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Tacocat is an American punk rock band from Seattle, founded in 2007 and consisting of Emily Nokes, Bree McKenna, Lelah Maupin, and Eric Randall.[1] They gained popularity in 2014 following the release of their second album NVM, engineered by Conrad Uno. The album received positive reviews in the music press, including from Pitchfork,[2] AllMusic,[3] and PopMatters,[4][5] and also reached the CMJ top 10 college radio albums.

Key Information

Tacocat addresses feminist themes in many of their songs using humor and sarcasm. The song "Crimson Wave" is a period-positive beach anthem featuring red imagery and humorous menstruation metaphors. The music video for the song[6] gained over 10,000 views in a single week on YouTube, and has since gotten over 415,000 views.[7] The band also jokes about other themes such as seasonal affective disorder in Seattle on "Bridge to Hawaii" and waiting for a late bus on "FU #8."[2]

History

[edit]

Drummer Lelah Maupin and guitarist Eric Randall first met in Longview, Washington while working together at a Safeway grocery store.[8] Randall met bassist Bree McKenna while his band was practicing in the basement of a punk house where she lived. Lelah Maupin met Emily Nokes in a graphic design class. The four bonded over their mutual affection for 1990s music, the riot grrrl movement, and Kevin Costner's Waterworld.[9] They started making music together, performing at small shows and releasing singles.[10][11] Tacocat's roots in the DIY (Do It Yourself) culture of indie music embody a spirit of self-sufficiency and innovation.[citation needed] They released their DIY debut album Shame Spiral[12] in 2010. That year, they also signed with Subpop imprint Hardly Art and released their second EP Take Me to Your Dealer. The Woman's Day EP followed in 2011. The band would exhaustively tour the United States over the next few years, playing basements and house shows. Other notable releases include a Ghost Mice/Tacocat split 7-inch,[13] a riot grrrl cover compilation album released on Teenage Teardrops Records[14] (featuring cover art by Jessica Hopper), and the much coveted DIY tour tapes such as Frenching and Food Stamps and OMG.[15]

In a 2012 installment of Your Favorite Band, a series of fictitious satirical articles for VICE, Bree McKenna claimed to be the illegitimate child of Bob Saget.[16]

The band was involved in a controversy involving pop singer Katy Perry when her Super Bowl 2015 half-time show featured backup dancers in shark costumes that looked similar to Tacocat's in the "Crimson Wave" video.[17]

2014 NVM Tour

[edit]

Tacocat went on a national tour in March 2014 in support of their album NVM, playing many shows in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States, including in Los Angeles, Tucson, New Orleans, Atlanta, Baltimore, Columbus, Las Vegas, New York City, Miami, Boston, and Little Rock.[18] They also toured Europe in fall 2014 with visits to many major cities including Barcelona, Berlin, London and Vienna.[19]

Lost Time

[edit]

Tacocat's third album Lost Time came out on Hardly Art Records on April 1, 2016. Their premiere, pro-service worker single, "I Hate the Weekend," was announced in January 2016.[20] On February 15, 2016, Pitchfork streamed "Talk," the second single from the album, and reported that they will record the theme song to the 2016 Powerpuff Girls reboot.[21]

Singer Emily Nokes was influenced by the science fiction series The X-Files during the writing of Lost Time.[22] The name of the album is a reference to the pilot episode of The X-Files, which touched on the lost time phenomenon.[22] The album opens with a track titled "Dana Katherine Scully" celebrating the fictional character played by Gillian Anderson.

Tacocat were included in the Coachella 2017 line-up.[23]

This Mess Is a Place

[edit]

The band released their fourth full-length album, This Mess is a Place on May 3, 2019, on Sub Pop Records[24]

Members

[edit]
  • Emily Nokes
    Emily Nokes
  • Bree McKenna
    Bree McKenna
  • Lelah Maupin
    Lelah Maupin
  • Eric Randall
    Eric Randall

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

EPs

[edit]
  • Ghost Mice/Tacocat Split (Plan-It-X Records, 2009)
  • This is Happening Without Your Permission Split (Teenage Teardrops, 2009)
  • Woman's Day (Minor Bird Records, 2011)
  • Take Me to Your Dealer (Hardly Art, 2012)

Tapes

[edit]
  • Frenching and Foodstamps (self-release, 2009)
  • OMG (self-release, 2010)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Bridge to Hawaii" (Hardly Art, 2013)[25]
  • "Crimson Wave" (Hardly Art, 2014)[26]
  • "Talk" (Hardly Art, 2016)[27]
  • "Grains of Salt" (Sub Pop, 2019)[24]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Tacocat

