I recently caught up with Tissa Rahim, female vocalist of the Bleeding Horse Express, to talk about their new album, North American Tour, hanging with 100 Monkeys, Waffles, Whiskey, and Bruce Springsteen.
How has the experience of going on tour for the first time worked out?
It has been interesting for sure. As cliché as it sounds, it’s actually quite an emotional rollercoaster for everyone. There are times when we are on the floor laughing about inside jokes we have gained on this tour. Other times things get quite quiet and people become slightly introverted. However, I think that’s just an ordinary aspect of touring. You certainly do not get much personal time, so you have to learn how to deal with being surrounded by people constantly. Overall, the tour has been amazing. I’m only 21 years old, and the fact that I get to tour around the States and sing for people, which I consider one of my favourite things to do, makes me feel very very lucky.
What has been your favourite part of the tour experience?
I have always wanted to take part in a road trip across the States, and when I found out we get to do just that thing, along with showcasing the music off of our new record, I was thrilled. Seeing all these different places is really enjoyable. You see much diversity driving across the States, from the landscapes, to the culture, and food. One uniting aspect of the States is the friendliness of the people, and their genuine interest in getting to know us and our music.
What home comfort do you miss when on the road?
I miss sleeping in my bed, and cooking for myself and my boyfriend. Eating out all the time can have a bad toll on your body. I also miss seeing my family and friends.
Where has been your favourite city so far, and why?
That would have to be a tie between New York and New Orleans. New York, because I’ve always dreamed of visiting. Whilst there, we got to do a lot of sightseeing as we were there for two days. I got to see Grand Central Station, Times Square, 30 Rock, Central Park. The list goes on. And playing at the Gramercy theatre was amazing. New Orleans exceeded my expectations. I always knew it was a really cool city, but I didn’t quite realize just how amazing it really is until we spent two days there. The streets are always alive; Bourbon Street was quite an experience. We got to eat authentic Creole food, visited voodoo shops and a graveyard. Simply put, New Orleans is the ultimate party city. While we were there, celebrations commemorating Louis Armstrong were happening, too.
What venue in particular were you most impressed with?
From a comfort perspective, Norfolk, Virginia, was an amazing city to play in. The backstage at the venue was gigantic; it included a basketball court, a room filled with a foosball table, pool table and ping pong table, and we were fed a delicious dinner. The Gramercy theatre was fantastic to play at simply because of how renowned that venue is.
Bruce Springsteen?
When we were in New Jersey, we played at the Stone Pony. Once our set finished, our sound guy informed us that Bruce Springsteen was playing a short secret show at the bar across the street. Upon hearing this, we quickly packed away all our gear and raced across the street. Unfortunately, we missed his show, but the Boss was still hanging out talking to fans. It was amazing seeing such a legend in person.
How has the crowd response been to the band?
We have gotten a lot of good feedback from audience members. Many people compliment us on the originality of our sound, from the horn section to the shared vocals between a male and a female. Also, Adam’s green bass strings get a lot of recognition, much to Brad’s delight.
What is it like hanging out with 100 Monkeys?
Those guys are so much fun. They are all really laid back, but very professional at the same time when it comes to their music and putting on a great show. We have some really enjoyable times hanging out backstage after the shows, from sing-along’s to storytelling.
Any interesting stories from the road about your band mates you want to share?
Well, let’s just say, there are quite a few, and most of them involve Brad’s pursuits…
How has the food been on tour?
Adam and Ben have fallen in love with the Waffle House. We first discovered it in South Carolina. Besides that, it’s usually breakfast at the hotel – if we can get ourselves out of bed before they stop serving. We have gone to the occasional nicer joint, with menus that include vegetables and items which are not deep fried. We try to keep it fairly balanced.
Waffle House?
They have plentiful food at very cheap prices. Their chocolate chip waffles are amazing. Ben always orders a buttermilk waffle and a large glass of milk, and brings in his own peanut butter to spread on the waffle. Adam orders the All-Star Breakfast Special, which includes eggs, hash browns or grits, bacon or ham or sausage, toast and a waffle. I like to switch it up each time.
What is it like being the only girl in the band?
My band mates have treated me like one of the guys, which is completely fine with me, since I don’t want to be singled out in any way. It took me a while to adjust to the way they talk to each other, but I would say that my comedic timing has improved, and it is still a work in progress.
Would you now like to live in the States? If so, where?
I would love to live in New York for sure. New Orleans would be amazing, too, but I’m not sure if I could deal with the high temperatures and humidity there. Boston was really beautiful as well. I am sure that I would love San Francisco as well, even though we have yet to play there.
What are you looking forward to most when the tour is over?
I look forward to going back to school. I am entering my fourth year at UBC now. What I study is quite a contrast to the artistic pursuits I have on the side, which gives my life a nice balance. I am also really excited to work on new songs. I have plenty of new ideas for songs that I have been working on before and during the tour, and I can’t wait to get the band’s input on them and see them hopefully come to life.
Would you like to tour again?
I most certainly would! It has been a wonderful experience. It is hard work, and you end up exhausted, but every minute of it completely pays off. It’s truly rewarding.
What will the band do after the tour is over? Has much talk gone into the second album?
We have talked about beginning to write new songs when we return to Vancouver, and hopefully we can record again soon.
How much whiskey are you bringing back with you?
LOTS!
For more information on the Bleeding Horse Express, and to purchase their album, Going South, visit www.bleedinghorseexpress.com
