacement, could you teach her the songs?\u201d Not even an apology for taking the risk! Only him asking for more. When I got back home, I told him that I was detained for 48 because of his poorly made decision, to which he answered \u201cnobody forced you to do so. It was your decision, and you got caught because you were wearing a Pirate Queen t-shirt under your hoodie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was done. I was done because throughout all the fours, I\u2019ve had to deal with eating only twice a day because he didn\u2019t want to provide three meals. Every time I voiced my concern, I was shut down with the response of \u201cno band ever demands that kind of thing,\u201d while seeing bandmates cry under conditions that we accepted because of the opportunity. Every time I tried to discuss issues, I was met with gaslighting. I was treated poorly for having discussed the contract with another bandmate in order to receive better conditions. I was unable to organise anything in my life because of multi-month tours being planned with little notice. I was pressured into buying a piece of gear (aside from the guitar) that was \u201cmandatory\u201d which ended up not being necessary at all, it was instead used to carry vinyl and CDs instead of my guitar without my permission. The response? \u201cNobody forced you to do so, it was a suggestion.\u201d I was told \u201cDo you think I\u2019d still hire you if I had more money? Sorry to say, but the minute I can start paying more, I gain access to the people who charge more.\u201d Any time anyone expressed frustration with the situation, the response was \u201cThey need to f*ck to be calm\u201d or \u201cThey complain too much because they\u2019re women.\u201d I was sick of him putting us down in order to keep us small and silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite all of this, being a touring musician has always been my dream, and I loved Dogma, the idea, the concept, the character I played, and the possibility of giving to Music at least a little bit of what Music gave to me when I needed it most.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrace, Amber and I are not letting you down, and we will stand up for ourselves and the music we play. This management still has outstanding obligations, as ultimately it was his responsibility to provide what was required for a safe work environment. He failed to do so in a gross negligence which cost me and a poor girl \u2014 who didn\u2019t even get the chance to sing one show after spending 48 hours in detention. It was a trip that led to nothing but disappointment. I was disappointed to see how easily replaceable we are, to see my character played by someone else who is using a playback at a live show that fans can\u2019t even record, all because he is trying to hide the fact that he is selling something fans didn\u2019t pay for.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, to add something rather cheesy and petty to my statement, I will say, in Dogma\u2019s usual mystique, but without any AI behind my words: \u201cWe were joined together in a dark ritual of music and blood, we went through sacrifices that you yet don\u2019t know. Our voices will not be silenced, as, as far as we now talk with our cursed spirits, we will prove to you, sooner than you think, that the staves have already been drawn, the harmony is set, and the hexed melody of the coven is dying to be released\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour support means the world to me. To us. I\u2019ve read every single message, and, in all honesty, several of you had made me cry. Nothing new, though, as, since the beginning, while you admired the band from afar, I admired you back from the shadows.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

What sucks is that the shitty, predatory nature of Dogma\u2019s management wasn\u2019t only noticed by the band, but by prospects in Dogma\u2019s camp. Singer Kim Jennett, who almost joined the band last year, has come forward with her own allegations and observations about what was going on. <\/p>\n

Jennett clearly chose not to join, saying how the Dogma members were \u201cmasked, silenced, and controlled.\u201d She actually went even further as to list and break down more of the issues she had with the situation, which you can also read in full below. <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to share my side of the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I know the women involved legally may be unable to share certain aspects of their story, and I have proof of that. I\u2019m speaking out in solidarity with them. As women in music, we\u2019ve got to have each other\u2019s backs and call this kind of thing out so it stops happening again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2024 I was told I\u2019d be the new singer of Dogma. (I got through the audition and to the point of exchanging contacts before flying to South America for rehearsals)<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom day one, it was made clear this wasn\u2019t really a band. it was a brand. A plant created and pruned by the management. I was essentially playing a role. That does not take away from how much hard work and graft it takes to be a part of a project like this. The girls would have poured their hearts souls, blood sweat and tears into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could see they all injected a part of themselves into the roles and did an incredible job of making those characters their own.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes me sick about all of this is the anonymity. The women are masked, silenced, and controlled by contracts that stop them from speaking out. with legal threats hanging over them if they do and I have the proof of all this.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe contract I was sent was one of the most insulting things I\u2019ve seen in my 15 year career. My Lawyer said it was essentially \u201cslave labour\u201d and told me not to go anywhere near it. I completely understand that not everyone has access to legal advice, and I don\u2019t blame the women who signed. They were sold a dream. manipulated with false promises and hope, into signing something that ultimately exploited them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople might not realise it\u2019s not just about the awful pay, $100 a show (frankly a joke) while the managers pocket the profits from merchandise, ticket sales, and meet and greets. It\u2019s about control. legally bound to hide behind characters and keep mouths shut. Replaceable and exploited, all disguised behind a mask of \u201cfeminism.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI fought it for months. Every time I pushed back, the managers came back with manipulative tactics, trying to pressure me into signing something that would have destroyed me legally, financially, and professionally. I urged them to add a section added about basic human rights which they immediately took back out. Protecting myself against things like, sexual abuse and exploitation, allowing me rights to things such as health safety and the right to terminate the contract if these things are breached. When I urged my human rights where a non negotiable they backed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a brand that preaches \u201cauthenticity, freedom, and expression\u201d while handing out contracts that strip those very things away.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven their official statement says it all:<\/p>\n