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tacocat is an American band formed in , in 2007, comprising vocalist Emily Nokes, bassist Bree McKenna, guitarist Eric Randall, and drummer Lelah Maupin. The group emerged from the local DIY scene, initially performing at house shows and small venues before developing a reputation for energetic live performances that filled larger spaces like . Known for a style infused with witty, feminist-leaning lyrics addressing personal and political topics—such as emotional reactions to societal power structures and everyday absurdities—Tacocat released three studio albums: NVM in 2014, Lost Time in 2016 (both via Hardly Art Records), and This Mess Is a Place in 2019 on Records. Their discography also includes earlier EPs like Take Me to Your Dealer and Shame Spiral, reflecting an evolution from raw indie releases to more polished productions while maintaining a collaborative, humor-driven ethos. Extensive national and international tours, including support for NVM and subsequent records, helped cultivate a devoted fanbase, though the band entered hiatus following their 2019 release, with members pursuing other projects.

History

Formation and Early Years (2007–2011)

Tacocat formed in 2007 in , Washington, when drummer Lelah Maupin and guitarist Eric Randall relocated from Longview to join vocalist Emily Nokes and bassist Bree McKenna in the city's indie punk revival. The quartet drew from Seattle's DIY punk , emphasizing informal gatherings over established circuits amid a scene favoring feminist-leaning acts in small, queer-friendly spaces. Their early sound blended punk energy with pop hooks, reflecting the shift toward accessible, subversive without initial commercial infrastructure. The band solidified its lineup through persistent performances at house parties, basements, and limited venues, navigating Seattle's constrained all-ages scene where formal spaces were scarce. Promotion relied on word-of-mouth and early digital tools like for booking DIY gigs, fostering a local via quirky stage presence and self-recorded demos. These efforts highlighted challenges such as rising rents reducing availability and dependence on community-driven events for visibility. In June 2008, Tacocat released their debut full-length Shame Spiral on the independent Don't Stop Believin' Records, a vinyl and CD effort capturing raw punk tracks that gained traction in regional punk circles. The album's DIY production and distribution underscored their entry into Seattle's underground, prioritizing live over polished recording, with tracks like those evoking surf-punk influences performed at informal venues to build among attendees. This period cemented their foundational role in the local scene, predating wider recognition through small-label affiliations.

Breakthrough and NVM Era (2012–2015)

Tacocat achieved a significant breakthrough with the release of their second studio album, NVM, on February 25, 2014, through Hardly Art Records, an imprint of Sub Pop. The album, recorded at Egg Studios in Seattle, featured 12 tracks blending pop-punk energy with witty lyrics, earning acclaim for its sarcastic edge and catchy hooks. Positive reviews from outlets like Pitchfork highlighted its thematic consistency around frustration and alienation, positioning it as a standout in the indie scene. Mother Jones praised tracks like "This Is Anarchy" for capturing youthful rebellion, contributing to the band's rising profile beyond local Seattle circuits. Supporting NVM, Tacocat embarked on a national U.S. tour starting in March 2014, with stops including , on March 25 at Velvet Lounge and on March 26 at The Metro Gallery. The tour logistics emphasized DIY punk ethos, aligning with the band's grassroots origins while expanding reach through indie media coverage in publications like The Stranger, which noted the album's role in Seattle's ongoing music resurgence. This period marked a shift to wider recognition, evidenced by a AMA on April 20, 2014, where the band discussed their songwriting and promotions, engaging fans on topics from candy to cats. Key factors in their ascent included the palindromic band name, marketed as a memorable —"the world's favorite palindromic band"—enhancing branding in promo materials. The music video for "Crimson Wave," released earlier in February 2014, featured surreal beach scenes with dancing crabs and hungry sharks, boosting visual appeal and sparking discussions, including later comparisons to Katy Perry's performance. These elements, combined with the post-2008 economic recovery's appetite for escapist yet irreverent punk-pop, facilitated Tacocat's alignment with a burgeoning indie resurgence, though mainstream metrics like sales figures remained modest compared to major labels.

Lost Time and Maturation (2016–2017)

Tacocat released their third studio , Lost Time, on April 1, 2016, through Hardly Art Records. The album was produced by Erik Blood, whose involvement introduced a more expansive and polished sound compared to prior releases, emphasizing layered instrumentation while retaining the band's foundation. Tracks such as "I Hate the Weekend" explored themes of personal alienation and urban disconnection, reflecting introspective shifts in lyricism drawn from life. Following the album's release, the band embarked on extensive touring in and , including U.S. dates and a European leg that featured a performance at in , , on an unspecified date in the period. These tours built on accumulated live experience, fostering refinements in the band's onstage precision and interplay among members—vocalist Emily Nokes, guitarist Bree McKenna, bassist Lelah Maupin, drummer Eric Randall, and keyboardist/vocalist Joanna Bronner—without any lineup alterations. The maturation evident in Lost Time aligned with this phase, as repeated performances honed instrumental tightness and incorporated subtle evolutions toward broader sonic textures, such as enhanced production depth from Blood's methods.

