What is your full name?
Bariann Lark Tuite Smith
Do you have any aliases?
Tiny Tank
What bands are you actively involved with?
NYCDC Pipe Band
Do you play or have you ever played a musical instrument and if so, what instrument?
I started playing piano when I was 3 or 4, then violin in 3rd grade. I started playing drum kit/percussion in 4th grade, so I did both band & orchestra, and have played snare in pipe bands since I was 15.
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
Probably hearing my mom play the Chieftains or Van Morrison when I was super little, or my dad doing doo wop. Also my brother babysitting me and waking me up with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GCSWEgZT94
What was the name of the first band that you worked with on your label?
For Fiadh, it was River (rivercascadia.bandcamp.com).
Tell me about the genesis of Fiadh Productions.
I had felt a big hole since Broken Limbs and wanted to get involved in music again. After moving on from PR it just seemed like the natural thing to do was to start a brand new label that was solely devoted to assisting animals.
What inspired the name Fiadh Productions?
If my first child was a girl I was going to name her Fiadh, and after my son was born I couldn’t think of a more fitting name for the label even though I used it for my daughter later on. It’s just absolutely perfect with all its different meanings - feminine, deer, wild.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
Midnight because it just looks like a good time
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
Hallways of Enchanted Ebony or Black Lake Niðstång
Do you have any non-metal musical inspirations?
Yes! I started listening to punk and crust before metal so that will always be first in my heart. Irish folk music is a huge part of my life, including pipe band influences. I also have a really soft spot for doo wop because of my dad.
What band have you witnessed live that has really impressed you with their live show?
Honestly? Gwar was so much fun despite me not knowing anything about them prior to seeing them live. I also find folk metal bands super enjoyable in person, it was cool to see Eluveitie and all their instrumentation.
Do you have a favorite live venue?
I have a very long list of non-favorite venues. I do have some good memories from Union Pool and TSP as well as Crash Bar and the absolute dumpster fire that was The Continental (iykyk)
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve at a live show?
One time I saw the Adicts when I was 15 and they threw a bunch of playing cards and I found the ace of spades in my shirt the next morning! A rare wholesome experience
The year is 2004. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
I am in middle school or hs, listening to the UK Subs, New York Dolls or Nausea.
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions, advice from your peers and colleagues. Always be rigorous in vetting anything you become involved in and if it feels sketchy, trust your gut.
What is an absolute band killer?
Not taking responsibility for the actions of individual band members.
If you were to start your own music festival what would be the name of that festival and who would be the three headlining bands?
I think Fiadh Fest would be too on the nose so maybe AntlerCon or something dumb. I would have Bergfried, Weald & Woe and Lust Hag with Enya as the main event.
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
I have an 11 week old baby so this is a haunting question.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m currently getting an MA in Irish food history!
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
Hell yea it is!
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
Not many people know this, but unicorns actually fabricate complex nests from Neige’s tears and the beleaguered sighs of metal fans every time one of their favorite artists commits a felony. They like to curl up in these nests when resting.
Give me three albums that I should listen to immediately, if not sooner.
Kvist - For kunsten maa vi evig vike
Vinterland - Welcome My Last Chapter
Catamenia - Morning Crimson
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic but then i would cry and not be able to see the road and would switch to anything by Inepsy or Vio-Lence - Oppressing the Masses (pre-Christian Olde Wolbers)
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
“Rocket Queen” but the vegetable
What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift?
I am so sorry but I can’t name any
Bathory or Emperor (if you had to choose)?
Bathory
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
Boobies
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Waffles
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Neither
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
My Lust Hag crop tank!
Favorite meal?
Something spicy with potatoes
Favorite book?
Memories of Ice if I can’t pick the entire Malazan series as a whole
Favorite movie?
Return of the King
Favorite album?
It used to be Agalloch’s From Which of This Oak but I’ve returned to simpler times with Aura Noir - Black Thrash Attack or Wolfpack - Allday Hell
Favorite video game?
Skyrim
Favorite Professional Wrestler?
Finn Bálor or The Man
Favorite breed of dog?
Every single dog is my favorite
Massive thank you to Bariann for not only taking the time to answer my questions, but for being an inspirational human being. Please click the link so conveniently provided below and check out the wide assortment of tasty tunes on offer at Fiadh Productions. You will be supporting an excellent human and furry friends! What more could you ask for from your hard earned dollar.
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
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