Welcome to another edition of "1 Band - 2 Photos - 3 Questions"! This time, we sat down with Tusks, the South London artist and producer known for her haunting, dark alternative pop. With her new EP "Gold For Synths and Strings" dropping on November 2nd and a UK & European tour underway, Tusks opens up about her creative process, love for intimate photography, and the experiences that shape her music. Dive in and discover the world of Tusks!
Keep reading & listen to "Gold For Synths And Strings" by Tusks if that is you:
People who love getting lost in nature by themselves with a good pair of headphones. People who enjoy watching the clouds slowly turn pink at dusk. People who wake up and think about everything that doesn't need to be thought about at 4am.
1 Band
Hello! My name is Tusks. I'm an artist and producer from South London releasing dark alternative pop music. I recently put out my third album Gold and am currently releasing an EP version for Synths and Strings which will be out on November 2nd, as well as touring across the UK & Europe in October.
2 Photos
This was taken by Toby Harvard for the press shots for my second album, Avalanche in 2019. I'd been a big fan of Toby's photography for a while and was honoured when he agreed to come shoot me. The whole shoot was done in London at night near the Tate, just with a 35mm film camera and a red light pen. I think we only shot 2 rolls and obviously i had no idea what they looked like. When i got this photo back i was just blown away. I couldn't believe how he'd managed to achieve it with such little equipment. He's an incredible talent.
This was taken by John Williams at Shepherd's Bush Empire in April 2019. I supported Bear's Den there at two sold out nights and the whole experience was just pure, pure fun. It was at then end of a European full band support run with them so everything just felt so natural and comfortable on stage, even though it was the biggest hometown show i'd ever done. When i see this picture i just remember how much i enjoyed it and how incredible it felt looking out to the crowd.
3 Questions
HOW DO YOU APPROACH PHOTO SHOOTS AND DO YOU ENJOY THE PROCESS?
Haha no i don't really enjoy the process. I feel much more at home the other side of the camera. I love taking photos and capturing people and being the person who is viewing rather than being viewed. I've kinda worked out more how to pose as the years have gone on and to not tear myself up over a horrible picture but its still not really an enjoyable experience. You have to have a thick skin. The parts i do love are the creative aspects though - finding photographers i love to work with and making mood boards. I normally have a general idea of what i want then work with my label to find the right people and make it happen. Normally the final photos just jump out at you and you know which are the right ones.
WHAT CAN PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPECT WHEN THEY ACCOMPANY YOU BACKSTAGE AT A GIG OR ON TOUR?
If i'm touring alone i'm normally really chill. I love exploring the cities i'm in and getting time in nature so i try and do that as much as possible around the shows. With the band it's a bit different though. It's way more jovial and energetic and i guess i feel like i can switch off and enjoy myself a bit more because there's other people to help me with everything. There's no real rituals to be honest. An awful sounding vocal warm up and a glass of wine. Normally i'm sneaking about trying to capture other people in photos too.
WHAT KIND OF PHOTO WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE TAKEN OF YOURSELF?
I love photos that completely capture someone without them posing or even knowing the camera is there so it would have to be a situation like that. Intimate photos are my favourite. When someone who really knows and loves you shoots a photo of you on film and captures you just right. Its almost like they capture a bit of your soul in the photo.
Hooked? Then check out Tusks' recommendations:
My latest band obsession is Full Body 2 - they're an amazing Shoegaze band i think from the States? But yeah i'm obsessed. For photographers - i discovered Hayley Eichenbaum recently and really love her creativity in photography and the nostalgic aesthetic it has. I'd love a print of hers
FOLLOW TUSKS:
Spotify | Soundcloud | Bandsintown | Youtube