This Mess Is a Place and Peak Activity (2018–2019)

Tacocat recorded This Mess Is a Place with Erik Blood, incorporating elements into their punk foundation to create a brighter, more expansive sound amid the political tensions following the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The album's , "Grains of Salt," released on February 14, 2019, critiques media and doubt in an era of pervasive , reflecting broader post-election disillusionment without overt partisanship. The full album debuted on May 3, 2019, via Records, marking the band's first release with the label and signaling their transition to wider distribution and promotion. 's backing amplified visibility, with the band adopting a "sequin punk" aesthetic—self-described as blending glittery with confetti-like energy—to appeal beyond niche punk audiences. This shift yielded placements in year-end lists, including NPR's heavy rotation features and college radio charts, though mainstream commercial metrics remained modest for an indie release. Promotional efforts peaked with a May 1, 2019, AMA on r/indieheads, where band members discussed the album's themes of resilience and joy amid "darker times," drawing hundreds of interactions. Sub Pop supported extensive U.S. and European tours starting in spring 2019, including headline dates and festival appearances that sustained momentum through the year before tapering. These activities represented Tacocat's commercial high point, leveraging label resources for broader exposure without achieving crossover chart success.

Hiatus and Post-2019 Developments

Following the release of their fourth studio album This Mess Is a Place on May 3, 2019, Tacocat ceased touring and new material production, entering an indefinite hiatus as reflected in their official bio, which explicitly states the band is "on hiatus." This shift followed an intensive album cycle involving extensive U.S. and international tours, including dates in August 2019, amid growing fatigue from sustained independent band operations in Seattle's evolving music scene. The , which began in early 2020, further stalled any potential live activity, as global restrictions halted concerts and venue operations for over a year, exacerbating the pause for many indie acts reliant on performances for viability. No Tacocat releases, singles, or scheduled shows have occurred since 2019, with platforms like listing no upcoming tour dates as of 2025. Band members have pursued individual and collaborative endeavors during this period. Vocalist Emily Nokes and bassist Bree McKenna joined supergroup Who Is She? (featuring members from and Lisa Prank), with Nokes added as keyboardist and harmony vocalist; the project released singles like "Thursday" in May 2023 and the album Goddess Energy later that year. Drummer Lelah Maupin contributed percussion to external recordings, including a track on the 2023 Jinkx Monsoon and Christmas special, as noted in band updates. Guitarist Eric Randall's specific post-hiatus activities remain less publicly documented, though the group's and maintain sporadic posts highlighting member contributions without indicating dissolution.

Musical Style and Themes

Genre Influences and Evolution

Tacocat's early sound drew from the riot grrrl movement of the 1990s, particularly bands like and originating from Olympia's punk scene, which informed their raw, high-energy garage punk characterized by driving guitars and shouted vocals. This foundation aligned with 2000s Seattle's DIY punk ethos, emphasizing simplicity through repetitive chord progressions and minimal arrangements on their 2009 debut Shame Spiral and subsequent EPs. By their 2014 album NVM, Tacocat integrated surf-punk elements, evident in reverb-heavy guitar tones and upbeat, hook-driven structures reminiscent of surf rock blended with punk velocity, resulting in tracks averaging under three minutes with straightforward strumming patterns. The 2016 release Lost Time marked a production shift under engineer Erik Blood, introducing cleaner mixes and subtle layering such as Beach Boys-inspired vocal harmonies on tracks like "Leisure Bees," which contrasted earlier rawness with stop-start guitar dynamics and nostalgic jam sections for greater textural depth. On 2019's This Mess Is a Place, their first outing, the band refined this hybrid style into heavier, fuzz-tinged riffs and expanded dynamics—alternating palm-muted verses with explosive choruses—while retaining surf-pop bounce through bouncy bass lines and sharp guitar work, reflecting maturation from two-chord punk basics to more arranged compositions honed via extensive touring. This progression prioritized causal enhancements in mixing and over radical shifts, maintaining punk's immediacy amid polished execution.

