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Tara Slone
By Tara O'Shea
Recently, Tara Slone, lead singer of the Toronto band joydrop and actress behind Birkoff's sweetie Gail, took the time to answer a few fan questions about kissing, opera, and the feminine aspect of compassion.
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When you read for Gail in "Noise", did you have any idea that the role would become a recurring character second season?
No, I didn't have any idea that Gail would become a recurring character. Are there any plans for Gail to return third season? I don't know of any plans to bring Gail back in the third season but I certainly hope I'm invited! If Gail were to reappear again next season, how would you like to see her evolve? If Gail does reappear next season, I'd really like to see the relationship between Birkoff and Gail develop further (maybe a kiss?). It's really nice as a viewer to see different aspects of Birkoff's personality, and I think that Gail's presence contributes to that. Do you have any affinity for computers? Do you have any trouble with the spy-technobabble, or is that not an issue? I am so computer illiterate it's not funny. The technobabble isn't that hard though, I just deliver all the lines in a straight, monotonic way if I have no idea what I'm talking about. What's it like working with Matthew Ferguson? What kind of set is "Nikita" to work on? Working with Matthew is a total pleasure. In fact, everyone on the set has been really nice also. Do you consider yourself first and foremost an actor who sings, or a singer who acts? Or is it all simply performing? I definitely consider myself both an actor and a singer and take them both very seriously. Right now I'm singing a lot more than I'm acting because of the obvious circumstances, but I do hope to get a lot more acting in during my lifetime. If I had to pick one true love though... music would have to win. What drew you to Opera, and why did you switch to drama? How old were you when you began voice training? I think I was drawn to opera because I studied ballet for a long time and learned to love classical music and I also loved to sing. I first began studying classical voice when I was twelve and started my degree in music when I was eighteen. I realized then that I didn't have the discipline or the drive to professionally pursue opera. I took a year off and since I didn't want to give up performing, I began at theatre school. I also started a band. Which medium do you prefer, theatre, television, or film? They all have such different qualities it's hard to compare. Performing in front of an audience has such a magical quality, so I guess I'd have to say theatre. What has been your most rewarding experience as a performer? What has been the most difficult? 
My most rewarding experience as a performer has been with joydrop because I get to watch this thing that I've helped create evolve. It's also been the most difficult because there is so much of myself invested in ths project. It's an emotional rollercoaster.
How did you meet the other members of Joydrop? Does it ever get confusing having both a Thomas and Tom in the band? I answered an ad in a weekly newspaper, believe it or not. No, I never get confused by Tom and Thomas; they have very distinct personalities. What is it like being the only woman in the band? Being the only woman in joydrop is a non-issue within the band; we all play very equal roles. Outside of the band it's sometimes hard to be taken seriously, but the people who count know what's up. Which of the songs on "metasexual" is your favourite, and why? I love all the songs!!! How has Buddhism shaped your life? It's hard to say how Buddhism has shaped my life because since I was raised a Buddhist, I don't have any other reference point. I guess I would have to say that Buddhism has taught me some valuable ways to work with my mind. I consider myself very fortunate to have recieved teachings from and to have been in contact with some incredible Buddhist teachers. The study of Buddhism is a lifelong journey and will always be a part of me. From one Tara to another, have you ever wanted to get a button that says "Yes, my name is 'Tara'. No, it's not from 'Gone with the Wind'!" From one Tara to another, I'd like to get a button that says "My name is Tara, not Terra!" My name is actually from the Tibetan Buddhist Tara, who is the feminine aspect of compassion.
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For more information on joydrop Check out the official joydrop website
The author wishes to thank Aaron at Batcave for being an enormous help, and Tara for taking the time to answer some fan questions. Thanks!