Biography
Tarka Dawn formed in late 2007, and have become known for their energetic and exciting live performances. Backed by a growing catalogue of stylistically versatile yet catchy songs, they are increasingly making their mark on the local music scene. Their résumé is a combination of biting guitars and an expressive, driving rhythm section which is topped by a vocalist renowned for his emotive and energetic style.
Individually the band members site a wide range of musical influences, and collectively their style and sound reflects this. Songwriter and lead guitarist Rob Gurruchaga’s influences range from The Beatles and Hendrix to more modern artists like Ash and Foo Fighters. These ideas, combined with the touch of the other band members, create the band’s distinctive sound which isn’t easily placed within any specific genre.
Proud of their individuality and unique sound, the band takes a fresh approach to songwriting. Avoiding all the usual expectations of a pop rock outfit, Tarka Dawn make music that is innovative and interesting, lyrically and musically, which challenges all the usual rock and roll clichés - in the true spirit of rock and roll!
Tarka Dawn Live
Locally the band are growing in popularity, impressing crowds in several of Sheffield’s hottest venues. At the respected Boardwalk venue they have supported the likes of The Draytones and Underground Heroes, and after only a couple of months into venturing onto the live circuit, Tarka Dawn supported The Young Knives in early 2007 in front of their fans at Sheffield’s Plug.
More recently, Tarka Dawn have supported The Datsuns at The Leadmill, as well as an appearance on the Oval Hall Stage at Sheffield City Hall where they performed for a charity event. The band’s passion to play live has also seen them venture into neighbouring towns, as well as a couple of shows in London – the most recent at the trendy 12Bar Café venue in Soho.
The band continue to work on promoting themselves in their home town, receiving regular airplay on BBC Radio Sheffield’s Raw Talent Show. With debut release ‘The Plasticine Dreams EP’ easily maintaining shelf space in HMV, the band are looking forward to hitting the recording studio for future releases and have ambitions of a national tour.
‘The Plasticine Dreams EP’
On 30th July 2008 ‘The Plasticine Dreams EP’ hit the shelves in two local HMV stores. It was released under the bands own label ‘Judo Funk Records’, and marks the band’s debut release. Featuring tracks such as ‘Amongst Little Hearts’, ‘Kauffman’s Gate’ and ‘Cloned By The Sun’, the EP effectively showcases the dynamic and melodic sound of Tarka Dawn.
After spending what was left of 2008 promoting the EP, the band now have plans for more recording, more material and a soon to be announced single release. Tarka Dawn continue to write edgy, captivating and thoughtful music which marks them out as one of the most important new bands on the scene.
For booking information email: [email protected]
