Tallest midget or not, the Columbia local music scene has a lot to offer. Not all of the bands appeal to everyone but with the variety of music and styles, you're bound to find something you like. I decided to sit down with local band "Tacit Blue Project" for an interview, mainly because Mat said he would beat me up if I didn't.

Composed of Jay Harness (drums), Mat Miller (bass), Billy Schuh (guitar/keyboard), and Ben Wade (guitar), the band's sound can be described as "experimental noise". They've played Chicago to St. Louis to somewhere near Joplin and boast a track on KCOU's "Directory Assistance" compilation. I sat down with TBP representatives Wade and Miller to discover the plans behind the project.

E = Me
W = Wade
M = Miller

E: How long has the band been around?

M: About three years. Billy (Schuh) and I are the only original members.

E: Has your sound changed since the beginnings?

M: Definitely. We were poppier with two singers( Schuh and Tyrone Davies). But we've always been four equal parts.

E: So, how would you describe your sound now?

W: Post-progressive rock with a prog/kiev influence.

M: With a hint of Dave Matthews and a splash of the Allman brothers.

W: We're 'remo-rock'. If you don't know what that is, you're already behind. Go look it up on the internet.

M: Go back to collecting comic books.

E: What's the significance of your name? Where did it come from?

M: We were chosen to participate in military experiments. Billy failed because of his low sperm count...

E: Um, ok. What would you say are your influences?

M: Some people say we sound like Tortoise but we don't. We do sound like Mogwai.

W: Beer.

M: The "Yes" cover band "No"...and The Strokes.

E: Do you have any projects or albums you're working on?

M: We have a demo coming out soon.

E: Do you have any upcoming shows?

M: No. Next question, please.

E: Ok. What's your favorite show on KCOU?

W: That guy who thinks he's funny in the mornings. He's funny because he makes stupid jokes and then laughs at them on-air.

M: What's KCOU?

E: Have either of you been in any other bands?

W: I'm in Felix now. Used to be in Movies of Music, Blues Cracker, Space, Carson's Daily...I'm a band whore.

M: Billy used to be in Handsome Pete. He's in We Could Walk right now.

E: Anything else?

W: We're big fans of Hanson. Are they still alive?

You can contact Tacit Blue Project by email (tbp@emergencyumbrella.com and check out their info at Emergency Umbrella.

- Elaine Miller