DCist Interview: Tilly and the Wall
Tilly and the Wall, a five piece from Omaha, Nebraska, have been catching buzz around the indie scene for a few years now. Their energetic performances have earned them a reputation as one of the most fun bands to see live. They've also got a gimmick: rather than a drummer, Jamie Pressnall tap dances to produce the band's percussion. With a new album on the way and a heavy touring schedule, Tilly is a busy band these days. Here are a few questions we asked lead singer and bassist Kianna Alarid; catch the band tonight at the Rock & Roll Hotel (with Capgun Coup and Pash, $12, 8:30 p.m.).
Tell me about the whole tap-dancer-as-percussion thing. How'd you think of that? While it definitely adds to your live performances, does it limit you in your options for writing or recording?
Jamie had tap danced in bands prior to Tilly, so it wasn't an all together brand new idea. She had been tapping most of her life and I'm sure that it popped into her head one day to use that sound in a different way. It wasn't a terribly thought out idea for Tilly. We didn't have a drummer and we just needed to keep the beat. She busted out her tap shoes and tapped a beat onto a metal sign. We didn't think about it too much, it just seemed right and it stuck.
It actually does the opposite of limit our writing process percussively. Can you imagine how many new things she can think up? She no longer does only traditional tap moves, she's evolved her dance into a new kind of art. It's really amazing to listen to. Now we can layer it over traditional drums and electronic beat, or leave it to stand alone.
You seem to use a lot of electric effects for percussion also. How do you arrange your songs when you're writing them -- deciding between what will be played live and what will be digital?
We definitely don't write songs with performance in mind as a main worry. We write the song the way it needs to sound and worry about playing it live later. Once the song is recorded, we can pick through and see what we can put on the sampler and what so and so should play live. It's fun!
How many pairs of tap shoes does Jamie go through a year? Is there a favorite brand? Do you use different types of tap shoes or surfaces to get different effects?
Jamie goes through about one pair of tap shoes per tour. She always brings a back up, though. We have tried a few different taps, including vintage tap shoes and different heels heights for recording, but normally we go with her normal 1.5 inch heeled Capezios or a combination of street shoes/boots for a stomp type effect.
Tell me about the upcoming album. Are you excited about the new material? Is it a departure from what you've done in the past? How would you describe the album?
We are so excited about the new album and all the new stuff. It is a departure, but only in the most natural, progressive way. We are only growing separately and together as artists and songwriters. We know each other better every year and we can really understand what the other is trying to get across when a song is being worked out. I would describe the new album as punk-folk-dance rock.
What was the idea behind the video for "Beat Control"?
The video was done by an artist named Cody (and Drew) from the band the SSION. You should all check them out at www.ssion.com or www.myspace.com/ssion. We just told him to do whatever he wanted. He did call me as he began the video to say he had been inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphics.
What's your process for making videos? Do you guys come up with the ideas, or do you rely on a producer/director?
Well, like in the case of "Beat Control" it was mostly just Cody, but some of [the] videos are our ideas from start to finish. Like "Bad Education" was Derek's vision, with our input and director Nik Fackler's brilliant direction.
I know you guys have played D.C. before, what do you think of it as a city to play on tour?
We have played D.C. a ton. We have loved it every time! We have had great shows every single time. We definitely look forward to playing your fine city on tour!
Who are you guys listening to while you're touring? And, who gets to choose what you listen to while you're traveling?
The rule is that whoever is driving gets to chose what music is being played, no questions asked. We all listen to such different music, it's insane. Everything from hardcore noise bands to Hawaiian, to African folk pop to Missy Elliott to Miley Cyrus.
Photo from the band's MySpace page