Tarsha and his new band LYONESS are filming their debut music video with award winning director and cinematographer Steve Gainer, (Kid Rock, Godsmack, Jane’s Addiction).
‘How Could I Forget’ May 24th
Tarsha’s bio says it all: “Meet Tarsha, one of today's brightest emerging musical prodigies. Tarsha's new self-produced CD ‘DIVINE UNIVERSE’ is nothing short of amazing and is filled with radio-ready rockers that are sure to catapult Tarsha to the forefront of the Modern Rock scene. Not only did Tarsha write all the songs for ‘DIVINE UNIVERSE’ in a matter of days, but the self-motivated artist played all the instruments, and even engineered, produced, mixed and mastered the album himself. ‘DIVINE UNIVERSE’ is proof positive that Tarsha is not only a gifted musician, but one of the best artists ever at harnessing the pain from one's soul and exorcising those demons in bursts of creative genius.”
All Access Magazine is excited to introduce hard rock/metal artist, Tarsha!
AAM: Tarsha, has hard rock/metal music always been your passion?
T: Looking back on my life, the answer can only be yes. My dad was also an accomplished lead guitarist, songwriter, and producer. He owned and operated a recording studio in North Hollywood during the 80’s, and I was a little kid, kickin’ it in the studio, hanging with all the musicians. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was in the company of some major talent! Ronnie James Dio, Eddie Van Halen, Ratt, Dokken, The Scorpions, all these amazing musicians were there recording at some point and I got to hang with them and be their little bro in the studio. It was clear from the beginning; there was only one path for me.
AAM: Can you tell our readers a little more about your new music video?
T: With my new band LYONESS, we are shooting our debut music video with award-winning director and cinematographer Steve Gainer. Steve has done music videos for Kid Rock, Godsmack, and Jane’s Addiction. He is an extremely talented director. He heard our song “How Could I Forget” and wrote a spectacular video treatment. We’re shooting the video in LA on May 24th. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m honored to be working with such amazing talent.
AAM: Your debut CD "Prophecies” produced a hit single on Internet radio that’s been on the Rock Top 30 Chart for over a year now. I see that a re-release was scheduled for Prophecies that includes new artwork and improved sound quality. How is that going?
T: Prophecies was a breakthrough album for me both personally and professionally. It was the first time in my life, where I felt I had truly conveyed the sound that was brewing in my soul for so many years. I released the album independently in Dec 06/Jan 07, and promoted it to Internet radio. Rock radio programmers quickly embraced the music and put me on the charts with my first single ‘Dirty’. The album was released strictly independent, primarily through digital outlets with very limited in-store availability. Since then, I have gone back into the studio and re-mixed and mastered the album. It’s now ready for release on a larger scale, and I am currently looking for investment capital / potential distribution partners to effectively release the album through larger commercial and retail channels.
AAM: Have you received any interest in your new album, “Divine Universe”?
T: The response to “Divine Universe” has been extremely positive. Three songs from the album are posted on Myspace, and all ten songs are available for sale in my SnoCap store. People who’ve heard the album so far absolutely love it. Hopefully the right doors will open and “Divine Universe” will be heard by more people and made more widely available very soon.
AAM: You have solidified a new lineup for the band. Are you able to announce that now?
T: The official line-up of LYONESS is Troy Patrick Farrell on drums, Tim Henley on guitar, and Scott Griffin on bass, with me performing lead vocals. Earlier this year, we completed our debut album called “Where the Power Lies’. The album features ten songs including our first music video single “How Could I Forget”. We are all very excited to be working together and we’re looking forward to touring together very soon.
AAM: Speaking of new band members, what’s the best way to go about looking for new band members?
ST: I think the best way is word of mouth. Also, you meet people through making yourself visible in the local music scene. Performing on stage whenever possible is the best way to initially connect with like-minded musicians. After a while, people start to know who you are and seek you out for their projects.
AAM: Do you have any tour plans? If so what can your fans expect to see? What album will you be touring with. or perhaps a mixture of both?
T: Touring and performing live is always at the top of my list. Blending material from both Prophecies and Divine Universe seems to be the likely scenario. At the live shows, there’s always a ton of excitement and a powerful exchange of energy between the band and the fans. I’ll be posting upcoming shows on my website as new dates are confirmed.
AAM: Will you be touring overseas?
T: Now that I’m working with a solid group of talented and reliable musicians, I feel it’s very likely that we’ll be touring overseas in the near future. The crowds there are great, and I know they will love the new material we are playing. We’ll just have to see. I’m definitely looking forward to going out on tour again soon.
AAM: I read on your website that you toured with Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler…but Steven choose to abandon the project mid-tour, leaving the band stranded in a foreign country! Care to elaborate on this? I mean, this must have been scary!
T: Joining Adler’s Appetite was the realization of a childhood dream of mine to sing in a band with an original member of Guns N’ Roses and tour the world performing songs from “Appetite For Destruction.” Unfortunately, our idols don’t always measure up to the way we imagine them in real life. Despite all the turmoil of that situation, it was an incredible experience to travel around the world and perform on stage in front of all those people.
AAM: On another note, performing on our local “Mark and Brian” radio show on KLOS must have been amazing. This was because of a contest you entered, correct?
T: Yes. For a while there, I was entering karaoke contests. Each contest that I won would lead to another and another. I ended up singing in the largest karaoke contest in the U.S. called KaraokeFest. The finals were held at The Queen Mary for a sold-out audience. As the first place winner, I was named 2003 Male Vocalist of the Year and I got to perform my winning song “Welcome To The Jungle” live on the “Mark and Brian Show.” It was really cool to meet Mark and Brian and perform live on the air.
AAM: Ever thought about trying out for “American idol”? Or have you already tried?
T: I think “American Idol” is a great opportunity for many up-and-coming talents. The exposure is unparalleled. In life, though, we have to choose a path, and that means accepting the ups and the downs of the path we choose. At this point in my career, I’m very proud of the steps I’ve taken. There are many roads that lead to the destination, and I have faith that the one I’m on will take me where I’m going.
Tarsha, it has been an honor to interview you and All Access Magazine would again like to congratulate you on your continuous success. We’ll be watching, and readers, be sure you check out a Tarsha show too. For more info visit www.tarsharock.com and myspace.com/tarsharock.
