Have you ever experienced the thrill of discovering a band that seems to emerge from nowhere and instantly captivates you? That’s precisely what happened when I stumbled upon Floral Tattoo, a self-described ‘trans ass netrock’ band hailing from Seattle, Washington, and their album You Can Never Have a Long Enough Head Start. It’s highly likely our resident music aficionado, Inter, played a part in this delightful discovery. Their music, a captivating blend of shoegaze, chamber pop, post-rock, and surprisingly, folk punk, completely won me over. It became immediately clear that Floral Tattoo deserved a spotlight in our Weekly Featured Artist segment. To make this happen, I reached out to band members Alex Anderson and Gwen Power for an insightful conversation.
The Genesis of Floral Tattoo
Floral Tattoo took root in 2015 in Kirkland, Washington, the brainchild of Alex Anderson. Following a difficult breakup, Anderson’s journaling evolved from simple reflections into songwriting. This creative shift highlighted a desire for deeper self-expression than Anderson found in their then-primary band, Darkmysticwoods. Their folk punk-inspired ideas needed an outlet, leading to solo acoustic performances under the moniker Floral Tattoo. Shortly after embarking on this solo journey, Anderson relocated to Chico, California for a year. It was there that they crossed paths with Nico Pellowski, who would later become their bassist. Serendipitously, Pellowski moved to Seattle just a month before Anderson decided to return home. Back in Washington, Floral Tattoo blossomed into the full band we know today with the addition of Gwen Power, whom Anderson had previously met, and drummer Christian Taylor.
Unpacking the Name: Floral Tattoo
The band name Floral Tattoo is intriguing, especially considering the website name “tattooat.com”. Anderson shared the charming story behind it, revealing it originated from a friend during the project’s early days. This friend, who was dating Anderson’s friend Dakota, created a collaborative Spotify playlist for the trio to avoid music selection disagreements during hangouts. The name “Floral Tattoo” emerged in this context, becoming the band’s identity. Interestingly, apart from Power, none of the band members sported a floral tattoo before joining, and even Power’s came after becoming part of Floral Tattoo. The name itself evokes imagery of delicate yet permanent art, much like their music’s intricate and lasting impression.
A Tapestry of Musical Influences
Floral Tattoo’s distinctive sound is clearly woven from a rich tapestry of influences. This eclectic mix is no accident. When asked about their inspirations, both Anderson and Power expressed mutual admiration for folk punk pioneers AJJ. They further expanded on their individual influences, with Anderson listing The No-No’s, Galaxie 500, Jeff Rosenstock, Slowdive, Nana Grizol, and SEACATS. Power cited Conor Oberst, My Bloody Valentine, Swirlies, Guided by Voices, The Anniversary, and The Paper Chase as key touchstones. This diverse range of artists underscores the band’s ability to blend seemingly disparate genres into a cohesive and compelling sonic experience, making Floral Tattoo a band that defies easy categorization and promises a fresh perspective in the indie music scene.
Conclusion
Floral Tattoo is more than just a band name; it’s a sonic identity that’s quickly making waves. From their serendipitous formation to their unique blend of musical styles, they offer a refreshing and captivating sound. Keep an ear out for Floral Tattoo as they continue to cultivate their distinctive musical garden. For fans of indie music seeking something both familiar and refreshingly new, Floral Tattoo is a band to watch.
