You know the gorgeous Taryn Manning from films such as Hustle and Flow, 8 Mile, Crazy Beautiful and Cross Roads. What you may not know about the 31-year-old Tucson native is her passion for music. Her group, BoomKat was formed in 2003 with her brother Kellin and has since released two albums with plans for a third sometime this year.
Taryn’s sultry voice will also be heard on a solo record that is currently in the works. Recently taking a spin on the turntables as a guest celeb DJ at Primal Night Club, Taryn wowed crowds with her non-stop energy and fabulous sound. Taking a break from her hectic schedule, Taryn took some time to speak with Buzz Entertainment Magazine about what the future may hold.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: Your creative projects have included everything from acting to designing to singing – how do you approach each new venture and which do you find the most challenging?
Taryn Manning : Each new venture comes from inspiration. Rather it be a childhood dream or an amazing opportunity with other artists and/or designers. They are all challenging in their unique ways...I don't ask for anything less than a challenge.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: How did your band BoomKat get started?
TM: My brother and I have always written music together and it’s something that naturally came about, then we got signed to Dreamworks, which was awesome!
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: What inspires your music?
TM: The rain, relationships, friends, current events, working with other artists and what they're going through.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: Back in October 2009 you announced that BoomKat would be working on a 3rd album, can you tell us anything about it?
TM: My brother Kellin and I have been messing around with beats and I'm always writing. I have notebooks-galore - everywhere in case a song pops in my head. The new BoomKat album will be bigger and even better than the last.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: Are you still planning a solo album?
TM: I'm currently in the studio working on my solo album with producer, Linney from Dark Child Entertainment. We don't have an exact release date, but it’s coming soon!
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: How did you get into DJing?
TM: I started DJing at 18 and actually bought my own turntables! I've always loved music and I have a band, did music in films and music related films and it’s something I always knew I wanted to do. My friends always tell me to bring my ipod everywhere because they love my music selection and now, I get to do it all the time and I absolutely love it.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: How do you balance your acting and musical career?
TM: Even when I'm acting, I'm still writing music on set while waiting for my scene or I bring
my guitar sometimes when I know there will be a lot of downtime. That's a major bonus! I don't waste a moment!
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: According to IMDB, you have many different films in the works; can you tell us about your latest movie?
TM: My latest is Love Ranch, based on a true story, starring Helen Miren, Joe Peschi and directed by Taylor Hackford, so you can imagine how incredible it'll be. Right now, I'm working on Heavens Rain. It’s a feature film based on a true story of a man's lifelong quest to bring his parents' killers to justice. I play his sister Leslie.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: Among all your projects, is there one that you are the most passionate about?
TM: Right now, I'm passionate about my upcoming solo album. It’s a little bit of dance, electro and it most describes me...colorful.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: Was it always your plan to get into the entertainment business?
TM: YES!
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: What is the best piece of professional advice someone gave you?
TM: There's a couple... One that always sticks in my head is from one of my long time good friends, actor, Clifton Collins Jr., "Just remember, you see the same people going up as you do coming down" Which means, treat everybody equally. We all know that anyway, right? Ha!
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: It seems to be so easy for young actors and performers to get
swept up in the whole Hollywood scene – how do you stay grounded?
TM: I'm a very spiritual person and being in that crowd automatically keeps you who you truly are.
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: What are your future goals?
TM: I usually don't think so much about the future because then I tend not to enjoy the present. "Don't worry about the past, don't worry about the future"
Buzz Entertainment Magazine: If you weren’t acting or singing – what do you see yourself doing?
TM: A dog walker. Anyone want to hire me?