ARTIST WATCH - From Lavender, December 4, 1998

Terrica Kleinknecht Marches to the Beat of Her Own Drums

by TIMOTHY LEE

Originally from Jamestown, North Dakota. Started playing piano in kinder-garten and the drums in third grade. "One of my first memories was when a family friend put me behind a drum set, put some sticks in my hand, and put on a KISS record. It made me feel like a rock star!"

Moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota. "I majored in music for a week, but realized I'd already learned a lot about music theory. It wasn't the direction I wanted to go in. I wanted,to be out there playing instead of rotting away in a music department."

Joined first Minnesota band (Nectar- "sort of complex, psychedelic soul music") two years ago. Toured to Missoula, Montana for a Christmas gig. "We drove 30 hours through snow and mountains in my Jeep Cherokee with bald tires for one gig. We played in a bar, for about 10 people, but met a lot of cool people."

Formed Shoot, with Sharon Baker and visual artist Seraphene, after Nectar broke up. Recorded a four-song EP before playing last show at 7th Street Entry with Tribe 8. "There was a special spark between the three of us and, our music. We were original and unique, but it wasn't really the right time for us. We played agressive, complex music that appeared very angry on the surface; but innately was very humorous."

PRESENT

Currently is part of two bands, Roast Beast and The Mafia. "We took the name Roast Beast from the Grinch in Dr. Seuss. People mistakenly call us Roast Beef a lot. The name is sort of misleading, but I like that. The music is very loud and hard to classify. There's a push and pull to the combination of styles and parts we each play. It's almost jazz-like in its overlap of music and our voices. There's lots of tension in the music that audiences find very exciting."
"The Mafia is more of a side project for me. It's an improv music collective, and in three years of existence, over 50 different people have been in it."

FUTURE

Is in the process of joining the band All The Pretty Horses. "I've seen Steven Grondell perform, seen some of his/her films, and, even started dreaming about him/her. It felt sort of like destiny when I was asked to join the band."

ARTISTIC INFLUENCES

"My drum teacher, Dave King (of Happy Apple). He influences me in all aspects of my life, not just musically. He keeps me motivated and driven in his positivity. Also, I'm influenced by other people I've been playing with in The Mafia. We all try to share artistic ideas and make interesting connections. Plus, I'm always keeping my ears open to be aware of what's going on around me."

SOME OTHER ARTISTS I'D MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH INCLUDE...

"Anyone involved in other aspects of art than just musicians. I'd like to collaborate with dancers, visual artists, and film makers."

THE HARDEST PART OF WHAT I DO IS...

"Just putting forth so mutch effort and energy into music, and feeling like nobody is listening."

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENT

"Playing with The Mafia. I like finding a group of people to share ideas with. When you play live in an improvisational format, it doesn't always feel like it reaches the audience the way it does the band. When you find that a connection is then made between the band and the audience, that probably is the most gratifying experience as a musician."

MY DREAM PROJECTS WOULD BE...

"To eventually get a CD out with Roast Beast and tour Europe. I want to go to many different places and have people hear our music. Or at least I'd like to go on tour and break even, let alone make money."