When Tilly and the Wall formed in 2001, the Omaha indie music scene was in flux. The highly-influential indie group Park Ave. (fronted by Bright Eyes lead Conor Oberst) had broken up while the upcoming onslaught of digital downloads hadn’t yet nudged Omaha from its previous place as a source of indie music into a full-fledged scene.

That year, two Park Ave. alumni - Jamie Williams (now Presnall) and Neely Jenkins - sought out talent from other Omaha bands to support a new effort. The two guitarists found a lead vocalist in Kianna Alaird of Magic Kiss and support from two newcomers to the Omaha scene from Georgia - Nick White (keyboards) and Derek Presnall (guitar).

At five members, Tilly and the Wall reached the maximum size of most bands but still found itself without a drummer. To keep the beat, guitarist Jamie Williams would tap her foot at rehearsal. Eventually, that approach would become the signature of TATW, with Williams moving from guitar to percussion (via tap dancing) at vocals.

TATW released its first record, Wild Like Children, in 2004 and their sophomore album, Bottoms of Barrells, in 2006. Critics soon began to note their unique percussion and vocals (just about every member of the band moves into lead vocal over certain songs) and their influence on pilgrims to the Omaha scene such as L.A. outfit Rilo Kiley.

In advance of their Tuesday show at the RnR hotel, lead vocalist Kianna Alaird spoke with Brightest Young Things about their history and their upcoming (yet untitled) album to be released this summer.

We usually see bands tour in support of a released album, but we aren’t expecting a new album from you until this summer. Is this tour still in support of Bottoms of Barrels (2006) or will you be performing from your yet-to-be released album as well?

This tour is actually a promo tour for our new single and digital EP featuring Beat Control. The digital download is available now from iTunes and you can pick up your very own vinyl copy from our merch table on the road. We will be playing half older songs and half brand spankin’ new songs from the upcoming record.

The band hasn’t said much yet about your new album, although I understand that it has been completed. Your single Beat Control seems a bit of a departure from your previous work in that it is a lighter, more dance-centered single - perhaps influenced by your touring with The Go Team! Tell us about the project.

It’s basically just more Tilly. We find that are evolving naturally and are reaching out in new directions and in different ways. It will be a Tilly record for sure, but just a better and bigger and a bit dirtier.

Your body of work is unique in that the majority of percussion isn’t supplied by drums. Your percussion relies heavily on tap dancing (Jamie Presnall) and small instruments such as tambourines and shakers. Can you tell us how you first initiated that approach to percussion?

Well, we were just playing songs in the living room of one of our old houses and needed some kind of beat. Jamie (percussion/vocals) just kind of kept the rhythm in a more elaborate tapping your toe kind of way. It was all we had and it worked for us beautifully. She has honed her skills into a really unique style of tap dancing that no longer involves only classical moves.

But, your new single Beat Control maintains a synth-quality to the percussion. What exactly is the percussion you use on your new song?

It’s mostly programmed beats, but layered with vintage quality live drum parts.

Tilly and the Wall is often mentioned as an anchor of the Omaha music scene, often noted for its influence on indie music. Apart from the influence of Omaha upon the L.A.-based group Rilo Kiley, I’m a little curious as to where you see your own influence reflected in other groups.

I don’t know where i see our influence…I am not sure i’ve ever noticed that. But i know that on tour with another band is one really cool way to feed off each other! that happens all the time!

You are playing the Rock & Roll hotel here in DC the day after St. Patrick’s Day… where you play in a frat town (Carrboro, NC). Can we actually expect you to show up or will the band still be in a green-tinged stupor?

Unfortunately for all the drama mamas, Tilly is not a party band! Well, not too often. (laughs)! We do have some nights but honestly, we keep it together pretty well.

Being from Omaha, how many times do you guys get asked about a) Conor Oberst, b) Omaha steaks and c) Warren Buffett in interviews?

Almost always Conor and almost never the steaks or Buffy!

Of the five of you, Derek and Jamie have been in a relationship for the majority of the band’s life (the couple was married in 2006). In your writing, where has the band drawn on this relationship, if at all?

I assume that itt has probably been a subject of Jamie and Derek’s work, though i can’t speak for anyone. I’m not sure if it’s influenced anyone else’s writing, and not mine so far.

For a bunch of tattooed, body-pierced indie rockers, you people sure are pretty. What type of moisturizer do you use?

(laughs) Only fresh morning dew bitch!

Last year, you appeared on National Public Radio’s Studio 360. Did you get a tote-bag?

Nope! but Kurt’s wife had sent him with brownies for us! They were mint and they were soooo good!

Your tour is supported by Capgun Coup - which sounds like my new favorite Chinese take-out dish. Apart from a kick-ass name, tell us a little bit about them and why we should show up early to catch them before you take the stage.

Oh, these boys are gonna rock your socks, that’s why. Watch for Sam’s incredible and unique singing tinged with screams, Greg’s vibrating keyboard playing/singing, Andy’s straight rockin’ the bass in your face, Jesse’s killer tall guy guitar dancing moves and Eric’s bad ass drumming and sweet shoes! You should be there early because the very first song is so awesome! Honestly, come out to see Capgun Coup!

Tilly and the Wall
Featuring Capgun Coup with Pash

Tuesday, March 18
Rock & Roll Hotel (1353 H Street, NE)
Tickets: $12
Doors: 8:00pm Show: 8:30pm

AND HERE IS THAT GODDAMN UNDENIABLE VIDEO AGAIN:

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