With outdoor music venues in nearly every town, we welcome original and cover band artists all summer long to create the groovy, festive ambiance we love in Festival Country.
Pillow Fight, and the acoustic duo Pillow Talk, are fan-favorite bands beloved by locals. Tatiana Stainbrook, the lead singer, shares her love for music and the band’s inspirations.
Q: Who are the band members in Pillow Fight?
A: Guitar/vocals: Adam Vorndran
Guitar/vocals: Ryan Cranfill
Drums: Thomas/Doug Adams
Bass: Jeffrey Abbott
Lead singer: Tatiana Stainbrook
Sound: Joshua Cranfill
Q: What is the story behind the band’s name
A: It’s kind of a silly story. A few of us used to play in another band, and unfortunately, there was some drama. When we started this band, we determined there would be no drama. If issues did come up between us, we decided we would get a pillow and fight it out.
Q: At what age did you first become interested in music?
A: I’ve loved music since I was a young child. My father was a musician and played professionally when we were living in Germany. I loved listening to The Rolling Stones and Janis Joplin as a child.
Adam Vorndran, one of the band’s guitarists who is part of Pillow Talk, has played guitar forever. His grandfather bought him his first guitar as a child.
Q: How did you get started performing live music?
A: I was singing karaoke one night, and a band that was getting ready to play at the same place that weekend asked me if I would be interested in joining their band.
Q: How long have you been performing, individually and as a group?
A: Adam has been playing in music venues since he was around 14 or 15 years old. I’ve only been performing live music for three years.
Pillow Fight only formed two years ago, but our full band has more than 100 years of combined experience playing music.
Q: How do you describe the music you perform/create, like the genre and the vibe you try to create?
A: I would say we lean more towards classic rock and blues. We also really try to cater to the venue or the crowd we are playing for. We may play a country song, and if the crowd really reacts well to it, then we will do more in that genre. We want to play the music that keeps people on the dance floor!
Q: Music is very powerful. What is a lyric or song that is impactful for you?
A: “Your time has come to shine / All your dreams are on their way,” which is from Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 song Bridge Over Troubled Water. My father loved this song, and it was the last one we ever danced to.
Q: You have a dynamic stage presence. How do you keep that energy and the positive vibes going through a set?
A: Even though it’s a lot of work, I truly don’t feel like I’m working. Sometimes I forget I’m even in a room full of people because I’m just feeling the music so deeply. The energy isn’t forced; it just pours out.
Q: What local band would you watch if you didn’t have a gig that night? Why?
A: This is almost impossible to answer because I have so many amazing people in my life who play or sing. If I have a night off from performing music, you can guarantee that I’m going to go watch it live somewhere.
Just some of the bands that I try to go out and support when I can are Cosmic Situation, The Breakes, Cornfield Mafia, Medicated Mind, Dirty Laundry, Stone 10, Rusted Nails, Throwback Theory, Distant Sound Waves, Larry Browning Music, Trial by Fire, John Beatrice band, Tight Rope Band, The Regulators, Child Support…I could go on and on. There are just so many talented bands out there that it would take up this whole interview.
Q: What nationally recognized band or musician influences your work or that you just enjoy listening to?
A: I love the bands Cream and Led Zeppelin.
Q: Where is your favorite place to perform in Johnson County?
A: That’s such a tough question because each venue is so special to us for various reasons. Whit’s Inn in Whiteland has been a second family, and I cannot say enough about their support.
In Greenwood, Tried & True Alehouse always has amazing vibes and service. Draft Day Pub always makes us feel so welcome, Sip Cocktails on Main has an amazing, hardworking owner, and SmockTown Brewery has a chill atmosphere.
In Edinburgh, Rick’s Tasty Shop has some of the best humans around.
Q: Where can people find your schedule of shows for your band or acoustic set?
