TARA ZEP TATTOOS IG ACCOUNT / ACHERON ART COLLECTIVE
What five albums define the ethos of your artwork/tattooing?
DARK MEDIEVAL TIMES – SATYRICON
This record is incredibly inspiring to me. I would say that this album is my #1 to crank to 11 and get deep into a tattoo trance. Clients love it too. Super moody dark and ambient with those heavy low-fi black metal riffs that go so hard. All things heavy, evil, and Medieval, please!
ERODED CORRIDORS OF UNBEING – SPECTRAL VOICE
This record is also great to fall into that abyss of a tattoo trance and get the imagination going. For me, it generates focus and gets the creative juices flowing. I love imagining all sorts of weird stuff listening to Spectral Voice. Absolutely crushing, grim, and frostbitten.
THE UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE – DARKTHRONE
Darkthrone has always held a very close place in my heart since childhood. One of my first loved Black Metal bands and Fenriz, definitely still my biggest crush. I’ve listened to this record over 1000x probably and it never ceases to disappoint. Fast and hard metal punk forever. By far the best album Darkthrone has ever released in my opinion.
ARISE – SEPULTURA
Arise is another one of those albums that just just gets me fired up. It’s like a shot of espresso to the ears. Loved Sepultura since I was a little kid, hearing death metal for the first time. Hits hard as fuck and is incredible from beginning to end. When I’m making a tattoo if the album isn’t killing from start to finish I’ll probably pass. This album has stood the test of time and definitely one I can’t work without.
ANTI CIMEX – ANTI CIMEX
This record reminds me of tattooing at Wartooth, in Toronto. We’d blast this EP for a mood boost, an energy rush, or post-work beer crushing whilst punching the air and singing along. I listen to this one often when making art or at the shop. Again, incredible album from beginning to end. Some of my favorite memories are tied to each song.
What two historic events or subcultures impact your art // tattooing? And why are these events or subcultures important to you.
I’d like to thank punk rock and metal for inspiring my entire lifestyle since I discovered it. Music and the community associated with has shaped who I am and that reflects in my art. Good luck finding a tattoo I’ve made devoid of a spike or a chain.
70’ BIKER CULTURE is one of those subcultures that has always had me curious and wanting more since I was a little girl. Growing up a lot of my biker uncles and cousins would hang around looking super cool in their leathers and silver rings. Reaper tattoos on their forearms and this incredible air of IDGAF. Later I found out some were affiliated with Outlaws and for some reason as a teen, knowing that made me feel untouchable! I believe it was hanging around these black sheep of the family that inspired me to get tattooed super early on and eventually become a tattooer.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person thinking of getting into music, what would it be?
Always speak your truth. Sometimes hearing that feels corny, but it’s true. Honesty in your experience and sharing that experience with the world is the most endearing thing you can do artistically.
Never take advice from anyone who isn’t a professional in their felid. There are way too many morons out there who just love sharing their unsolicited advice.
There’s so much recycled garbage in music today, the best way to find your unique style is to stay focused on yourself and avoid looking to modern artists for inspiration.
You can be you!