Lyrical Content and Social Commentary

Tacocat's lyrics frequently explore everyday absurdities through a lens of sarcasm and pop culture references, blending humor with observations on personal and societal friction. Recurring motifs include feline imagery, as evoked in the band's palindrome name and casual domestic references, alongside frank depictions of menstruation in tracks like "Crimson Wave," which juxtaposes bodily discomfort with punk listening preferences during cycles. Sci-fi elements appear prominently, such as the tribute to The X-Files' Dana Scully in "Dana Katherine Scully" from the 2016 album Lost Time, portraying her as an aspirational figure of skepticism and resilience amid alien conspiracies and professional skepticism. Social commentary in the lyrics often targets gender dynamics and urban irritants, with jabs at catcalling and patriarchal expectations delivered via rather than direct lecturing; for instance, songs street and belittling attitudes toward women while maintaining a light, relatable tone. Vocalist Emily Nokes has described the approach as addressing women's experiences in love, bodies, and relationships without heavy-handedness, infusing feminist perspectives with to challenge norms like pursuit and . Critics have noted an obvious feminist undercurrent, praising its fun viewpoint but observing variations from relatable scenarios to stranger, potentially preachy edges in execution. The band's lyrical evolution shifts from the playful kitsch and 1990s nostalgia of early releases like 2014's NVM—focusing on light and Seattle-specific —to more politically inflected content post-2016, reflecting existential and societal malaise in Lost Time and 2019's This Mess Is a Place, yet anchored in snark and hope rather than outright despair. Later tracks incorporate on dissolving power structures and tech-driven alienation, evolving the into broader cultural critique without abandoning bubblegum punk's irreverence. This progression mirrors the band's maturation, balancing pointed social angles with non-preachy whimsy, though some analyses highlight how the humor occasionally risks diluting sharper edges.

Band Members

Current Lineup

Tacocat's current lineup, stable since the band's formation on July 4, 2007, comprises vocalist Emily Nokes, bassist Bree McKenna, drummer Lelah Maupin, and guitarist Eric Randall. This unchanged quartet has performed on all releases, from the 2009 EP Take Me to Your Dealer through the 2019 album This Mess Is a Place. Nokes delivers lead vocals with a distinctive yelping punk style, often sharing duties with Randall, while McKenna provides foundational bass lines anchoring the rhythm section alongside Maupin's driving drums; Randall contributes guitar riffs and backing vocals, as credited across the band's discography. The absence of lineup changes has enabled sustained cohesion, facilitating consistent touring and recording output over 18 years without recorded departures.

Contributions and Side Projects

Eric Randall's guitar riffs provide the punk in Tacocat's compositions, often originating as foundational elements that propel the band's upbeat, melodic punk . Randall frequently initiates songwriting by developing riffs in practice spaces, contributing to the tightness and sheen evident in later recordings. Lelah Maupin's drumming progressed from basic, self-taught techniques learned onstage during the band's early years to more prominent, crisp rhythms that foreground the percussion in evolved arrangements. This development added dynamic propulsion, with her beats matching the intensity of live performances and enhancing the band's framework. Post-2019 hiatus activities include Emily Nokes joining Who Is She? as keyboardist and harmony vocalist alongside Bree McKenna on bass, culminating in the 2023 album Goddess Energy produced by . Lelah Maupin drummed on a track for The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special released in 2020. Eric Randall has pursued fewer documented external projects during this period. These endeavors reinforce ties to Seattle's indie-punk community, preserving collaborative skills honed in Tacocat.

Discography

Studio Albums

Tacocat's debut full-length studio album, NVM, was released on February 25, 2014, by Hardly Art Records. The album consists of 10 tracks, including "You Never Came Back," "Bridge to ," and "Crimson Wave," recorded in with a runtime of approximately 28 minutes. No major chart positions or sales figures are documented for NVM, reflecting the band's status at the time. The follow-up studio album, Lost Time, arrived on April 1, 2016, also via Hardly Art Records. Produced by Erik Blood, it features 11 tracks such as "Dana Katherine Scully," "I Love ," and "You Can't Fire Me, I Quit," totaling about 33 minutes. Like its predecessor, Lost Time did not achieve notable commercial chart placements, though it received attention in indie music circles. Tacocat's third studio album, This Mess Is a Place, marked their first release on the main Records label, issued on May 3, 2019. Comprising 11 tracks including "Grains of Salt," "," and "Pocket Full of Primrose," the album runs roughly 34 minutes and was recorded amid post-2016 election reflections. It debuted on select indie and alternative charts but lacked broader mainstream sales data.

