chasing destino

Quarantine Interview: Tarah Who?

Alternative rock band Tarah Who? have not forgotten how to rock during the pandemic. In fact, they wrote and recorded a new album, which will be out in the spring of 2021. There is also a COVID edition t-shirt design in their merch section, which I think is awesome.

Let’s find out what Tarah Who? has been up to lately. Please welcome Tarah Who? to the blog. For the sake of this interview:

TGC = Tarah G. Carpenter

CH = Coralie Herve

Where have you been staying in 2020?

TGC: Home for the most part. We were very limited…

What have you been doing during times of quarantine?

CH : I’ve been practicing drums a lot and we worked on new songs that will be out soon !!

TGC: Writing, recording. Reconnected with some old friends and sent each other tracks and new project ideas. Wrote a new album for Tarah Who? recorded it, and now promoting it. 🙂

Have you found or re-found any hobbies?

CH : Not really, I’ve been listening to music, play video games and watch TV shows.

TGC: Growing plants is a new thing, and also doing a lot of renovations in my house. Outside of that, I am using this time to promote Tarah Who? online more. Hoping to reach out to new people who maybe will find our videos during this time.

What have you been listening to lately?

CH : I discovered this band called Ad Infinitum and I love it !! Their songs are amazing !!!

TGC: Little bit of everything, in general, but when I work on the release of an album, I usually have to listen to that album a lot, to either approve a mix, master of video edit.. So my head is “in it” right now.

Has your songwriting process changed this year?

CH : For sure !! Because of covid we couldn’t rehearse the songs together like we normally do, we sent each others audios and videos. We played the songs for the first time together in the studio when we were recording.

TGC: Yeah it was really different for me from the beginning. I usually write a song, guitar and vocals together to make sure that it all fits and I know that it works. This time, I wrote a bunch of guitar riffs, added bass and drums, THEN i added the vocals. It was a nice experience. Then, as Coralie said, I sent the tracks over and we actually never rehearsed them. We met at the studio with Jason and we just started recording. We made a few changes on the spot, but that was it!

Is there any message that you would like to convey to fans or soon-to-be fans?

TGC: Thanks for your support! We have been really lucky that during the pandemic, we had some fans order t-shirts on our website. This really means a lot to us so THANK YOU! www.tarahwho.com

What is something positive that has happened to you during 2020?

CH : Being able to work a lot on music and practicing drums was awesome !!

TGC: Yeah, I was able to focus on writing and creating a plan of action to release the new songs!

Connect with Tarah Who?

iTunes

Tarah Who? website

Deezer

Sorrowland: #bookreview

If you are ready for an LGBT Gothic Science Fiction novel, then Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon will be ready for you on May 4, 2021. It is like no other book that I have read before, which is saying something. I have read a lot of books.

The book begins as Vern has just escaped from Cainland, a religious and political commune. People may call it a Black Nationalist commune with a focus on religion. I don’t know if the Black Panther Party would approve of this commune or the leaders. Many of the children at the commune are named after leaders of the Black Panthers. If I remember correctly, Vern was named after Vernon Johns, a civil rights leader.

At the beginning of the book, Vern has just given birth to twins, Howling and Feral. She is also on the run from someone that has been sent to bring Vern back to Cainland. Vern isn’t sure who the person is so she calls him or her “The Fiend.” Vern would rather live in the woods with two newborns than return to Cainland. She manages to fend off the fiend and the wolves for a long time. Finally, she decides it is time to find her friend, Lucy, who also escaped from Cainland. Vern travels with her children and finds Lucy’s family, Aunt Bridget and cousin, Gogo. Bridget and Gogo take in Vern and the children.

Vern has noticed that her body is changing in unusual ways. She’s becoming stronger and faster. Is she turning into a supernatural being? Although the children are young, they notice the changes in their mother.

Vern suspects that the leaders at Cainland are behind the changes. It’s possible isn’t it?!

Howling and Feral are interesting characters. I’m not sure if they are boys or girls. It doesn’t matter. They are both so smart and resourceful. They are growing so fast. I’m not sure if they are growing faster than usual or if it’s just the way the timeline works.

If you like science fiction or gothic fiction with nonbinary characters, then you might love this book as much as I did.

If you are not a fan of African-American history, social issues, or just a hater of people of color and the LBGT community, then you are not ready for this book yet.

The following excerpt is from Wikipedia. I highly recommend learning about the Black Panther Party.

The Black Panther Party first publicized its original “What We Want Now!” Ten-Point program on May 15, 1967, following the Sacramento action, in the second issue of The Black Panther newspaper.^[55]

We want freedom. We want power to determine the destiny of our Black Community.
We want full employment for our people.
We want an end to the robbery by the Capitalists of our Black Community.
We want decent housing, fit for shelter of human beings.
We want education for our people that exposes the true nature of this decadent American society. We want education that teaches us our true history and our role in the present day society.
We want all Black men to be exempt from military service.
We want an immediate end to POLICE BRUTALITY and MURDER of Black people.
We want freedom for all Black men held in federal, state, county and city prisons and jails.
We want all Black people when brought to trial to be tried in court by a jury of their peer group or people from their Black Communities, as defined by the Constitution of the United States.
We want land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice and peace.

