Get to Know: Miniature Tigers

In anticipation of their upcoming album release of 'Cruel Runnings', out June 10th, Empty Lighthouse had the opportunity to catch up with the alternative and indie-pop band Miniature Tigers while stopping in Pittsburgh on their spring tour.

Last week, the Brooklyn band performed alongside Total Slacker at Pittsburgh's own Club Cafe, dropping some of their pop and synth tracks for fans and music lovers in the city.

Miniature Tigers formed back in 2006, and during that year, was named by Rolling Stone as one of the "25 Best Bands on Myspace".

Consisting of frontman and guitarist Charlie Brand, keyboardist and vocalist Rick Schaier, guitarist Algernon Quashie and bassist Brandon Lee, the members got their start in music by playing in the own bedrooms.

When it comes to touching on musical influences for the band, they responded by stating, "it's always changing, but right now, Joni Mitchell and Death Grips." When asked who Miniature Tigers would collaborate with if they had the chance to, "Kanye, because he is always a step ahead of everybody," they stated.

The indie-pop band has been together for quite some time, and has gained a lot of experience in the music industry.

Their best advice for others looking to succeed in the music industry is to, "never stop working at it." When it comes to creativity blocks, they also gave some good advice, "realizing that stressing out about it only continues the block, and sometimes you just need to live life and let experiences happen to re-inspire your creativity."

The band has been touring since October of 2008, and have too many memorable experiences to narrow it down to one.

Miniature Tigers is just wrapping up their spring tour, but after the release of 'Cruel Runnings' in June, the band plans to hit the road again for yet another tour.

For more information on upcoming releases and tour dates from Miniature Tigers, be sure to visit www.miniaturetigers.com, and pick up your copy of 'Cruel Runnings', out in June!