Bay Area shoegaze musician Hannah Van Loon, known as Tanukican, is set to release her debut album “Sundays” on 7/13. The album was produced by Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi and its title encapsulates Tanukichan’s shoegaze sound. It’s been described as being “bolstered by hazy synths, fuzzy guitars, and contemplative, yearning lyrics about the dreamy middle ground between waking up and deciding what to do next.”
She’ll be playing a hometown show at the Rickshaw Stop on July 25 and in advance of her performance we reached out to have a quick chat.
How’d you come up with the name Tanukichan?
I’ve always liked Tanukis, and adding “chan” to the end felt like the appropriate amount of cute to balance the masculine and reckless mythology around the Tanuki.
When did you first become interested in playing music?
I started playing piano when I was three. My mother had me and my brothers in music classes since we were very young, but I remember taking to the violin when I was in fourth grade, feeling like I had my own interest and connection to it.
What’s the strangest or funniest thing that’s ever happened to you at a show?
Being asked for autographs.
What are you listening to these days?
Death Grips, Tom Petty, Peggy Gou, YMO.
What are some of your favorite Bay Area music venues?
The Independent, The Rickshaw Stop.
What are some of your favorites hangs in the Bay Area and why?
The Hatch in downtown Oakland, which is owned and operated by friends. It’s my Cheers bar.
What’s your favorite neighborhood in the city and why?
The sunset. My parents don’t live there anymore, but it still feels like home. Being enveloped in fog and being able to see and smell the ocean everywhere you go is pretty special.
What does music mean to you?
Everything.
What inspires you to write?
Living.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to find out about you?
I’m a carpenter.
Tanukichan plays the Rickshaw Stop with In the Valley // Wednesday 7/25 – 8:00 pm
