An Interview With The Indie Folk Duo TAMMY on Recent Music And More!

The indie twosome TAMMY recently released their latest single, “Away For The Weekend”.

Of the track, the band says, “‘Away’ is one of the first songs we ever played together. When we would play it at shows we’d always say we were playing our future hit single… In the TAMMY repertoire, we break most of our songs down into the categories of love songs, hate songs, and songs about making out.. this one, written before we conceived of those designations, doesn’t fit so neatly into any one of them. The subject is in love but it’s a hopeless kind of love, and in the end we dont get the feeling that it’s come to fruition.”

Members Aaron and Brooke, who met for the first time at a New York bar called Ioana, possess the kind of undeniable chemistry that brings to mind some of the most beloved American folk duos, like Simon & Garfunkel and Dylan and Baez. Aaron’s bouncy acoustic riffs provide the perfect backdrop for Brooke’s sweet yet sultry, honey-soaked vocals, giving TAMMY its truly original and unforgettable sound.

Influenced by everyone from Burt Bacharach to Nirvana, both Aaron and Brooke began developing their musicality at the age of four. Now, as TAMMY, they draw inspiration from their experiences as New Yorkers. And as Brooke puts it, “We can’t wait to keep singing and writing songs about love, hate and making out.”

 Learn more about Tammy in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! Now that we are entering the fall of 2016, what are some words you would use to describe this year? What have been some of the highlights for the band?

It’s been an exciting time for Tammy. And so glad to have this growing band to focus on while the rest of the world is in such doubts and so many of our heroes are dying. 2016 has been a doozy. But yeah, this thing used to be a duo for several years. It’s been rad opening it up into the vibe of a full band since we made the record.

Growing up, did you both always want to be musicians? Can you recall your earliest musical memories?

Aaron- My first rock concert was Green Day and it changed the way I thought about life. I hadn’t thought much about what I wanted to do before that, but afterwards I kind of understood that playing and performing was the thing I had to do.

Brooke- I always dressed up in dresses and sang in front of my mirror. Used to play star search….if you know what that is…..it’s like american idol or the before they were things.

How did Tammy first come together? How did you come up with your band name?

We were introduced at a bar in Williamsburg that is, incredibly, still there. You can go visit Iona on grand street and feel the feelings we did when first we met.

The name was originally the female lead character in a rock opera we never made.

What was the inspiration for you newest single, “Away For The Weekend”? I understand that it was one of the first songs you two ever played together.

Aaron- I was recently put of a relationship and it had been a bad break up. I think I was just confused and lonely and trying to figure out how I felt.

Who are some of your favorite artists and what bands continue to inspire you and your music? Who would you still love to work with in the future?

Brooke-  I am obsessed with Adam Green. His Aladdin record and movie are the best thing that came out this year.  Would love to work with him at some point!! Also Stephin Merrit is a genius who writes the greatest songs always.

When you aren’t performing, working in the studio, what do you like to do for fun? How do you each unwind from it all? 

Brooke: I really enjoy eating cheeseburgers and drinking fine wine.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

Brooke-  Hmmmm… that is a tough one that I’m not really sure how to answer.. I am just stoked for people to listen and take away whatever they want. We are about feeling feelings and making music.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

“We think people coming up these days could really use some sex folk and so that’s why we do it. Sex folk for the 21st century.”