I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Obviously.
Amazon affiliate link included in this post.

10 Books on the #AlreadyRead List. Part 18

The Murderer’s Wife. Written from the point of view of the murderer’s wife, who knows about the murdering.
To Be Perfectly Clear. An interesting ghost story.
4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace.
East of Eden. I don’t remember the details but I remember that I enjoyed reading this book. FYI: I read this book over 20 years ago.
A Farewell to Arms. Should probably read this one again.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It’s not that I dislike this book. You know when the radio plays certain songs so much that you almost hate those songs? That is how I feel about Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain wrote other books. Let’s talk about those.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. It’s ok probably. I don’t remember if I read Ulysses or not. I did read the Odyssey by Homer. Does that count for something?
Twilight. Don’t judge me. People need junk food books too.
Wuthering Heights. Honestly, I only enjoy the movie with Tom Hardy because it is Tom Hardy. I spend most of my time reading this like “WTF is wrong with people?!” It almost landed on the DNF list.
The DaVinci Code. I like this book and the movie. It’s the mystery and the history.

Meet and Greet: Project Renegade

Who: Project Renegade, Athens, Greece. The group includes Marianna (vocals), Ody (drums), Nick K. (guitars) and Jay (bass).

What: Metal.

Why: You might need something to drown out the sound of your loved one’s snoring. However, you want music that you can play air drums to or whatever you do when everyone else is asleep. I have really enjoyed listening to Project Renegade’s album, Order of the Minus.

It’s possible that my neighbors are also enjoying this album. My house is noisy at the moment with all of the heavy metal. I cannot even hear the snoring right now. Thank you Project Renegade for the noisiest peace and quiet that I’ve had in awhile! The last time I think I was at the circus watching the tightrope walkers.

Where:

Check out the links! Buy the merch!

Connect with Project Renegade:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/PRenegade_Cerebra

Google Play: http://bit.ly/Cerebra_Googleplay

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/prenband

Bandcamp Page: https://projectrenegade.bandcamp.com

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5zHAKWh35oPsbHANEbI3w

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectrenegadeofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Proj_Renegade

Spotify:http://bit.ly/Spotify_PRenegade

ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/projectrenegade

Aether Ones: #bookreview

Synopsis of Aether Ones by Wendie Coffman-Porter:

Long ago, the Great Sundering ripped the universe apart, creating two separate realities. The kuldain realm developed advanced technology, and its inhabitants travel the universe on massive ships to colonize and expand their empire. The aether realm, meanwhile, harnessed the magic of the massively powerful eldrich energy that connects everything within their realm.

Now, a tentative peace reigns between the two realms, maintained by a treaty and by the Imperial Investigative Service—a force designed to monitor interactions between the realms and ensure that most kuldain inhabitants don’t even know aether space exists.

Leilani Falconi, a talented agent of the IIS, polices the galaxy with quick sarcasm and a quicker temper. When a series of suspicious deaths in kuldain space threatens the secrecy and peace, Lei must solve the mystery—fast—before both her realities change forever.

Outer space is filled with so many possibilities. When I imagine the setting of this book, I picture a combination of Altered Carbon and Star Wars. The scenery is probably dark and gritty and yet bright and colorful. Space can be shiny and mysterious at the same time.

So here is a quick rundown of who I think should be cast in two of the lead roles if the book were a movie:

Dave Bautista as General Rothar Harrison

Leilani Falconi is brilliant. I think I would root for her even if she was the villain. When she finds Rothar Harrison, who is kind of a big deal, it’s like she is starstruck. Imagine meeting your childhood hero and now they are your work partner. If Bo Jackson, Oprah or Slash suddenly appeared in my life, it would be shocking. Falconi handles the situation with much more finesse than most of us could muster. I mean, she has to . . . there is so much at stake – not just the fate of one world but the fate of two worlds are basically in her hands.

I really imagine the character of Rothar Harrison as Bo Jackson but maybe purple and taller. He is a leader and seems to be fair. Could there be a romantic spark between Harrison and Falconi? I think so. Is it just me that is hoping? Both of the characters are old as hell. They are still well preserved though. Don’t they deserve a beach vacation after all that they’ve been through?

Falconi and Harrison are hot on the trail of Admiral Brigitta Gremm, who should be portrayed by Jane Lynch. Gemm is very powerful so of course, she wants all of the power. Falconi suspects that Gemm is up to no good but she has to walk on eggshells for a little while. Gemm knows how to get rid of information that Falconi could use. She’s dangerous and conniving. Can Falconi stay one step ahead of Gemm?

If you enjoy science fiction with strong female characters who are not condescended to by their tall purple work partner or other male co-workers, then Aether Ones could be the book for you.

If you don’t see a place for women in leadership roles in science fiction or in real life, then you should read a book that can enlighten you on why women are leaders and should continue to lead. Then please come back to read this book.

I received this book from The Write Reads as part of the Aether Ones book tour.
Amazon affiliate link included in this post.

