Interview by Jason Setnyk | Submitted Photo
Montreal, Quebec – Montreal’s music scene is buzzing with excitement as alternative rock powerhouse Tarbox unleashed their highly anticipated EP release, Monochrome Dream. The new record is poised to make a lasting impression on music fans worldwide. Released under the banner of Warner Music Group on behalf of Artifice, Monochrome Dream showcases the band’s evolving sound and unwavering commitment to their craft.
With their unique fusion of grunge-laced alt-rock, post-hardcore, and emo, Tarbox has created a dynamic and captivating style that resonates with listeners, drawing them into a world of raw emotions and captivating melodies. Having already released a full album and performed over 150 shows, Tarbox has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the alternative rock scene.
Monochrome Dream, consisting of four tracks – “34,” “Simple Colors,” “Spent In Vain,” and “Invader” – is a testament to the band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and showcasing their impressive musicianship. The EP bursts with fresh flavors and exhilarating guitar work, revealing Tarbox’s evolution and growth as a band. Their time spent writing music in an isolated cabin in the woods has paid off. With this release, Tarbox solidifies their position as a band to watch in the alternative rock landscape.
Earlier in April, Tarbox gave fans a taste of their new sound with the release of the single “34.” The track quickly gained traction and was featured as CHOM 97.7’s “Big Shiny New Song Of The Week,” propelling Tarbox into the spotlight and generating excitement for the EP.
To celebrate the release of Monochrome Dream, Tarbox will be taking the stage alongside Astral Gates at Montreal’s iconic Petit Campus on June 2. Their energetic and captivating live performances have garnered them a dedicated fanbase and earned them a reputation as a must-see act.
As Tarbox continues to captivate audiences with their infectious energy and dynamic sound, it’s clear that this Montreal-based band is on the rise. Monochrome Dream is just the beginning of their musical journey, and the world eagerly awaits what Tarbox has in store next.
Five Questions with The Seeker
1 – What was your first musical instrument?
“It was a Squier Stratocaster that came in a kit with a small Fender amplifier. It sounded and played like utter crap, but it is the way to start playing. You don’t give a ten-year-old full stack Mesa with a Les Paul Standard.”
2 – Describe your creative process when you write new music.
“I usually have a vague idea of the kind of song that I want to write. Most of the time, we jam some riffs and build from there. Sometimes, I’ll try to write on the acoustic because it’s easier to fit lyrics to a song that way, but it doesn’t always translate well, especially for heavier songs. So that’s why I write a lot of lyrics beforehand and hope they find their place in a song later on.”
3 – Describe your favorite venue for performing.
“My favorite venue would be Le Club Soda in Montreal. It’s a venue that can hold about 1000 people, the people that work there are the best and it sounds huge! It’s a big enough venue to crank our amps the volume we want them to be.”
4 – What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
“I’ll try to have everything ready at least 10 minutes before the show to avoid being in a rush and getting on stage already tired and out of breath. Talk as little as possible, do some push-ups, and have a drink to get in the right mindset.”
5 – Tell us about your last album or an upcoming album you started writing/recording.
“Our upcoming EP is called Monochrome Dream. It’s a four-song release that is faster and heavier than our previous LP, Saviors. We wanted to do everything differently that time around. So we rented a cabin in the woods, spent three weeks with the four of us, and recorded non-stop for 21 days in a DIY fashion. We came back with 16 songs, and on May 25, you get to hear the first 4 of them.”
Tarbox vocalist Tony answered the questions. Follow Tarbox on Facebook to check out their music and upcoming shows.