The Ohio University School of Media Arts & Studies and OU WIMI (Women In Music Industry) present an evening with Merrill Garbus, the visionary leader of the band tUnE-yArDs. Garbus will join students for an interactive Skype Q&A session on Tuesday 1/19 at 7PM.

Merrill Garbus has performed as tUnE-yArDs since 2009, and that band name has always been synonymous with forward movement—whether because of her explosive performance style or the always-surprising way in which her songs unfold. First gaining notice with the debut album BiRd-BrAiNs, Garbus forged a reputation as a formidable live presence through relentless touring and mind-bending improvisation.

In 2011, tUnE-yArDs released its second album, w h o k i l l, a startling and sonically adventurous statement that led to a whirlwind period where Garbus and bassist Nate Brenner accrued accolades from critics (including the #1 spot on the Village Voice’s 2011 Pazz and Jop poll), performed in front of increasing numbers of rapturous crowds around the world, and collaborated with the likes of Yoko Ono and ?uestlove. The band rounded out the year with near-unanimous praise and tUnE-yArDs was established as both a musical force and major critical darling.

Having studied both Haitian dance and drumming during her downtime, Garbus visited the island nation in the spring of 2013 (she penned a piece about her time there for the online magazine The Talkhouse). The trip informed their next record both spiritually and practically. That album, the ambitious Nikki Nack, was released in 2014 and led to both favorable reviews and a national tour spot opening for Arcade Fire’s Reflektor tour.

“Merrill Garbus is a musical pioneer and a role model for how to navigate both the life of an artist and an entrepreneur. Students will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from an artist who has charted a notable and unique niche,” said Ohio University School of Media Arts & Studies Lecturer Josh Antonuccio. “Merrill is passionate about pushing creative boundaries and is a role model with her significant voice in the arts.” The live Q&A session will take place in Schoonover 450. For more information, email Josh Antonuccio at antonucn@ohio.edu.