EPs and Other Releases

Tacocat issued two extended plays in their formative years, both as limited-edition 7-inch vinyl releases that showcased their raw pop-punk sound and contributed to their grassroots appeal in the Pacific Northwest underground scene. The Woman's Day EP appeared on November 22, 2011, via Minor Bird Records as a numbered pressing containing four tracks: "Party Trap," "Sk8 Witch," "Sk8 or Die," and "Oscar." This self-described riotous collection emphasized playful, high-energy punk with skating and party motifs. Take Me to Your Dealer, released March 13, 2012, on Hardly Art, comprised a one-time pressing of four songs—"," "Loser Boyfriend," "Take Me to Your Dealer," and "Human Potato"—exploring breakup angst, tardiness, and relational dysfunction amid Seattle's gritty backdrop.
TitleRelease DateLabelFormatTracks
November 22, 2011Minor Bird Records7" vinyl EP4
Take Me to Your DealerMarch 13, 2012Hardly Art7" vinyl EP4
Additionally, Tacocat shared a split 7-inch with folk-punk duo Ghost Mice in 2013, providing three originals—"Volcano," "Luxury Living," and "Baby Tooth"—that overlapped thematically with prior material while highlighting collaborative punk ethos. These vinyl-focused outputs, produced in constrained runs, bolstered demand among tape-trading and DIY circuits without broader commercial distribution. No further EPs, splits, or comparable non- projects emerged after 2019.

Singles and Notable Tracks

"Grains of Salt" was released as a single on February 14, 2019, by Records, serving as the lead track from the band's fourth album and featuring an official produced to promote its upbeat, introspective punk style. The song received airplay on indie radio stations and was performed live during the band's studio session for KEXP on May 3, 2019, highlighting its driving rhythm and guitar work. Earlier singles from Hardly Art include "Crimson Wave" in 2014 and "Talk" in 2016, both of which gained traction through and live sessions that emphasized the band's energetic delivery. "Crimson Wave" in particular became a streaming standout, frequently appearing in user-generated indie punk playlists due to its infectious chorus and over 1 million streams on platforms like as of recent data. These releases underscored Tacocat's ability to blend surf-influenced riffs with concise song structures, contributing to their presence in niche digital catalogs without achieving mainstream chart positions. "Retrograde," issued as a standalone 7-inch single on October 31, 2019, by , further exemplified the band's post-album output with its raw, feedback-heavy production. Fan-favorite tracks like "I Hate the Weekend" and "Dana Katherine Scully," while not formal singles, have sustained streaming momentum through inclusions in algorithmic recommendations for and indie surf genres, reflecting enduring listener engagement in the band's catalog.

Reception and Impact

Critical Acclaim and Commercial Performance

Tacocat's albums have garnered generally favorable critical reception within indie and punk circles, with reviewers frequently praising the band's sharp wit, energetic delivery, and fusion of feminist themes with bubblegum punk hooks. Their 2014 debut full-length NVM drew acclaim for its irreverent handling of topics like the and , as in tracks such as "Crimson Wave," which highlighted for its unparalleled feminist wit and cheerful confetti-throwing approach to serious issues, though noting a lack of sonic depth to match the frustrations expressed. awarded it 7.5 out of 10, commending the buoyant power-pop buoyed by lyrical specificity. Subsequent releases on , including Lost Time (2016) and This Mess Is a Place (2019), earned aggregates of 76/100 each, based on 13 and 8 critic reviews respectively, with the majority positive; scored Lost Time at 6.1 for its incisive critiques in songs like "I Hate the Weekend" despite a perceived weariness, and This Mess Is a Place at 6.9 for its lively subversive joy and wry roasts of millennial ambivalence. similarly lauded This Mess Is a Place for retaining snark and surf-pop energy amid political drain, anchoring themes in hope without sugarcoating. ![Emily Noakes of Taco Cat at Ace of Cups 01.jpg][float-right] Commercially, Tacocat achieved modest success typical of niche indie punk acts, bolstered by their 2016 signing to prestigious label , which elevated their visibility beyond initial Hardly Art releases. No major chart entries or blockbuster sales figures are recorded, reflecting limited mainstream crossover due to the genre's specialized appeal, though streaming metrics indicate sustained cult following: as of recent data, the band maintains approximately 53,000 followers and 40,000 monthly listeners. Festival bookings served as key performance proxies, including a 2017 Coachella appearance in the tent, where they performed amid larger acts and led anti-Trump chants, underscoring their draw in alternative scenes despite "tiny-font" billing. Extensive touring supported releases, contributing to empowering perceptions of female-led punk revival, yet constrained broader penetration by punk's raw, non-commercial edge.

