Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice: An Interview with Tacocat at SXSW 2016

By Janelle Abad
SXSW Press Team

What is spelled the same way forwards and backwards and sings songs about menstruation? If you guessed Seattle, Washington based feminist-glitter-punk group Tacocat then you’re right on the money. The vibrant quartet trekked down to Austin for this year’s SXSW festivities from their show in Denton, Texas.

“We’re playing eight shows in six days. We’re going to just see what we see. It’s always hard to make plans when you need to get from this end of town to this end of town,” sai Bree McKenna, bassist of Tacocat.

McKenna is also the bassist in feminist all-girl punk act Childbirth with members from Hardly Art label mates Chastity Belt and Pony Time.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Diet Cig, All Dogs, and PWR BTTM is really good. They’re one of my favorite bands. There’s actually a lot of really good bands here that are female fronted that I’m excited to see,” said McKenna.

This year marks the fourth year that Tacocat has been at the Austin city-wide festival. Prior to this year’s festival, lead singer Emily Nokes, notes that the attendance for their SXSW shows weren’t as high as they’d like, but they’re looking forward to plenty more awesome shows.

“It all kind of just blends together. It’s usually just like tacos, and very hot, and a lot of people, but this is the first time to have a hotel. Usually we just crash at someone’s place, but it’s nice to have your own bathroom and bed to sleep on at the end of the day,” Lelah Maupin said.

Tacocat released two singles from their new album, Lost Time, earlier this year: “I Hate The Weekend” and “Talk.” The album is due out April 1st, but the work Tacocat has been up to since then is anything but a joke. The group has been hard at work reinventing the Powerpuff Girls theme song for the reboot due out on Cartoon Network this year. The process of recording, the band said was very different than what they’re used to. A conductor was brought out and aided them throughout the process. Nevertheless, all members shared an equally overwhelming amount of sparkling enthusiasm about the opportunity.

In the spirit of Austin “foodie” culture, the band agreed that the Tacocat-taco would comprise of glitter, emojis and migas for the edible content. For more on Tacocat, visit their website.