From Childhood Blues to Six-String Dreams: Meet Tchotchke's Emily Tooraen, the Guitar Prodigy Who Fell in Love with Music at the Crossroads Festival!
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9 months ago
Beatbounty
From Festival Memories to Rocking the Stage: Emily Tooraen of Tchotchke
“At just seven years old, I attended the Eric Clapton Crossroads Festival,” recalls Emily Tooraen, the talented guitarist of the New York-based band Tchotchke.”Seeing legends like ZZ Top and B.B. King perform was a pivotal moment for me. That experience ignited my passion for music,and it has stayed with me ever since.”
A musical Journey Begins
emilys path to becoming a guitarist was filled with diverse musical experiences. She eventually joined forces with drummer Anastasia Sanchez and bassist Eva Chambers in 2019, who had been collaborating as their high school days.
“Before I met Anastasia and Eva, I was part of a band that had a sound reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, even though I wasn’t notably a fan,” Emily shares. “I was experimenting with various styles on the guitar to enhance my skills.”
Education and influences
Emily pursued formal music education and spent time accompanying pop artists, but her heart always belonged to rock and blues-rock. “Ultimately, my true love lies in those genres,” she affirms.
Gear Choices for the New Album
This passion is evident in her gear selection for Tchotchke’s latest album, playin’ Dumb. “I’ve cherished my Eric Clapton Strat since I was around 13,” she explains. “While I love that guitar, I also incorporated a Gibson SG for this album to achieve a richer sound in our three-piece setup. It’s been exciting to branch out from my usual choice.”
Throughout Tchotchke’s self-titled debut album in 2022 and their tours with bands like The Gossip and The Makeup, Emily relied on her trusted equipment.
Signature Sound and Equipment
“My go-to amp is a Fender Hot Rod, and I have a collection of pedals on a Boss board that I absolutely adore. I frequently use an MXR phase 90 and an MXR Analog Chorus. The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork pitch shifter is fantastic, along with a TC Electronic Flashback Delay. I also have a Boss OD-3 overdrive pedal and a Korg Pitchblack tuner,” she elaborates.
Musical Themes and Empowerment
Listeners can enjoy guitar-driven tracks on Playin’ Dumb, including the standout song Poor Girl, which showcases a fuzz-laden boogie riff and an electrifying solo by Tooraen.
When discussing the themes of the album, she states, “It’s easy for our gender to overshadow our music. Some have remarked, ‘You’re good for a girl band.’ This album is about reclaiming and celebrating femininity. We want to acknowledge that we are women who love making music, and we take pride in that.”
From Childhood Blues to Six-String Dreams: Meet Tchotchke’s Emily Tooraen
From Childhood Blues to Six-String Dreams: Meet Tchotchke’s Emily Tooraen
The Early Spark of Musical Passion
Emily Tooraen, the talented guitarist of the New York-based band Tchotchke, discovered her love for music at a young age. At just seven years old, she attended the iconic Eric Clapton Crossroads Festival, where she witnessed legendary performances by artists like ZZ Top and B.B. king. This experience ignited her passion for the blues and rock genres, setting her on a path to becoming a skilled musician.
Musical Journey: From Band to Band
Emily’s musical journey has been diverse and dynamic. Before joining Tchotchke in 2019, she explored various musical styles and collaborated with different bands. Her early experiences included:
Playing in a band with a sound reminiscent of the Red Hot chili Peppers.
Experimenting with different guitar techniques to enhance her skills.
Attending music school and accompanying pop artists.
Despite these varied experiences, Emily’s heart has always belonged to rock and blues-rock, which she describes as her true musical love.
Joining Tchotchke: A New Chapter
In 2019, Emily joined forces with drummer Anastasia Sanchez and bassist Eva Chambers, who had been jamming together since high school. This collaboration marked a significant turning point in her career, allowing her to blend her unique style with the band’s vision.
Gear Choices: The instruments Behind the Sound
Emily’s choice of instruments plays a crucial role in shaping Tchotchke’s sound. For their latest album, Playin’ Dumb, she relied on her trusted Eric Clapton Stratocaster, which she has cherished as she was 13. However, she also experimented with a Gibson SG to achieve a fuller tone in their three-piece setup.
Emily’s Gear Setup
Instrument
Details
Guitar
Eric Clapton Stratocaster, Gibson SG
Amplifier
Fender hot Rod
Pedals
MXR Phase 90, MXR Analog Chorus, Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork, TC Electronic Flashback Delay, Boss OD-3
Tuner
Korg Pitchblack
Musical Themes and Empowerment
Emily’s experiences and the challenges she faced as a female musician have influenced the themes of Tchotchke’s music. The band aims to empower women in the music industry and challenge stereotypes. Emily explains:
“It’s easy for our gender to overshadow our music. Some have remarked, ‘You’re good for a girl band.’ This album is about reclaiming and celebrating femininity.We want to acknowledge that we are women who love making music, and we take pride in that.”
Notable Tracks and Their Impact
On playin’ Dumb, listeners can find guitar-heavy tracks that showcase Emily’s skills, such as:
Poor Girl: Features a fuzz-heavy boogie riff and an electrifying solo.
other Tracks: Each song reflects the band’s commitment to authenticity and musicality.
Benefits of Pursuing Music as a passion
Engaging with music offers numerous benefits, especially for aspiring musicians. Here are some advantages:
Emotional Expression: music serves as a powerful outlet for emotions.
Creativity Boost: Playing an instrument enhances creative thinking.
Community Building: Joining bands fosters connections with like-minded individuals.
skill Advancement: Learning music improves discipline and perseverance.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Guitarists
If you’re inspired by Emily’s journey and want to pursue guitar playing,consider these practical tips:
Start with the Basics: Learn essential chords and scales.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improvement.
Explore Different Genres: Experiment with various styles to find your unique sound.
Invest in Quality Gear: A good instrument can enhance your playing experience.
Join a Community: Connect with other musicians for support and collaboration.
First-Hand Experience: Emily’s Advice
Emily shares her insights for aspiring musicians:
“Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your voice. Every musician has a unique journey, and it’s significant to embrace yours. Surround yourself with supportive people who inspire you to grow.”
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