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 It’s not unusual to flip on the radio these days only to hear one band after the other, all lacking distinguishing characteristics and each sounding exactly alike. Frankly, it becomes confusing, and who wants confusion served with their music? We certainly don’t, and that’s why we love Tilly and the Wall. Saddle Creek’s sister label, Team Love Records, released Tilly and the Wall’s debut album, Wild Like Children, bringing the Nebraska folk-pop quintet out of the dark and into the light of indie hysteria. The band’s name comes from a children’s book whose message is one of hope and optimism, much like the band’s music.
Their tunes are created from an assortment of instruments, half of which we can’t pronounce. And, while there is one instrument that sparks our memory, it doesn’t quite count because Tilly and the Wall’s beat resonates from tap shoes (attached to a tap dancer nonetheless). Sound familiar? We didn’t think so.
Meet tap-dancing percussionist Jamie Williams and vocalist Kianna Alarid, here to tell you why they’re vegetarian and what you can do to help animals.
You were the first release on Conor Oberst’s label Team Love. How did that come about?
Jamie: Conor had always had ideas for bands he wanted Saddle Creek Records to put out, but they had so much on their plate. He has always believed in our band, and when he decided to start releasing bands on his own label, we were the first band he called. We were totally stoked and thought it would be the perfect fit.
Jamie, how long have you been tap-dancing? Whose idea was it to have a tap dancer as a percussionist instead of a drummer?
Jamie: I’ve been dancing since I was 3. I had tap-danced in other bands before as added percussion, so the idea was there. Initially, we didn’t know which direction it was heading, but after a couple practices, it just made sense.
Kianna, how did you meet TJ? Do you snowboard too?
Kianna: TJ and I met each other in Vancouver while Tilly was on tour with Pedro the Lion. We had been talking through e-mails and over the phone for almost a year before that. I was so excited to finally meet him, and we got along very well. We stayed close friends until one day it just seemed obvious that we had to be together! And, yes, I do snowboard, and I have for 12 years! That totally dates me, doesn’t it? I will say that since snowboarding with TJ, I have progressed a lot more than ever before! That boy’s a good teacher!
How long have you been vegetarian? What made you want to go vegetarian originally?
K: I’ve only been vegetarian for about seven months. I had never been a big meat eater. All my life, things about meat eating had sort of bothered me, but I was raised in a house where eating meat was just part of our lives. I wasn’t sure why it felt wrong, but the more I thought about it, the more I knew I couldn’t do it.
J: I’ve been a vegetarian for 15 years. I became vegetarian initially to support animal rights, but now I’m vegetarian for a lot of reasons, including animal rights as well as environmental and health reasons.
How would you describe factory farming to someone who isn’t familiar with what goes on in the meat industry today?
K: It certainly isn’t a fun topic to bring to someone’s awareness, especially if they have no idea what goes on out there. I guess I would just explain that it is a widely practiced way of meat production that is extremely unethical and cruel. I would also say that it mainly exists today for big business corporations to produce the most meat possible for the cheapest amount possible.
J: It was first described to me as a concentration camp for animals, where animals are force-fed, kept in confined spaces, and injected with hormones. It’s totally disgusting.
What do you think about fur and fur trim?
K: Fur is something I have never felt comfortable wearing. It has always just seemed excessive to me.
J: I think fur is gross and very unnecessary. Its main purpose seems to be that of a status symbol. If you’re into that look, faux fur is widely available. I don’t believe that animals need to suffer for a person’s fashion statement.
Are there any other animal issues that are important to you?
K: One thing we feel very strongly about is people taking care of the animals they live with. Bringing an animal into your home is a lifetime commitment and a huge responsibility. We also don’t think an animal should be given as a gift to someone who may not be ready for it. Often, we see animals neglected and mistreated. Also, we were excited to do this interview because we think it’s great to raise awareness about vegetarianism. We hope that the choice to become vegetarian will become more common and a way to enhance your life and feel connected to the world around you.
What’s the best thing Tilly and the Wall fans can do to help animals?
K: I would say the best thing we can all do to help animals is to educate ourselves. Once you figure out what’s happening, you can decide what you wish to do to help.
If you haven’t quite decided what you wish to do to help animals, we have a suggestion that’s nice and easy. Simply sign up to receive the peta2 e-news for the latest scoop on your favorite celebrities. Plus, if you sign up now, you’ll be automatically entered to win a free iPod! A-ha! We knew that would get you scrambling!
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