Meet Tanner Peterson

Any of you young whippersnappers in and around the Brooklyn music scene will be well aware of the force that is Tanners. Fronted by  Tanner Peterson, the psychedelic pop band is a fixture on the local beat. If you like synth and swirling melodies and dream sequences and a bit of ‘80s nostalgia, peep their latest release and get a glimpse into their creative mind.

Read on to find out about her first CD purchase (what up Justin Timberlake), Home Alone’s impressive soundtrack, and the best hangover cure. 

Would you rather…

have a perfect photographic memory, or be able to see up to one day into the future?

Sometimes I forget what I’m talking about mid-sentence so I think perfect photographic memory could get me out of a few jams.

What was your first live performance like?

I started performing when really young but it was more of a fun thing to do after school. I didn’t really take it seriously until I went to college. The first show I played as Tanners was in October of 2016 at a venue called Pianos. I was so nervous that I wrote out back up stage banter in case I blacked out. Before that show I hadn’t been on stage in almost 2 years so it kind of felt like I was ripping off a bandaid. But in a good way.

Who would be your dream director to work with on a music video?

I would LOVE to work with the artist collective CANADA. They’ve made some of my favorite videos like “Malamente” by Rosalia, “The Less I Know the Better” by Tame Impala, and “Invisible Light” by Scissor Sisters.

Who was a significantly influential family member growing up?

My older brother Robbie. He was the first person I started playing music with and as we got older we played in bands, recorded, and even toured a little together. He was the whole reason I became interested in pursuing music.

Do you remember the first album/CD/tape you ever bought? Has it had any impact on the music you are making today?

Yessss! The first CD I bought with my own money was NSYNC’s “No Strings Attached” when I was 6. It wasn’t my first introduction to pop music but it was the first time it felt like MY music rather than my parents’.

If you had to cover the cinematic score of one movie what would it be? Why?

Honestly, the “Home Alone” score by John Williams is fire. The melodies and motifs are absolutely iconic and still get stuck in my head. Even in the summertime!!

Do you have any rituals or routines before a live performance?

Vocal warmups are a huge part of my pre-show routine. I’ve gotten to a point where I know my voice really well so it’s become quite meditative and less of a chore. If I’m feeling extra nervous before a show, I’ll usually down a beer and one of my friends will give me a power pep talk :)

What is the all-time best ever cure for a hangover?

A big greasy bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll from a shitty NYC deli and blue gatorade.

Important PSA… I recently found this stuff called LyteShow that’s been super helpful. It’s concentrated electrolytes that you pour into a glass of water before and after you start drinking. It tastes like sour Florida tap water but so far it’s helped pull me out of Hangover Hell.

If you could have a home for your self in one location anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?

New York City has a firm grasp on my heart. Living here can be pretty exhausting but having my own home (or even tiny studio apartment) would be extremely glamorous. My only request would be that it has an in-unit washer/dryer... There’s truly nothing sexier than that.

How many legs are too many legs? Please explain your answer.

My first instinct is to say 4 but since we need certain bugs to survive I’m gonna cap it at 8. The sight of (or even thought of) any uninvited, wild creatures in my apt keeps me up at night but nothing freaks me out more than house centipedes. Chelsea Peretti has perfectly summed up my thoughts about them in this snippet from her podcast Call Chelsea Peretti:

While writing music what is your process like?

If I’m writing by myself, it’s just me at the piano singing. I like to start with a melody and sculpt a song around it. I have pretty wild ADD so I try to avoid using Logic or any synths. Setting limitations helps me focus.

I do a lot of co-writing sessions and those are all different depending on who you’re working with. But I like to go into those sessions with an open mind and try out whatever method my co-writer is most used to.

If you were offered a free tattoo right now what would you get?

I was just about to get a spontaneous tattoo yesterday! I really want one by this tattoo artist Carson Foley. He makes these intricate, perspective-bending spaces and orbs that are so unique. You can find his work here:

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

My next single “Heavy Metals” is coming out August 1st and the music video will be released in the early fall. Thanks for listening and stay tuned <3