Yesterday we caught up with The Spikes and Red Kid and today it's the turn of their eLive co-conspirators Tara Lee and Vann. All four of these acts will take to the stage in the Mercantile tonight for entertainment.ie's latest eLive event.
Tonight's event is now completely sold out but it will be streamed live on AerTV.ie from about 8.30pm and you can watch it live online at this link!
Firstly, Aaron Smyth of Vann, tell us a little about the band.
We're a new wave electro pop band and we formed in 2012. We try to combine elements of dance, French house music and pop.
And Tara Lee, how did you get started in the music business?
I've been writing songs for about 14 years at this stage. I always wanted to be a singer/songwriter but I wanted to wait until I was out of school to really pursue it. Although I've been gigging with my band, Juliet's Rescue for the past 2 years, I only started doing the solo stuff at the end of January this year.
Aaron, if you had to pick one what would you say is your favourite gig that you've played so far?
Headlining on the main stage to a packed out crowd on Paddy's Day this year was definitely the highlight so far!
Same question to you, Tara?
Well I've only played two [solo] gigs so I don't know how interesting I can make my answer! Definitely the first gig I played in the Workman's Club for first fortnight therapy sessions. It was the first time I'd ever performed my songs in public and the fact that people appeared to be listening to me was amazing.
Is it difficult balancing your role on RTE's RAW with your blossoming music career?
Not at all. The two go hand in hand really! RAW fans are my biggest supporters. I get RAW fans tweeting me after gigs telling me they came to see me or wishing me luck before hand and it makes it much easier to make the transition when you've already got some listeners. Plus I only introduced myself as a solo artist after we were finished filming so I had nothing to balance really! Auditions are rare as the acting scene is so quiet lately so music has my full attention.
Plans for the rest of the year? Aaron, we'll start with you.
It's been great so far, sold out shows in Button Factory and Whelan's along with international support slots with UK's Egyptian Hip Hop and the US Wilde Belle. We're lining up for the release of our first single 'Life In Realtime'
And Tara, what about you?
Keep writing, keep gigging, choose a few tracks for my first EP - imagine killing your own children - and get started!
