The Tacet Mode’s Debut Is a Journey Toward Self-Acceptance
Punk Head: You describe the album as “one soul’s journey toward itself,” which is a striking way to frame a debut. What did that journey actually look like in practical, everyday terms while writing these songs?
The Tacet Mode: These songs were the product of an inner yearning I had… a yearning for truth about my Self. All of these seemingly random life events began to happen in succession - an ex gf was making mysterious appearances in my life. I began to question some of the ways in which I was “indoctrinated” into society growing up, and all the expectations that come along with that. My battles with “major depression.” All these repressed or “shadow” sides of my being were asked to be looked at through these songs.. the words didn’t fully reveal their meaning to me after the entire album was written. I had an “awakening” of sorts (I later discovered is referred to as “kundalini”), And I’m still learning.
Punk Head: “Black Honey” invites listeners to remove the mask, but artists also build personas to survive publicly. Is The Tacet Mode a mask, or is it a way of removing one?
The Tacet Mode: Lovely question! It’s both. David Bowie is one of my biggest influences, and he would create personas that reflected his own nature. I intend to do something similar with The Tacet Mode. It’s a STAGE name and although it is a representation of me for a moment in time, it’s not “me.” This takes the weight off my shoulders. Then I can take that lesson back with me into the real world, realize it’s all one big performance, and go about my day a little happier and hopefully kinder.
Punk Head: “If the blemishes don’t show, the world will never know” feels like the thesis statement of the record. When did you first realize imperfection was actually part of connection?
The Tacet Mode: During my first mushroom trip in high school, I told my friend “all we are is our flaws” and he looked at me with an unmistakable truth in his eyes. Typical high school shroom trip realization! Haha… but it stuck with me and it’s true… without our imperfections, we’re all perfect, and then there’s no individuality to be celebrated. After living a life wrought with the burden of perfectionism, this album is a celebration of our individuality. My mission is to make this connection with audiences in person, which I’ve already begun.
Punk Head: A seven-piece band is a bold move for a debut project. At what point did you realize these songs needed a larger physical presence onstage?
The Tacet Mode: When I realized all the tracks I had produced could never be replicated live without playing to backing tracks haha.. since I play on the Wedding circuit, I have more than enough friends that are able and willing to play live… so I decided to cut the backing track.. I’m super grateful for being able to share the presence with great friends in the process. The Tacet Mode becomes not just a stage moniker but a collective of passionate individuals with something hopefully unique to share.
Punk Head: A lot of this album deals with transformation. Was there a point during recording where the material genuinely surprised or unsettled you?
The Tacet Mode: I really don’t take a lot of mushrooms, to the fact that it’s coming up twice may paint the wrong picture haha…. But anyway during the process I was tripping on mushrooms, and I was legit scared to listen to the album. I forced myself to do it. I cried. There are things that I didn’t like about it at the time. Emotions. “ every time I turn around, not ready to stare it down.” - Infinity mirror… I said to myself, I’m going to take a break, gather myself, and begin listening again from the beginning. I said I didn’t go through all this work to hate this album and shelf it. After a few false starts, I was able to get through the album and ended up falling in love with it, and therefore falling in love with myself. A self love that I had not experienced before. Like all was right in the cosmos. My only hope with this album is that I connect with one other person in this way… I don’t need everyone to get it or love it, I just want to connect with that one person. Really enjoyed and appreciate your thoughtful questions.
