Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Tarah G. Carpenter: (TGC) Vocals,Guitar
Matt Peltcher (MP) : Bass
Shaina Mikee Keiths: Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Tarah Who? How long has the band been around?
MP: My best friend and I started a 3-piece punk band back in the early 90s and after a few name changes over the years we ended up calling it Clara Bow. I joined Tarah Who? back in July and the band has been around for quite a while.
TGC: Mmm I started playing in bands when i was 15 years old... I have been in many bands as a drummer or bass player. I started writing music (guitar and lyrics) for myself at around the same age, and it became Tarah Who?. In this sense, Tarah Who? has been around for about 15 years.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
MP: The band’s name originated accidentally from emails going back and forth. I don’t think the band has changed its name since. TGC: It actually did:) The name changed because my name was taken by a rap artist. I sent an emails with a bunch of new band name options with the subject: "Tarah Who?" and out of aaaalllll the band names i came up with, my band mates (at the time) said: "how about "Tarah Who?". Now truthfully, looking for band name is probably the thing i dislike the most in starting new projects! We had a few shows lined up and we had to come up with something quick, I just thought: "Sure!, Why Not?"
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
MP: Tarah writes the lyrics and music, then we bang it out in our studio until it sounds just right. Our songs talk about love, pain and anger. TGC: Very well said Matt. Can't do better. What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making? MP: I feel like there are very few bands who write from the heart, with passion, these days. It’s hard to be inspired by a lack of passion. That’s probably why I get most of my inspiration from back in the day bands like The Cure, Nirvana, Joy Division, The Smashing Pumpkins. TGC: Life inspires me. My emotions inspire me.. I don't listen to much music. I play so much that when I don't, I enjoy silence...
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
MP: I was literally inspired by every music performance, regardless of genres, I saw when I was a kid. I remember telling myself “you belong up there”. TGC: No.. not really, I just wanted to play so I did, and the more i played the more i wanted to do it, and of course the more I went to see gigs, the more i wanted to be up on stage instead of in the crowd...
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
MP: Seriously? There’s never any time! You basically have to get up there and play.
TGC: Ha! Matt! Don't dramatize;) although he's right for shows here in LA, when I do have time or a backstage i usually stretch. Legs, Arms, Fingers, Shoulders, BACK! I usually try to fit in a Jameson and coke ( or 2) ...
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
MP: Recording our latest EP has been pretty epic. Ask me after we play the Viper Room in June. TGC: I think working with Jason Orme on our latest EP, is for me the biggest highlight so far:)
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
MP: Foo Fighters. L7. Deftones. Just as long as it’s a loud, high energy band. TGC: Foo Fighters, Distillers or anything Brody Dalle, Hole, Juliette Lewis... etc.. Is there anything else you would like to add?
MP: Check out tarahwho.com for the latest news and to check out our music and videos
TGC: Thanks for having us again:) please stay tuned for the upcoming ep release party, music videos and tours:)