Cultural Influence and Legacy

Tacocat played a pivotal role in sustaining Seattle's after the grunge era's commercialization in the 1990s, channeling DIY principles to nurture a resurgence of feminist-leaning indie punk bands. Emerging in 2007 amid a landscape dominated by mainstream rock, the quartet's emphasis on self-produced releases and grassroots touring helped maintain punk's underground vitality, inspiring local acts to prioritize humor-infused critiques of and consumerism over polished production. Their contributions extended to fostering a collaborative scene, where they advocated for greater visibility of female-fronted and people-of-color-led groups, countering historical exclusions in Seattle's music ecosystem. This ethos echoed precedents while adapting them to 2010s realities, such as tech-bro culture and urban , thereby bridging generational punk continuity without relying on major-label infrastructure. The band's palindromic name and whimsical, cat-themed visuals served as a meme-worthy branding that enhanced their appeal in digital indie communities, promoting punk as approachable and irreverent rather than dour. This lighthearted aesthetic influenced the visual and thematic hybridity in subsequent acts, blending surf-punk riffs with synth elements for broader accessibility, as seen in their own evolution toward glittery, confetti-infused performances. By embedding in catchy, palindrome-playful —evident in tracks like those on Lost Time (2016)—Tacocat modeled a sustainable punk identity that prioritized cultural resonance over commercial longevity. Following their hiatus beginning around 2020, Tacocat's legacy persists as a benchmark for indie sustainability amid economic precarity and burnout, with their three studio albums continuing to soundtrack feminist punk revivals. Rather than signaling decline, the pause highlights punk's inherent ephemerality, where bands like Tacocat endure through archival influence on DIY circuits, encouraging emerging female-fronted groups to navigate similar challenges via networks and venue collectives. Their discography's emphasis on empirical critiques—drawing from lived experiences of and urban life—provides a causal template for causal realism in lyrics, underscoring punk's role in documenting subcultural resilience without romanticizing hardship.

Controversies

Industry Sexism and Band Responses

Tacocat, featuring three female members in a historically male-dominated punk scene, encountered various forms of sexism from journalists, scene participants, and industry personnel, often manifesting as reductive labeling or condescending assumptions about their capabilities and appeal. In a 2011 essay published in The Stranger, guitarist Bree McKenna highlighted how the band was frequently tagged as "riot grrrl" and unfavorably compared to Bikini Kill, with critics dismissing their politics as insufficiently "serious" relative to earlier acts. Reviews emphasized the band's appearance over musicianship, portraying them as "just getting out there" and "so cute," which McKenna argued reflected a double standard not applied to male counterparts like Tit Pig for similarly lighthearted content. Within the punk community, a queer/punk band criticized Tacocat's female-majority lineup for lyrics about cats, despite acknowledging their instrumental proficiency, deeming such topics unworthy and anger-inducing. Further incidents underscored interpersonal biases during performances and tours. At the 2016 Sasquatch! festival, a stage technician mistook a female band member for "one of the dancers," questioning her professional role. On a European tour, the group faced verbal and physical confrontations from intoxicated men, alongside a crew member affiliated with the Cure who commented approvingly yet intrusively on a member's armpit hair, framing it as a rare male tolerance. Drummer Lelah Maupin noted in a 2014 interview that early reception hinged on perceptions of "cute girls" rather than merit, with the band initially dismissed or tokenized as a "girl band," reflecting persistent inequalities in a music industry slower to modernize than broader society. The band countered these pressures through steadfast commitment to their creative and rigorous touring schedule, rejecting calls to conform to expectations of "serious" feminist output or altered presentation. McKenna expressed offense at feminist gatekeeping that curtailed women's expressive , advocating instead for unapologetic participation without pandering to critics' preferences for male-dominated norms. Maupin observed an evolving scene with increasing female involvement, suggesting Tacocat's persistence contributed to this shift without reliance on victim narratives or industry accommodations. Their trajectory—sustained international tours and label support despite such hurdles—illustrates success attained via demonstrable skill and output, challenging presumptions of exclusionary barriers overcome only through special concessions rather than competitive excellence in a field long skewed toward male acts.

