Way Neat, like, Totally Neat.

Utterly, absolutely, Tara Pearce.

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Tara - - - Summer!

Summer doesn't officially begin until the 21st, but school is over for me so let the sunshine on my face! 

What is everyone listening to? I want new music of all genres (but no Country, bleck... it's a preference, blame my Country-loving parents for my blatant distaste for the genre). 

For me, Haim has been in heavy in rotation for months now. I love a good band with bad ass women. I know everyone is hating on them for "shaming" Rihanna, but people... is that really possible? Rihanna is a strong, beautiful goddess of a woman! And everyone is entitled to their opinions, it just sucks when people are so negative (you too, Haim). But yeah, let's hear those Summer Jam suggestions. My body is ready!

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Tara - - - House Parties

Went to another Pantle Palace show/house party last weekend; those parties are so neat! It was great to watch Skapeche Mode, Skadonna, and The Moan in the middle of someone's living room, just wow cool!

What happened to having house parties? Maybe I've just gotten too old to frequent them, but I still watch all of my late '90s teen-scene movies (Can't Hardly Wait, 10 Things I Hate About You, She's All That, etc.) and house parties used to be the happs! If I had a house for one, I'd be throwing them often... someday! But in the mean time, if you've got the house to yourself, invite some people over and bring a guitar! House parties are where it's at :)

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about this week, all i want to say is:

check yourself, before you wreck yourself.

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Looking back: Happy 18th Birthday

High school was so cool. I know not everyone has a great experience, but I always choose to remember the good times! I guess I am thinking about my displaced friendships and wondering where the time has gone. I am wondering how everyone is doing.

This was a picture from my 18th birthday party. My best friend, Tess (last on the right), and I were born only 9 days apart so we tended to celebrate together. GOD WE WERE COOL! We had this awesome party at her parent's house; we called it "The T Room, one night only!" and we had baristas making coffee and tea drinks, our friends' bands played in the backyard, and though it ended being a total CLUSTER, everyone left with lots of stories for school on Monday.

I would love to play a backyard show. Do those happen anymore?

What a photo. We were pretty cute.

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Barstow, CA - Valentine's Weekend 2014

I try to spend time with my family, even if the teenager inside me is rolling her eyes and asking, "Do we have to?" For this Valentine's weekend, they went dirt bike riding in Barstow.

THIS IS NOT MY THING. Last time I met them in the desert, I left with a bloody mangled hand that will never be or look the same. But I love my parents and my siblings. I love them a lot. I love them so much, I would sit bored in the desert for a whole day.

I wonder what rolling through there in a wagon train was like. And I couldn't help but play "Lookin' Hot" by No Doubt because the video was in the desert and AMAZING! I wasn't put off by the theme, but I read that the Native American community was quite offended. No Doubt removed the video from YouTube and stated that they met with a expert historian on the topic and understand what is to be considered objectionable to the NA community. That's pretty cool of them! I found the full video on Vimeo, for entertainment, not to provoke you!

No Doubt // Looking Hot from The Wall Group on Vimeo.

Happy Valentine's to you and to your families that you love and love you back very much! 

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New York: January 31st, 2014, it snowed.

There is unrest in the world, that is certain. Destruction and hate and revenge, we are all guilty to some degree.

But visiting the 9/11 Memorial in New York City last weekend, seeing the faces of the people who died, the ones in the planes, at the towers, and on the ground, and then this beautiful dedication to them, it made me feel so light. Like, yeah, things are bad, they always are... or they aren't. Things could be good. People are good. Just cry if you are moved. Shame is something only you can make yourself feel. Hug your mom and dad. Don't hold grudges against your brothers and sisters. Listen to your grandparents when they talk about their pasts. Be there for your friends. JUST BE A GOOD PERSON!

Or don't.

No matter what another does to you, you can rise above it! And if you are reading this and thinking, "I just don't know if I could do that." I am here for you and I know that is simply not true. You're so neat.

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Skapy Cats

A couple of months back, I really wanted to make some music. Specifically, I wanted to make music that I thought was fun or funny, and so I started a ska band that plays covers of popular tunes. I really wanted the covers to be WHATEVER, not just a tribute to one band or strictly ska/2tone/reggae acts. I called it Skapy ("Ska-pee") Cats. 

Up stepped Tyler! He has really made this dream a reality. I usually say, "I think this song would be cool." And he says, "Let's try it." And then he does his music magic and arranges just the neatest versions of the original songs. AND THEN I GET TO SING ON THEM! It's an honor really.

On Monday, we released our cover of Lana Del Rey's "Blue Jeans" and we are happy with its reception. I can't wait to do even more!

Listen now:

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Have you heard of Doll and the Kicks?     

Is it really weird when you're like... INTO a friend's band? I met these lovely people a few years ago when they were on tour with some friends, and after attending a few of their shows, I thought they were just so great. Before, I didn't want to seem like a total geek, but I think enough time has passed for me to profess my admiration for this band. They're great! I just wish they'd put out some new music already. Olivier...

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Get to know: Business Hahn

     My dog is my child. I am, like a lot of canine owners, OBSESSED with her. Like, I can count on one hand the HUMAN BEINGS that I MIGHT consider to be more important than her. 

     Business (<--- that's her name, but call her Biz or Busy, its all the same to her) is a miniature Schnauzer that came into our lives the day before Greg and I were married. We thought, "What the heck! Let's buy a home, get married, AND get a teeny tiny puppy AT THE SAME TIME!" Yeah, it's how we roll, just make yourself so crazy by adding a bunch of newness to your life! She just had her first birthday two days before mine (future joint parties??). Oh, and, if you haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, she is the coolest. Ask anyone. Ask Jake Ingram.

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I have a way cool view from my condo.

     We call this place Big Windows, I am sure you "get the picture." It is also over a busy street.

     My friends and I have witnessed many oddities from this vantage. Lots of bumpers have been bumped (oops!) and not by me. But isn't the view great?! 

     There are some cool shows coming up. Thank goo I do not have classes this month so I can attend a few. Also, we have begun our search for additional members. It's all so exciting, I could totally pop!

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     I'm really sad and sorry to hear about the passing of Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers. So handsome and talented, and their sound was so dreamy! And American Bandstand?! Wow. 

RIP Phil Everly

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2014! It’s a new year! (Obligatory “New Year” post)

     This year is going to be a great one! Can I keep my New Year’s resolutions? Weeeelllllll… I’m optimistic! You’re wondering what they are, but I treat NY resolutions like birthday wishes: if I tell you, they probably won’t happen and then everyone will call me out and it’s just so embarrassing!

     I will tell you that I have promised to take better care of my voice this year. More water, less diet Cokes (they’re my weakness…), more listening, less talking (can I do it?), and more regular doctor’s visits, less nodes (I hope).

     There will be new music this year. It has really lifted my spirits! Year of the Horse!