Tickle Me Pink
I recently got the chance to speak with Sean Kennedy, bassist and lead vocalist Tickle Me Pink, about the band's new EP and what can be expected in the near future.
André Monnéy: For the record, introduce yourself and what you do in the band.
Sean Kennedy: My name is Sean Kennedy, and I am the lead singer and bassist for the band Tickle Me Pink.
AM: What has Tickle Me Pink been doing since coming off the touring cycle for Madeline?
SK: We have been playing numerous festival shows and regional tours here and there, but our main focus has been on writing. We just digitally released our new EP On Your Way Down this past month and are finishing up writing a new full-length.
AM: You just released your new EP, On Your Way Down, in May. How does it feel having new songs out?
SK: It feels great to put out new music! Our freshmen record Madeline was written when we were teenagers. We have been through so many crazy times in the past four years, and we have not only grown as musicians but also in our everyday experiences. We have new messages to convey and a more mature outlook on life and songwriting.
AM: On Your Way Down is actually self-released. How does it feel going back to the DIY way of life?
SK: We wrote and recorded Madeline on our own and Wind-Up Records released it nationally in 2008. A musicians dream is to be able to have unrestrained musical creativity on a project, and we did just that with On Your Way Down. We are pretty comfortable with the 'DIY' mentality.
AM: Last time we spoke, you said that writing and recording for Madeline was extremely stressful. How was the process for On Your Way Down EP?
SK: In the process of writing, guitarist Joey Barba and I were out in LA. During our time there we met song-writer/producer Matthew Hager. We have been working closely with him, and it has made the entire process much easier and more enjoyable. All of the 'stresses' we went through during the Madeline recordings have made us much more efficient in the studio. Also, packing hundreds of live shows under our belt has allowed us to mesh and capitalize on each others strengths while in the studio.
AM: How was it finally getting to write and record with your long time friend Joey Barba?
SK: Working with Joey is amazing! Each day he surprises me with his ideas and insight. Not only is he a machine in the studio, but he hears a song in the context of an outside listener. Instead of being abrasive, he compliments each song to help it reach it's full potential as a whole.
AM: Is there another full length in the near future or will you be riding the wave of this EP for a while?
SK: There will definitely be a full-length release in the near future. We are finishing up the new song compilation for a new record at this very moment.
AM: You’ve got one show lined up for this month. Do you have any tours that will be coming up soon?
SK: We are working on tours now, but we can't disclose anything yet.
AM: What is the most exciting thing about being in Tickle Me Pink right now?
SK: It feels great to be getting such positive feedback on our new material. Our new single 'Strange Life' has begun radio testing and has been received well.
AM: Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to leave with your fans and our readers?
SK: It probably isn't the best idea to spill oil onto fish... Some people eat them, and they make good pets if you feed them pelts daily. Thanks for your continued support.