Katy Perry Super Bowl Incident

During Katy Perry's Super Bowl XLIX halftime performance on February 1, 2015, backup dancers clad in blue shark costumes performed alongside her during the "Teenage Dream" segment, drawing widespread attention for their synchronized yet erratic movements, particularly the "Left Shark." These costumes and the beach-themed choreography closely resembled the dancing sharks featured in the music video for Tacocat's song "Crimson Wave," released in August 2014 as part of their album NVM. The video depicts band members and extras in similar shark outfits surfing and dancing amid red-tinted waves, evoking a playful, period-positive aesthetic tied to menstruation themes. Tacocat members publicly noted the similarities shortly after the broadcast, blending amusement with frustration over the apparent unattributed borrowing. Eric Randall stated, "She’s ripping us off!" while viewing the performance with bassist Lelah Maupin, who responded positively, expressing pride in the association and enjoying the surreal "WTF" moment. Vocalist Emily Nokes highlighted the influx of messages linking the two, demanding a public apology from or an invitation to join her tour, while humorously extending an offer for a "video-viewing " post-apology. The band did not pursue claims, as shark motifs are not uniquely protectable and no evidence of direct copying beyond visual resemblance emerged. The controversy generated memes and online debates about artistic influence versus but resolved without litigation. It inadvertently amplified Tacocat's visibility, with Nokes reporting her phone "blowing up" from media inquiries and fan connections, leading to coverage in outlets like and increased streams of "Crimson Wave." In 2016, Tacocat addressed the episode by covering Perry's "Roar" for A.V. Club's Undercover series, framing it as a lighthearted nod to their shared history.

