sandiegopunk.com
Tamora interview by Jon Spinder Fall 2004 (this interview was intended
to appear in a print zine from Texas, but it never got published...so here it
is).
| Q:
So your record, There's No Tomorrow Baby, So How About Tonight? just came
out in October, how is it doing so far? Christopher: Um, I'm not exactly sure. The label says that they'll have to repress pretty soon, so I guess that is good news. Q: I heard or read somewhere that some ofyou sold blood to record |  |
Christopher: HA! That's hilarious...yeah it's true. We all split the cost of recording, and Patrick had to sell blood to come up with all of his part. We didn't know he was that broke, he just showed up to the studio and told us. We were very surprised. Dedication.
Q: How was recording, did it go pretty smooth?
Christopher: I guess so. I mean we recorded everything in a couple of days and the engineer called us and said, "Hey we're going to start all over." We were very surprised, and kind of humbled, and worried about how we were going to pay for it. He said not to worry about the money and that he just wanted it to meet his satisfaction. So we started all over, and spent three more days getting it just right.
Q: Since you're a vegan band, is it hard to eat on the road?
Christopher: No, not at all. There's so many places to eat at all over the country. Now when we book shows I automatically think, "Oh man, we're going to eat at...!". It's awesome. Also, on our last tour we had friends all over that made us food and stuff, so that helped too. If you're truly in the middle of nowhere you can always find a grocery store and just make due until the next town.
Q: What are some of your favorite places to eat on the road?
Christopher: There's really too many to list, but in Houston - Tien Ren, in NYC - Red Bamboo, in Ft. Lauderdale (FL) - Sublime, in Phoenix - Intl. Vegetarian House, and there's tons more that I can't think of right now.
Q: I read on your website that you guys support Herbivore clothing, how did that come about?
Christopher: I liked Herbivore magazine, and his clothing company, so I wrote him and asked him to check out our band. He did and he liked it, so he sent us some free clothes. It's pretty cool. Josh at Herbivore is a great guy and has been very supportive. He also makes sure that all his clothes are sweatshop free, so we're psyched!
Q: My Tamora shirt is also "sweatshop free", is that something you guys planned to do?
Christopher: Definitely. It was really important to all of us to make sure that our band is having the most positive impact possible, so we will never sell merchandise that is manufactured in sweatshops. I hope that we can make sure our next batch of shirts are from organic fibers also, but I'm not sure yet.
 | Q:
What do you think of George W. Bush? Christopher: He's a rich, white, Christian dude that sits in one of the most powerful positions in the world, and yet he's done very little to improve conditions here in the states or abroad. In many cases he's made things worse. What scares me most about Mr. Bush is his religious convictions and lack of experience within the international community. I wouldn't mind being alone in a room with him for a few minutes. Q: What are some bands/albums you've been listening to lately? Christopher: Hmm...lately I've been listening to the new releases from Amanda Woodward, No Warning, |
Q: When I saw Tamora play here in Texas, a girl came up after your set and said she'd been praying for you. I assume it's because of your song "Loving Jesus is like Kneeling in Vomit"; does that happen often?
Christopher: Not really. It has happened a few different times, but I think it's neat. Who doesn't like being prayed for!? I just feel bad because I'm sure that there are more important things that these folks could pray for than my salvation.
Q: What are Tamora's plans for the future?
Christopher: To replace our stolen equipment, get a new practice space, write a full length and go on tour...that sounds like a good list. Oh yeah, and to get as fat as possible on the road with good vegan food. Oh yeah, and to tour the world, that would be cool.
Q: Any last words?
Christopher: Please support the following people:
www.checafe.org
www.indymedia.org
www.veganoutreach.com
www.herbivoreclothing.com
http://www.tamorakills.com
http://www.hcnl.com
Help keep sandiegopunk alive by visiting our sponsors!
