Rising Stars: Meet Ciggy Tuna of Somerset, Kentucky

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciggy Tuna

Hi Ciggy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Amelia Hall and Kindsey Williams wanted to have fun playing punk music so they formed Ciggy Tuna at an open mic held at Jarfly Brewing Co. in the summer of 2021. They took inspiration from local punk bands like L.I.P.S., Sempervivi, and Girl Tones. With Amelia on the guitar and Kindsey on the bass they wrote a few songs. But, they were still in need of a drummer, so, Daniel Stroud- co-owner of Jarfly- temporarily filled in. This was fun and dandy, but Daniel had adult Jarfly responsibilities and 16 year-old Amelia and Kindsey needed a consistent drummer who was also 16. After a long search of one or two months they asked their freind Mahayla Mounce to learn the drums. The rules were as follows: Mahayla had to keep a log that ensured that she was serious about the position, logging her daily practices over 5 days, so that she would be prepared for Ciggy Tuna’s up-coming super serious open mic gig of three songs (this was super serious and she would have faced dire consequences if she failed to meet her quota). Since then they never looked back and continue to write songs about riveting subjects such as cats and cars and airplanes. They do not shy away from any type of gig or performance (even one without instruments) and will play anywhere, and do it with gusto.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part the road has been very smooth with adequate signs and zero traffic Thankfully, they were surrounded by many helpful people and talented musicians who were more than willing to guide them along the way. (Shout out to Daniel Stroud, Scott Spencer, Cody Lee Meece, their mommies, Mahayla’s daddy, Phillip Claunch, Boone Williams, the Jarfly community, and all their friends who always snuck out to go to their shows). However there were some struggles to begin with. Being the freshly self-taught musicians they were, they had to endure their fair share of trifling gigs and embarrassing moments. After many undercooked songs and late nights in Mahayla’s basement, they learned to accept their mistakes and riff it. These days, balancing work, school, and life obligations has made planning practices and booking gigs complicated. But, they do manage to have practice boot camps so that they can play good 😀

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
They are known for being confusing. They specialize in unseriousness. They play music. They are most proud of their ability to always make things fun. They are unique due to their nonsensical nature ( so Dada. ).

What does success mean to you?
Success to them is like um, maybe like… winning the punk artist of the year at the Lexington Music Awards in 2023?
ヽ(ヅ)ノ Just kidding, that was cool but success to them means living, laughing, and loving. Ever think about that? Think about that. Okay just kidding that’s cool too, but success to them is possessing the means to create the art they want in the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciggytuna?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciggytuna
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ciggytuna3584
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vjPeGKcGRPXBPLWqvv1Or