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Over the next few days, I have a slew of interviews planned with some up and coming acts that don't ring a bell just yet, but will in due time as you'll be cranking their songs up loud to get the full brunt of their musical power.Today, we have an interview with up and coming garage rockers Tarah Who? With roots in Paris and Los Angeles, this collective is yearning to make a strong impression here in the States, and seeks to bring about some interest in their music from people near and far who will most certainly find a common ground with their music. Let's get to know the trio a little better:
Give us your names and roles in the band?
Tarah G. Carpenter (TGC): Vocals and Guitar
Matt Peltcher (MP): Bass player and backing vocals
My name is Coralie Hervé and I’m the drummer of Tarah Who?
Take us behind the formation of the group and how you all met?
TGC: I started the band as a solo act in 2006. I have gone through a lot of musicians, until finding these guys! :)
MP:The band formed a while back. I joined in July of 2016. For some time I had been searching for a local So Cal band to play in and wasn’t finding quite what I was looking for. When I listened to TW?’s music for the first time there was something about the music that really resonated in me. When I joined I had no idea the awesome ride I was in for.
CH: I arrived in the band at the end of June, Tarah contacted me.
Describe your musical influences that really made you want to get into music?
TGC: I started as a drummer and a bass player in Rock bands. I listened to a lot of Alanis Morissette, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Pantera, Distillers etc.. I am not sure what made me want to get into music... I sorta just did and never stopped.
MP:I used to listen to a lot of Depeche Mode when I was a kid. I always wanted to get into music but bands like The Cure and Joy Division made me actually want to be in a band. Later musical influences where bands like Nirvana, Operation Ivy, Green Day, L7 and Bikini Kill.
CH: I was 10 when I discovered bands like ACDC or Guns’n’roses and since I’m a big fan of this kind of music. After I discovered Nightwish, a metal symphonic band, and I really love this style.
What were some influential British groups that really helped shape or hone your sound?
TGC: Let's see my mom is Pink Floyd's biggest fan! She would listen to all of their albums (and still does!earlier today, she told me she was getting one of their latest DVD's to watch at home and remember the concerts!)she also LOVES the Rolling Stones! So I know it's not a question about my mom, but my mom would (and still) cleans the house BLASTING their CD's. My brother and I never minded, but my point is that, unconsciously, I am sure that I like certain sounds because of listening to them over and over again.
Later, I discovered and enjoyed, Radiohead, The Cure, Blur, New Order,The Verve, Stereophonics, Spice Girls, and All saints! ( haha! Just checking if you are still reading!) I am a bog LEMMY fan, so whether it's Motorhead or HAWKWIND, Joy Division.
What is the creative process like for you guys, does it remain constant or does it change and evolve each time?
TGC: I write all the songs. Music and lyrics. Then i make demos of each one of them playing the guitar, drums, bass, vocals. I send the tracks to Matt and Coralie with and without their parts. They can either learn the song as-is or bring some ideas.That is for the recording part.
For the live shows, we like to spice it up a bit. This is where I want to showcase Matt and Coralie's musicianship and talents. We work a lot on giving a fun, entertaining performance. We want our fans to recognize the songs of course, but we like to arrange them and make them more fun.
Let's go behind the recording of your new ep HALF MIDDLE CHILD SYNDROME and what the whole process was like for the each of you?
MP: We got the opportunity to work with Jason Orme (guitarist for Alanis Morissette) and we really appreciated his invaluable help in the making of Half Middle Child Syndrome. We got to trying some really cool techniques. Jason suggested banging on different objects that were just lying around the studio to create more intensity in some songs. We also did multi-layering of different vocals to emphasize a heavier sound. It really made for a great final product.
TGC: Yes, working with Jason was amazing. He brought a lot to the table. Working with someone who is really into your music and project makes the difference. We are really happy with the result and because of that, Jason will work with us on our next EP as well!
What are some of your favorite places to play in the UK area?
MP: Manchester and London.
TGC: Gosh! I love playing the UK! I love playing in England, Ireland and we haven't played Scotland yet, but i know it will be the same fun, crazy atmosphere. You guys are the best crowd. You really do enjoy going out, live music, ROCK, drinking, mosh pitting. Everything that get me going on stage! WE LOVE PLAYING THE UK!
Any new bands or new songs you've been listening to lately that you've been really digging?
MP: I really like this all-girl band Pastel Felt. They’ve got a really cool “droning guitar with a lot of reverb” sound. Very hypnotic music.
CH: I really like Battle Beast (Finnish metal band) right now.
TGC: Oh man, this is going to sound bad, but I don't really know.. I don't really have time to listen to music.. If I am not playing or writing, I actually prefer silence. When I walk my dog, I do listen to music, but it's usually demos of songs I wrote to see if i still like it or if it works! And when I am tired of listening to myself... I listen to the other projects or songs I need to learn because I am going to record the drums or the bass on them!
BUT, if i were to listen to something else... I would have to go back to my roots... THE NINETIES!!!!
What's next on the agenda for you guys, and could we expect any U.S. shows in the not too distant future?
MP: We are scheduled to record a new E.P. and a couple of videos coming out very soon. We have a some local (Los Angeles) shows before the end of the year and some U.S. and possible European tour dates next year. Check us on Tarah Who's social media for more details. Can’t wait to meet some of you on tour!
CH: We have some shows in the LA area, we are working on a new EP that we will promote on a USA tour and maybe in France too.
TGC: Yes, music videos, new ep, tour, and our upcoming dates are:
OCT 28 at Malone's in Santa Ana.
DEC 2 at REDWOOD BAR in LA
Lastly, what would you like fans to know about you?
MP: TW? has a heavy/intense sound reminiscent of the 90s grunge and punk sound. Our live shows are always fun and intense. We always have fun on stage and invite everyone to come check us out for yourselves. See you at our next show!
CH: I’m a big fan of Coke.
TGC: She means Coca Cola of course...Fans should know that we love them and we cannot wait to meet them, and... I am into buddhism and I love animals.
For more on Tarah Who?, please 'Like' them on Facebook right here, follow them on Twitter over here, check out their music on Soundcloud from this spot here, and visit their official website for more in depth info at this perch right here.