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Tickle Me Pink

Infectious and anything but well....'Typical'
By: Gian Erguiza - - July 27th, 2008 - 11:13 am PST



These rockers from Fort Collins, Colorado are creating a huge buzz and turning heads with their latest release "Madeline." With the new found success came tragedy. The recent tragic passing of guitarist/bassist Johnny Schou cast a dark light but the band refuses to give in and is now moving forward towards their destiny. The band soldiers on, staying true to the dream and living Johnny through the music. Tickle Me Pink is ready to take on the world.

Good day Stefan! What's good? Could you guys please do me a huge favor and give our readers a brief history lesson on the band and your humble beginnings?

TMP started a little over three years ago. Sean and I met at our high school talent show. Our teachers continually nagged us to get together and start a band, so eventually we did. It was pretty serious even from day one. We were writing and recording songs as if the goal was to get signed before we turned eighteen...

Thanks Stefan! So what's new guys? What's new in the world of Tickle Me Pink? How's the road coming along?

Touring!! We just released our debut record, Madeline, last month, so for the next two years we will likely be supporting it. Being on the road isn't quite as grandiose as you may think, however, it beats the shit out of a day job.

Your latest release, "Madeline," which was released about a month or so ago is blissful and catchy. What was the most challenging aspect of catching the songs on record and has the record met or exceeded you guys' expectations so far?

We spent a very long time preparing for Madeline. We made plenty of shitty EP's prior to this record, so we didn't want to make the same mistake. We spent a couple months in the studio doing our best to perfect the songs. It helped to have such an amazing producer (Lee Miles) guide us through the whole endeavor too. The first time I listened to the record, it made me cry. It was a very moving experience.

There are new bands everyday that come out with new albums. What sets "Madeline" apart from the rest of the other albums out in the market?

We are somewhat biased in the sense that we love the music we play. I'd like to think that we make music that has a little more depth than bands who rely on iPods and quirky stage antics. We really try to avoid stuff like that, and I think that’s what ultimately sets us apart.

"We made plenty of shitty EP's prior to this record, so we didn't want to make the same mistake. We spent a couple months in the studio doing our best to perfect the songs.....The first time I listened to the record, it made me cry. It was a very moving experience."

What's the usual or unusual songwriting process like for you guys?

Every band has their own way of doing things, for us it's pretty straight forward. It usually stems from a riff or some kind of song structure. However, our songs have this odd tendency to manifest themselves in such unusual ways sometimes that it's impossible to predict the track until we're in the studio recording it.

The video for "Typical" is whore-ishly fun! Did you guys come up with the concept and idea or how did the video manifest?

Haha... yes it is. We got on the phone with the director (Chris Simms) and brainstormed the concept for the video. Ultimately, it was our label (Wind-up) who wanted the video to be super raunchy. We have a great label...

I agree! Being as young as you guys are entwined in the music scene already, does it sometimes feel like a disadvantage or an advantage or a little bit of both and why?

Being young can be very reassuring sometimes. None of us graduated college, and I barely graduated high school. Without the band we would all be screwed. I can't imagine being forty and trying to go on tour and promote your music. It's hard enough as it is. The only disadvantage I can think of is being naive to a lot of things that older bands aren't. Bands that have toured their asses off for six or seven years are unstoppable...

Okay guys, on a serious note. Please correct me if I'm wrong but Johnny passed the same the day your debut was released. Is this some eerie coincidence and what came over you guys when you guys heard the news?

The irony of it really choked us all up. I'm still in disbelief that it happened. We were so excited for our album release, but when we found Johnny, none of that mattered. We lost a close friend and the band was no longer priority.

My aunt died of cancer about two years ago and to this day, I miss her dearly. The days spent laughing with her, her awesome cooking, and her biggest heart. Johnny Schou's passing had to be one of the hardest things to swallow and death is always a life changing experience. How are you guys doing now and tell me one thing about Johnny Schou that people would not ever know about him otherwise?

Johnny was an incredibly unique individual. His contribution to this band was immeasurable and his legacy will likely continue through our music. One thing most people didn't know about Johnny were his incredible engineering skills. He did all of our demos and had a gold record for his work on Rise Against’s album even before he joined our band.

Alright guys, give me your 5 best albums or artist/bands of all-time?

Ah shit... this is the worst question to ask a musician... Collectively we can agree on three bands; Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World and Foo Fighters.

Tickle Me Pink thinks that ___________________are beautiful.

Tickle Me Pink thinks that Subway meatball subs are beautiful.

Your fans adore you! As of this moment, how much do you guys love your fans and what's the coolest thing that a fan has ever done for you guys?

They are amazing... One thing that always takes me by surprise is how many fans have TMP tattoos. It seems like every day I'll spot somebody at the mall with a flamingo on their arm. It's crazy.

That's dedication and loyalty my friend, good stuff. Aside from the passing, you guys must be enjoying the limelight. What has changed in your lives from a year or two ago and what is the band’s main long-term goal?

Years ago, we had no money. It was nearly impossible to focus on music whole-heartedly. Now, it's our job and it’s the most amazing job we could ask for.

So what else can we expect from you guys for the rest of 2008 going into 2009?

A very disgusting tour van, and hopefully an appearance in a nearby city…

Any additional comments or shout-outs?

Thanks Frantik mag!!

Thanks Stefan! See you guys out on the road and good luck out there!



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Tickle Me Pink - "Typical" Music Video

Tickle Me Pink - TMP Episode 4

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