Musicians in Lockdown: Tarah Who? Interview

Grunge rock duo Tarah Who? sure know how to make the most of a mundane situation — while creating a sound that is everything but. The LA pair are currently on the grind for their new album set to release in April. Each new song they put out is a chaotic collage of sounds that could be on a soundtrack for a pre-punk show riot. Haywire instrumentals accentuate mutinous vocals for a vibe that will make avid show-goers eager to get back into the pit.

Tarah G. Carpenter and Coralie Herve sat down with The Outer Void:

What have you been up to during the pandemic?

CH: We actually did a lot, hahaha!!! Tarah wrote a new album and we were able to record it with our producer Jason Orme. Drumming-wise I had a lot of time to practice and record some new videos.

TGC: Yes! I actually used the quarantine time to write. It was hard to practice the songs and get ready for the studio because we could not see each other. We did Zoom meetings after another, and sent each other tracks and videos! I play in other projects on the side so I set up my recording studio and I was able to work with musicians around the world! Weird times! 

Has the lockdown impacted your songwriting this year in any way?

TGC: It was different for sure because I usually write all the music and lyrics at once. This time, because I had time in my studio, I came up with a bunch of different riffs and the music came before the vocal parts. During the actual recording, our producer, Jason Orme (Alanis Morissette) made a few suggestions and we arranged on the spot. We only had a weekend to record so we had to focus a lot. We recorded 8 songs in 2 days and we wore masks! It was intense!

What’s your favorite show you’ve ever played?

TGC: There were a few that were memorable. One is in London, in a punk bar. It was one of my fondest memory with the gig at the strip club in Eureka, CA. I had no idea I was booking a strip club and it was A-MAZING! 

If you could tour with any band/artist, who would it be?

CH: I would love to tour with Nightwish, my favorite band, Cyhra and Ghost.

TGC: My dream tour would be with YUR MUM (again.. we have already toured with them a couple times but I love it so much I want to do it again and again!) and BALA, from Spain. We would all be duo bands, only one man, Fabio from Yur Mum! Ha! Different types of rock. Heaven! One day, I hope to make it happen!

What 2020 album would you recommend to someone who believes there’s no good new music?

CH: I want to recommend the band Ad Infinitum with the debut album Chapter 1 : Monarchy, just amazing!!! And of course the unmissable Human;Nature by Nightwish!!!

TGC: I was so happy to hear that the Chicks (Dixie Chicks) had released a new album in 14 years!!! I really enjoy their upbeat music and overall production. Yes, I have a country side…

What are your plans for 2021?

CH: We’re gonna release a lot of new music and videos, I’m really excited for it!!!

TGC: That’s right! We are releasing a new album in April 2021 but until then, we will be releasing a new single with a music video every month! First one is ‘Swallow That Pill’ 🙂 

Stream Tarah Who? on Spotify and Apple Music, and check out their video for “Swallow That Pill” below!