Karen from Scottish Music Network spoke with Tanzana ahead of their performance on the BBC Introducing stage later today at TRNSMT Festival. Here is what they had to say.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Karen, and I’m here with the Scottish Music Network. I’m delighted to be sitting down with Tanzana the entire band today. Would you all like to introduce yourselves?
Band Members:
I’m Sarah, and I play guitar.
I’m Karolina, and I play the drums.
I’m Katie, and I play bass in the band.
I’m Lily, and I also play guitar. Who are you?
Freya:
I’m Freya, and I’m the vocalist.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
It’s lovely to meet you all. Such a talented group! Drums have always fascinated me – something I’ve wanted to try but never had the chance. Maybe one day I’ll finally give it a go.
Band Members:
Yes, absolutely! We definitely need more women playing drums.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
You’re right, we do. That’s a great point. Now, I’m sure you’re often asked this, but could you share where your band name comes from? What inspired it?
Band Members:
Of course! It’s actually a completely made-up word. We originally performed as Lazuli, but there was already a French band with that name, so we had to change it. Coming up with an original band name is surprisingly challenging. We knew we wanted something unique to represent us, so we kept the ‘Z’ from ‘Lazuli’ and worked different letters around it to create something entirely our own.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
That’s very relatable – choosing a name can feel impossible at times! It’s so hard to find something that hasn’t been used before.
Freya:
Absolutely.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Sometimes you end up leaning towards tradition or finding names that don’t quite fit. It’s freeing to create something entirely new when starting a band.
Band Members:
Definitely, that was our thinking.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Adds a bit of intrigue for sure.
So, wonderful to meet you all. How are you feeling today? Your set isn’t until later, is it?
Band Members:
No, we’re not on until later. There’s a bit of a wait, which can be tough.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Excited? Nervous?
Band Members:
A mix of both, really. We’re so excited and grateful to be here, especially at Transmit, but there’s also a bit of pressure. Being from Glasgow and playing on such a big stage makes us want to do our hometown proud.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Have you played other festivals before?
Band Members:
We’ve done a few – mostly all-dayers so far. We played Ceremony VI in Bedford and The Great Escape, but this is our first proper outdoor festival. It’s definitely different, which adds to the nerves, but it’s really exciting too.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Have you had a chance to explore the festival yet?
Band Members:
Yes, we were here yesterday.
Freya:
It’s absolutely massive!
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
You’ve picked a brilliant day to be here – the sun’s out, unlike yesterday’s rain. Even though everyone got soaked, the atmosphere was still fantastic.
Band Members:
Yes, that’s so true.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Will you be playing any new material in your set today?
Band Members:
Yes, we’ll be debuting two new songs that haven’t been performed live before.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
That must add to the nerves!
Band Members:
Definitely! That’s a big part of it.
Freya:
We’re used to writing songs, playing them live, and then recording – but this is a new process for us, performing brand new songs at such a big event. It’s a little daunting, but very exciting.
Band Members:
Yes, it’s exciting to share something fresh.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Do you have other shows lined up for this year?
Band Members:
We do! We’ll be playing Kelburn Garden Party, Edinburgh Psych Fest, and Manchester Psych Fest. We’re also doing Wilderness and Arctangent – if I’m saying that right.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
And Pitchfork?
Band Members:
Yes! Pitchfork in Paris. Plus, a few other dates that haven’t been announced yet.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Fantastic. Are you busy writing new material at the moment?
Band Members:
We are.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Is songwriting a continual process for the band?
Band Members:
Yes, definitely. We just finished recording at Battery Studios in London. We were doing a lot of writing leading up to that session. That was only last week, so this week has been all about rehearsing for our set. Then it’ll be back to writing again.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Is there an album in the works?
Band Members:
Yes, we’re very excited about it. Putting together a full body of work feels really special – it allows us to tell a story and set a mood in a way singles can’t quite achieve. I think it’s something every artist aspires to.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
Freya:
Thank you so much.
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
We’ll be sure to share this interview on the Scottish Music Network page, and we’ll keep following your journey. Who knows, maybe we’ll see you again next year and see how far you’ve come. Have a great show today.
Band Members:
Thank you so much!
Karen (Scottish Music Network):
Best of luck on stage – enjoy every moment. Thank you! Goodbye.
Interview by Karen Edmond