\u2018Dogma is bigger than one person.\u2019 That\u2019s exactly it \u2026. the musicians are treated as replaceable. Disposable.<\/p>\n

\u201cSadly, in today\u2019s industry, there are so many artists that need work out there they will likely continue with a new lineup. more women being exploited and hidden behind this mask of \u201cmystery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m speaking out so people can see this for what it really is. If a brand\u2019s power relies on silence, control, and anonymity, it\u2019s not empowerment. it\u2019s exploitation.<\/p>\n

Proof & What the Contract Said<\/p>\n

\u201cI never signed their contract. thank God. but here\u2019s what they tried to make me agree to:<\/p>\n

ownership of my voice and likeness even after leaving.<\/p>\n

\u2018The company retains the right to use the artist\u2019s voice, recordings, likeness and character portrayal in perpetuity.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cThat means even if I walked away, they could keep using my image and voice to promote their brand. They could even use Al to replicate me. This they are doing to the women as I type this by using their likeness to write posts on their social media pages and models miming to their recordings.<\/p>\n

Total anonymity, total silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe artist agrees to perform under anonymity and refrain from revealing their identity publicly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny breach of confidentiality will result in legal action.\u201d<\/p>\n

So the women literally can\u2019t speak. They\u2019re gagged. That\u2019s why you\u2019ll never hear the true side of how bad things got. they\u2019re legally trapped. One of the reasons I have decided to share all of this.<\/p>\n

$100 per show, no ownership, no royalties.<\/p>\n

\u2018Artist will receive $100 per live performance, with no entitlement to royalties or residuals.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exploitation. No professional musician in 2025 should be paid less than minimum wage to front a brand making thousands. It even stated if I made a creative contribution to writing I would never be compensated for it.<\/p>\n

One sided power and threats of legal action.<\/p>\n

\u2018The company reserves the right to replace the artist at any time without compensation.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you refused or asked for fair terms, you\u2019d be threatened with legal consequences.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllowing there coercive and manipulative treatment of the artists from start to finish.<\/p>\n

The illusion of empowerment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey used words like sisterhood, freedom, authenticity, and artistry but the fine print stripped all of that away. Behind the masks, these women had no control over what they said, wore, or earned. It\u2019s the textbook definition of exploitation dressed up as feminism.<\/p>\n

6.Termination<\/p>\n

\u2018The Company reserves the right to terminate this agreement and replace the Artist at any time, for any reason, without prior notice or compensation. The Artist may not terminate this agreement without the prior written consent of them\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cThat means they could drop the women instantly, but the women couldn\u2019t leave. trapped unless the management allowed it.<\/p>\n

[sic] Legal fees<\/p>\n

\u2018The Artist shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Company against all costs, claims, damages, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cIf anything went wrong even if it was the managements fault I would have to pay their legal fees, and when they are paying so little per show it completely traps the artist, its financial abuse and manipulation.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery word of this is the complete truth. I have every message, call recording, and all of the contracts to back this up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m speaking for those that can\u2019t.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you care about women in music, stop supporting systems that hide behind empowerment while profiting off silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI stand with Grace, Amber, and Patri, and I urge you to do the same. Think about who you\u2019re really supporting and what kind of industry you\u2019re helping to sustain.\u201d<\/p>\n

I think all of these words sum of everything much better than I can, but you go, girls!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Last week, three members of Dogma, vocalist Grace Jane Pasturini (Lilith) and guitarists Amber Maldonado (Lamia) and Patri…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":268074,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[88,216],"class_list":{"0":"post-268073","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-music","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-music"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268073","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268073"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268073\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/268074"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}