Interview with Tan Cologne

Ever since I first stumbled upon Tan Cologne’s hauntingly beautiful track "Cave Vaults on the Moon in New Mexico", I’ve been completely captivated by their sound. There’s something otherworldly in the way they weave dreamlike textures with grounded, earthy themes—it's music that feels like it’s floating through space while rooted in the sands of New Mexico.

When I reached out to the band, I honestly didn’t expect to hear back. So, imagine my delight when they replied! What followed was one of the most genuine, thoughtful conversations I’ve had with artists. Lauren Green and Marissa Macias—who form Tan Cologne—are not only immensely talented, but also kind, insightful, and deeply connected to their creative process and surroundings.

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Who is Tan Cologne, and how would you describe your sound?

Tan Cologne: We’re a duo—Lauren Green and Marissa Macias—both multi-instrumentalists living in Taos, New Mexico. Our music is inspired by the high desert landscape, the strange beauty of where we live, and the vastness of human experience. We try to channel the mysterious, the unseen, and the universal into our songs.

Sonically, Tan Cologne is a layered experience. We blend textures and tones in a way that lets each element breathe equally. Every instrument, including vocals, exists on a balanced but slightly elevated plane. There’s a dreamy wash to our music, but it’s rooted in intention.

Is there a hidden meaning behind your songs?

Tan Cologne: Definitely. Many of our lyrics work like metaphors—relationships, egos, cultural moments—all expressed through natural imagery. You might think we're singing about a person, when really it's about a dirt road... or vice versa! We love playing with that duality.

For example, in our song "New Dune", there’s a line:

“Without a spell, it's just a dirt road.”It’s a reflection of how magic can exist in the mundane—how perception shifts meaning.

Who or what inspires you?

Tan Cologne: Inspiration comes from everywhere—across mediums and eras. For our latest album, we drew from a wide range of sources:

• Musicians: Grouper, CAN, Amen Dunes, Mazzy Star, Jacco Gardner, Cocteau Twins, and Natural Information Society.

• Albums: David Crosby’s If I Could Only Remember My Name and Khan Jamal’s Drum Dance to the Motherland.

• Writers & Books: Joshua Wheeler’s Acid West, Open Spaces, City Places: Contemporary Writers on the Changing Southwest, and Joseph Wood Krutch’s Baja California and the Geography of Hope.

• Visual Art: The photography of Kurt Markus and Norman Mauskopf.

• Local Inspiration: Taos-based composer Joanne Forman, who’s a huge influence.

We’re constantly inspired by the intersection of natural landscapes and human stories.

What's it like being a band in the 21st century?

Tan Cologne: It’s a wild ride! We’ve had to adapt, especially with the onset of COVID-19. Before the pandemic, we were very analog—we even recorded part of Cave Vaults on the Moon in New Mexico without having internet access, on purpose!

The digital shift has been surreal, but also kind of fun. We've been enjoying our friends' IGTV shows and even participated in one from our studio on May 15. It’s a new era of connection and creativity.

What’s next for Tan Cologne?

Tan Cologne: Like many other artists, we had to pause our European tour due to the pandemic. But that opened a door to writing new material, which has been exciting.

Once things feel safer, we’ll be back on the road—and yes, we’re especially excited to tour the UK. The ancient monoliths and mythic landscapes there really call to us.

Can UK fans expect to see you live soon?

Tan Cologne: Absolutely! Touring the UK is a dream. Once the world feels more aligned again—when our Mother Earth and her human aliens are ready—we’ll be there. We can’t wait to connect in person.

Thank you, Tan Cologne!It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you. For anyone new to their music, I can’t recommend them enough. Tan Cologne offers a listening experience that feels both cosmic and deeply rooted in nature—truly unforgettable.

🎧 Listen to them now on Spotify, YouTube, and find out more at www.tancologne.com📷 Instagram: @tancologne🐦 Twitter: @tan_cologne