Space Punk: #fashionblog

If I were an alien from Jupiter, I think I would wear something like this ensemble. Not everyone is good at blending in, right?! 🙂

Sleep Deprived Music Review: Tenelle

Anything is Possible on Amazon. Affiliate link

If you are familiar with singer Tenelle, then you know her style is usually R & B with a bit of a tropical island feeling. So on the latest album, Anything is Possible, Tenelle is collaborating with Ryn as Ten x Ryn. The result is more hip-hop and explicit.

I’m not complaining at all. This album is pretty dope. Everyone needs a vacation from what they usually do.

I’m still adding songs to the living room dance off list on Spotify. Ten x Ryn definitely helps old moms like me to get their body moving. My kids will be horrified but the shock could help me win the dance off.

Ten x Ryn reminds me of a more modern version of 90s R & B/hip-hop. Ten x Ryn are close to duets between Monica and Eve or Mary J. Blige and Foxy Brown, at least to my ears. (Fingers crossed that there will be 90s R & B/hip-hop events in the future.)

Besides during a dance competition, I would love to be able to listen to this album while shopping for some sassy shoes to wear on the dance floor.

Who is in the band?

Links

Website

Amazon affiliate link used in this post.

Flawless Friday Video: Tatiana Hazel

Chicago native Tatiana Hazel has a video for her whole DUALITY album. The music is pop but not the terrible stuff. Hazel’s music is worth a listen. Her music reminds me a little bit of Madonna or Selena. Of course, Hazel is herself, which is awesome.

The video for the album is like watching a concert in an actual disco club or a runway but you’re still in your living room. Bring your own beverage to the Tatiana Hazel party.

Connect with Tatiana Hazel:

Twitter

Links to “Friends” music: https://cmg.ffm.to/promfriends

Website

Facebook

Amazon affiliate link included in this post.

Quarantine Interview: RLND

The YouTube recommendations are at our house are about to be lit again. Within the next day or so, I’m going to add RLND of San Francisco to the list. My boyfriend is going to be so stoked. He is a big fan of progressive rock and progressive metal – instrumental or otherwise. At this point in the quarantine, I think he’ll just be glad it’s not “Puppet History” . . . again.

So I’m very excited to welcome RLND to the YouTube feed, as well as the blog. (Insert confetti and party noises here.)

Please welcome RLND to the blog!

https://rlnd.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR0YTGN7R9xtcLjbwJkEdNME0jezPBFTJjBMp3IO2C23LF34kyWPL7ceoG0

Where have you been staying in 2020?

Keith, Alex and Sam live in the Bay Area. Joe lives up in Portland.

What have you been doing during times of quarantine?

Mainly staying at home. Depending on who you are talking to, we have been playing a lot of music, or playing a lot of video games, or cooking a lot, or reading. The main thing for the band is that we are of course unable to play together, which has been a bummer, but at least we have this record to put out.

Have you found or re-found any hobbies?

Joe was baking bread for a while but then he stopped. Does learning to relish being a hermit due to necessity count as a hobby? I guess we have all been working on some music videos for the new release, also. That has been pretty enjoyable.

What have you been listening to lately?

Elder, that most recent Hum record, Shiner, Grand Nationxl, Depeche Mode. Powermetal. Drab Majesty. Keith listens to so much that I can’t even speculate what it might be on a given day.

Has your songwriting process changed this year?

Absolutely. It used to be fairly organic and collaborative, and while it’s still collaborative, it is not nearly as easy given that we can’t be in the room together. These days we are sending riffs back and forth and working off of one another’s stuff. It isn’t leading to any complete work, but there is good stuff coming out of it. It seems like that process might be encouraging us to be a bit more thoughtful with what we are doing. A significant portion of our newest album was written off the cuff in rehearsal, starting with some preconceived initial riffs, and then arranging around those thematically. The new stuff is basically patched together when exchanging riffs online, and we will probably do all the details and arrangement once we are finally able to get together again.

Is there any message that you would like to convey to fans or soon-to-be fans?

When the pandemic is controlled, we plan to leave the house and come see you and give you a reason to leave the house. That will be a great day for everyone.

What is something positive that has happened to you during 2020?

A lot of positives this year to go along with the many dumpster fire negatives – for the band, we made a connection with Andy from Sell the Heart Records, who was kind enough to put out our new record called Zealand. It actually isn’t brand new, but about a year old; we had been struggling with how we wanted to release it, and started putting together a summer tour when the pandemic hit. That long delay actually ended up being a kind of surprise positive, as we were able to take the time to make videos for (hopefully) every song on the record.

Connect with RLND:

Facebook

Meet and Greet: Isis Deardon

photographer @danniellajaine and lovely makeup artist @nadezhdahardiman.

Who: Isis Deardon

What: Alternative covers

Why: Not only is Isis a talented singer, but she is also a fashion designer, photographer and a blogger. We would’ve been best friends in a different life. Visit Isis’s links, you are bound to like at least one thing that she does – if not all of the things. So much talent in one person. 🙂

Where:

Facebook

Blog

Instagram