References

  1. https://www.subpop.com/artists/tacocat
  2. https://tacocat.bandcamp.com/
  3. https://www.instagram.com/tacocatband/
  4. https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Local-act-Tacocat-to-play-Coachella-10833313.php
  5. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/seattles-new-feminist-punk-with-a-smirk/
  6. https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2019/02/14/694212634/seattle-punks-tacocat-throw-a-party-to-celebrate-self-love
  7. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tacocat/287701058
  8. https://www.thestranger.com/music/2016/12/14/24744462/how-tacocat-made-the-most-of-the-worst-year-ever
  9. https://www.discogs.com/master/1008545-Tacocat-Shame-Spiral
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/2770184-Tacocat-Shame-Spiral
  11. https://consequence.net/2012/03/album-review-tacocat-take-me-to-your-dealer-ep/
  12. https://www.hardlyart.com/
  13. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19049-tacocat-nvm/
  14. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/03/music-review-tacocat-nvm-this-is-anarchy/
  15. https://trainwreckdsociety.com/2014/03/
  16. https://www.thestranger.com/music/2014/03/26/19138205/four-takes-on-tacocats-nvm
  17. https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/23jjhu/we_are_tacocat_a_pop_and_punk_band_from_seattle/
  18. https://megamart.subpop.com/products/tacocat_nvm
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFH1BBdxGjw
  20. https://vanyaland.com/2015/02/06/seattle-band-tacocat-katy-perrys-dancing-sharks-shes-ripping-us-off/
  21. https://tacocat.bandcamp.com/album/lost-time-3
  22. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/tacocat-49f507dc-a28f-4bbd-b1c7-0cc71a3b716f
  23. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/tacocat
  24. https://www.kexp.org/read/2019/2/14/tacocat-announce-new-album-mess-place-share-lead-single-grains-salt
  25. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/with-sub-pop-debut-tacocat-spikes-beach-balls-at-post-trump-depression/
  26. https://getinherears.com/2019/04/14/album-tacocat-this-mess-is-a-place/
  27. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/tacocat-announce-first-lp-for-sub-pop-and-tour-share-grains-of-salt-video/
  28. https://www.reddit.com/r/indieheads/comments/bjl5p0/were_tacocat_ask_us_anything/
  29. https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2019/06/01/728562404/heavy-rotation-10-songs-public-radio-cant-stop-playing
  30. https://naccchart.com/community/best-albums-and-singles-of-2019/
  31. https://www.instagram.com/tacocatband/?hl=en
  32. https://www.subpop.com/news/tag/tacocat
  33. https://www.songkick.com/artists/985615-tacocat
  34. https://www.stereogum.com/2224077/who-is-she-thursday-goddess-energy/music/
  35. https://www.facebook.com/tacocatband/
  36. https://www.oudaily.com/a_and_e/feminist-pop-punk-band-tacocat-discusses-origins-tour/article_eab8d80a-f230-11e6-bea6-7769bed03bd8.html
  37. https://theithacan.org/10491/life-culture/reviews/review-tacocats-punk-rock-style-impresses-fans/
  38. https://www.vol1brooklyn.com/2014/03/28/talking-feminist-science-fiction-and-remaking-surf-rock-an-interview-with-seattles-tacocat/
  39. https://wrvu.org/tacocat-returns-with-lost-time/
  40. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21594-lost-time/
  41. https://www.npr.org/2019/04/25/716073615/first-listen-tacocat-this-mess-is-a-place
  42. https://music.mxdwn.com/2019/05/08/reviews/tacocat-this-mess-is-a-place/
  43. https://stompandstammer.com/feature-stories/tacocat/
  44. https://www.rookiemag.com/2014/01/crimson-wave-tacocat/
  45. https://www.rookiemag.com/2016/04/tacocat-dana-katherine-scully/
  46. https://www.spin.com/2016/04/review-tacocat-lost-time/
  47. https://www.dcmusicreview.com/the-feminist-pop-punk-we-sorely-need-tacocat-at-dc9-with-gymshorts/
  48. https://www.heraldnet.com/life/a-deep-dive-for-the-ladies-of-seattles-tacocat/
  49. https://magnetmagazine.com/2016/05/11/tacocat-feminism-is-fun/
  50. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/longread/tacocat-between-punk-rock-and-a-hard-place-interview
  51. https://ashleystein.scot/2016/03/29/tacocat-list-time-album-review/
  52. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/Feminist-band-Tacocat-gets-serious-sort-of-13959218.php
  53. https://www.reddit.com/r/LetsTalkMusic/comments/5n6o8v/tacocat_nvm/
  54. https://www.popmatters.com/tacocat-this-mess-is-place-2638329009.html
  55. https://www.listenmag.xyz/read/tacocatinterview
  56. https://www.thestranger.com/music/2016/03/30/23885717/record-review-tacocat-take-the-high-road-to-simple-pleasures-on-lost-time
  57. https://fortherabbits.net/2016/04/13/new-to-us-tacocat/
  58. https://equipboard.com/band/tacocat
  59. https://www.last.fm/music/Tacocat/%2Bwiki
  60. https://www.vrtxmag.com/articles/the-northwests-best-kept-secret-tacocat-at-mississippi-studios/
  61. https://www.portlandmercury.com/music/2014/03/05/11897970/hard-candy
  62. https://www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-culture/2016/05/album-of-the-month-tacocat-lost-time
  63. https://thequietus.com/interviews/tacocat-interview/
  64. https://newnoisemagazine.com/interviews/evolving-goals-unsettling-climate-tacocat-mess-place/
  65. https://rockandrollglobe.com/rock/catching-up-with-seattle-supergroup-who-is-she/
  66. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12003666/
  67. https://tacocat.bandcamp.com/album/nvm
  68. https://www.allmusic.com/album/nvm-mw0002605410
  69. https://www.allmusic.com/album/lost-time-mw0002920325
  70. https://www.discogs.com/master/1543735-Tacocat-This-Mess-Is-a-Place
  71. https://tacocat.bandcamp.com/album/womans-day
  72. https://www.discogs.com/release/3314837-Tacocat-Womans-Day
  73. https://minorbirdrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tacocat-womans-day
  74. https://tacocat.bandcamp.com/album/take-me-to-your-dealer-ep
  75. https://music.apple.com/us/album/take-me-to-your-dealer-ep/507322851
  76. https://www.amoeba.com/take-me-to-your-dealer-7-ep-tacocat/albums/960587/
  77. https://tacocat.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-mice-split-7
  78. https://www.discogs.com/master/801494-Tacocat-Take-Me-To-Your-Dealer
  79. https://www.subpop.com/news/2019/02/14/tacocats_new_full_length_this_mess_is_a_place_due_out_may_3rd_2019
  80. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZwmPArNWXg
  81. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDyOfEW_e1E
  82. https://www.subpop.com/artists/tacocat/discography
  83. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3h0MN1neFknEvlYKxFmSQW
  84. https://www.metacritic.com/music/lost-time/tacocat
  85. https://www.metacritic.com/music/this-mess-is-a-place/tacocat
  86. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/tacocat-this-mess-is-a-place/
  87. https://app.chartmetric.com/artist/211013
  88. https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/04/22/525108112/tacocat-talks-being-a-tiny-font-band-at-coachella
  89. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/tacocat/2017/empire-polo-club-indio-ca-63e6e67f.html
  90. https://www.inlander.com/music/tacocat-makes-feisty-synth-pop-for-our-rough-reality/article_d5dea093-07ce-5c68-a613-f53346ee9bd5.html
  91. https://www.okgazette.com/music/seattle-band-tacocat-brings-culturally-relevant-feminist-inspired-punk-to-oklahoma-2981696/
  92. https://www.grammy.com/news/8-bands-that-embody-the-riot-grrrl-spirit-videos
  93. https://sheshreds.com/really-lame-tell-women-shouldnt-art-interview-tacocat/
  94. https://www.thestranger.com/pullout/2011/06/22/8743257/sexist-queers
  95. https://marquettewire.org/3871948/dont-use/tacocat-to-bring-their-fun-feminist-message-to-milwaukee/
  96. https://americansongwriter.com/punk-outfit-tacocat-covers-katy-perrys-roar-live/
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