A Dirty Dozen with TARAH CARPENTER from TARAH WHO? – SEPTEMBER 2024

According to a recent press release: “Female-fronted punk rock band Tarah Who? has just released their new album, The Last Chase, via Pavement Entertainment. Produced by Alain Johannes and frontwoman Tarah Carpenter, The Last Chase was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the band’s raw demos. Recorded in Lisbon and the countryside of Barcelona, the album exudes an organic quality. Alain’s commitment to preserving the authentic vibe shines through, ensuring that each track resonates with the same energy as Tarah’s initial creative sparks. From their humble beginnings playing DIY shows and warehouses to repping their sound at prestigious European festivals, Tarah Who? has been turning heads with their brand of high-octane grunge-punk. Equally as visceral as it is cathartic, their sound collides bold lyricism and relentless instrumentation, mirroring the spirit and attitude of punk rock.” We get Tarah herself to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Alain (Johannes) and I tried to stay as authentic as possible. I had sent the demos to Alain in advance, and he really liked them. So much that he was focused and keeping the vibe and energy of each one of the songs. There are no edits, we would just re-track or redo a song, a lot of it is improvisation, and we just went with what felt good. We kept the mistakes and the fuck ups because in a world full of AI, we wanted to remind people that rock music is about feelings, and imperfections, and being real. On “never say never,” at the end, both Alain and I laugh at the ridiculous backing vocals we did. The end of the song was supposed to become a loop, and we just adlibbed the ending so that we would have enough to work with. Because there wasn’t a structure, we didn’t really know when to end… you can hear us discussing it, and Alain saying “we’re just going to cut it anyway” but we ended keeping it.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I really don’t remember. My mom used to blast rock music since we were babies, so I have always been around it in a way, but no one plays in my family. I was drawn to the drums at the youngest age and at 14 I taught myself. I joined a band playing the drums, and later I joined another band playing bass. I play the guitar because I write songs, and that came later, when I felt like I needed to express myself. It was never a thought; I have always done it.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

I listened to a lot of Alanis Morissette growing up! But I never wanted to sound like her. I was always more of a rocker, Motorhead, Foo Fighters (early foo), Rage Against The Machine. Then the distillers, Joan Jett, Garbage, Hole. Tthen someone introduced me to L7 and everything made sense.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

At this time, I have plans to collaborate with Patron, and to do another song with Alain where he would sing. Not just backing vocals. Outside of those, I would love to do a collaboration with Brody! That would be pretty crazy!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I like to chill, be at home with my family, pets, friends. Go out. Travel. Just the simple things of life, and spending quality time with the people you love, you know?

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I can tell you about one that we heard a few times that I like. I don’t necessarily agree but I applaud the references. We were touring the West Coast and then flew to the East Coast and heard the EXACT same words! We thought it was funny… “you guys sound like if Motorhead was fronted by Alanis Morissette!” I thought… yup! Pretty much! It sums up my influences, but I don’t think we sound like this. Especially on this latest album. I don’t know what we are. I prefer to let people say what they want to say!

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Let’s see… it depends, I would say I am the cook, Lisa finds the restaurant though. Niko is probably in charge of the drinks. Ash is DEFINITELY the one who would crack the acoustic guitar if we had not found it first and hid it.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

It was Donita [Sparks] actually. When we opened for them. I was intimidated. The last show at the Black Cat in DC, Dave Grohl stopped by, we had a few shots, and then I finally was able to tell Donita how much L7 means to me!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

I am not sure. That’s kind of all I know to do. When you write a song and you’re super excited, and then you go in the studio to make it a real thing, and then you perform it, and people sing along. I don’t know. it’s the whole process that is magical really. I don’t want to talk about the other part of the question! I think I’d be miserable.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I am not sure, but I like conversations. I prefer a journalist who has done their research and who has personalized questions rather than a copy and paste to many bands. It’s just more personal and takes the whole interview to a new level. I feel respected, and automatically, I share more because I respect their time and work in return. So I give back. Make it a little special.  I am tired of answering “why is the band called Tarah Who?”

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Not really because even in situations that could have been handled differently, I have learned from that process. There is never a day that is similar to another, especially while touring. We were just talking about it earlier. You have to be flexible, adapt, and take a few punches while smiling. It is in no way normal, but this is how it works if you want to continue.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I am not sure. I think every band has their own magic happening in the moment. It’s not for me to be a part of. It’s like for Tarah Who? when we record, I don’t want a bunch of people hanging out. And if you’re not recording that day, I don’t want you around. So I don’t think I would feel comfortable being somewhere I don’t belong unless I was collaborating and a part of the recording process.

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Category: Interviews