Artist description "If Rivers Cuomo wanted a run for his money, he'd hire Tamar Berk of Starball and watch her write an album just as catchy as Weezer's newest. Starball capitalizes on berk's breathy but wounded vocals, sparking fire into revved-up techno-pop that's a blend of The Cars and Veruca Salt." Mark Guarino-Daily Herald Illinois

Music Style Pop Rock

Musical Influences Liz Phair, The Who, The Cars, Jimmy Eat World, Nirvana, Garbage, Weezer

Similar Artists Veruca Salt, The Go Go's, Liz Phair, The Runaways,

Artist History Tamar Berk, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has been creating quite a buzz in Chicago and the Midwest. With her all-star band "Starball" which includes Mike Zelenko (Material Issue) on drums, Eric Hanna (The Pulsars) on lead guitar and Steve Denekas (Entertainment) on bass, she's Tamar Berk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has been a fixture in the Chicago music scene since 1996. Her first band Starball gained recognition throughout the midwest getting opening slots with The Cranberries, Local H, Uncle Kracker, Kristen Hersh, The Gas Giants, Kelly Deal, The Donnas, Jonny Polonsky, Kill Hannah, Ike Reilly and Chevelle, Dovetail Joint, Chainsaw Kittens and the Starlight Mints. Her last release with Starball, entitled "Superfans" is a summery pop-rock album chock full of Berk's charming takes on the roadblocks of life. Though she didn't know it during the recording, "Superfans" will have become the last Starball album released. In 2001, Tamar pulled out demo's that she had written for an unfinished rock opera she has started called "Communicator." With her partner Steven Denekas, they re-recorded the songs in their home studio and finished a thirteen song album entitled "Communicator". With the challenge of a live show, they took their cue from the growing electro scene in NY and LA and coined themselves The Countdown. In the fall of 2002, The Countdown began playing out opening for band such as The Sneaker Pimps, I Am The World Trade Center, Soviet, The Locust, The Postal Service, Cex, We Ragazzi, and The Frogs. In January 2003, Tamar started a new project with former Delta 72 bassist Kim Thompson called Sweet Heat. Sweet Heat recently played their first show with friends Sleater Kinney and their second show with The Gossip. In early May 2003, they toured with Ted Leo & the Pharmacists for several dates and will be featured in the next issue of Venus magazine. Their sound: a modern twist on classic rock, with Zeppelin, Skynyrd, T. Rex, and AC/DC as influences. While simultaneously playing in Sweet Heat and The Countdown, Tamar managed to finish her first solo EP started back in 2002 entitled "I'm not home, leave a message." The EP is very much a departure from the girly pop rock sound of Starball. Taking the helm at recording and mixing, Tamar emerged with an album that reveals a much darker and meloncholy side fo the singer.

Group Members Tamar - singer, songwriter, guitarist.Eric - Lead guitarMike - DrumsSteve - Bass

Instruments Electric Guitar, Bass and Drums

Albums Superfans (full length CD 2001) Holstein Park (full length CD) / Still Around (b-sides 7inch)

Press Reviews check out all their great reviews at www.tamarberk.com and click on the press!

Additional Info You can buy Superfans at www.awarestore.com and www.notlame.com and www.tamarberk.com

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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