Spotlight Interview: Getting to Know Vocalist Tanis Pellegrini of Lives Lost
- Amit Ahuja
- Mar 26
- 19 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
ALAN THOMPSON - DRUMS/BACKING VOCALS, AARON PERRY - LEAD GUITAR, TANIS PELLEGRINI - LEAD VOCALS, CHAD WYNN - BASS/BACKING VOCALS
**LIVES LOST: Where Melody Meets Mayhem**
This innovative band redefines the alt-metal genre with their unique sound and poignant lyrics. Based in Hershey, PA, USA, LIVES LOST masterfully combines raw emotional expression with complex musical arrangements that captivate listeners. Their sonic landscape features soaring, ethereal melodies reminiscent of Dayseeker, powerful and visceral intensity that recalls the anthems of Bring Me the Horizon, and the bold, experimental spirit characteristic of Nothing More.
Beyond their eclectic musical influences, LIVES LOST delves into deeply resonant themes that reflect the intricacies of the human experience. Their lyrics explore the profound impacts of loss and love, addressing the emotional turmoil faced by individuals confronting life's inevitable challenges. Through their music, they shine a light on the universal struggles we encounter in an often chaotic and unforgiving world, creating a relatable and immersive listening experience for fans.
I recently had the thrilling chance to join a Q&A session with Tanis Pellegrini, the vocalist of Lives Lost. During our conversation, we delved into his musical journey, discussing his early inspirations, the experiences that shaped his growth as an artist, and his role in the band. We also touched on some of his personal hobbies and interests, enriching our dialogue. I am confident you will find this insightful discussion both informative and entertaining!
AA: I would love to hear more about your background and personal journey. Could you tell me where you grew up and how your upbringing influenced your values and perspectives? Additionally, I’m curious about your cultural heritage and how it has shaped your identity. What specific experiences or milestones have particularly impacted forming who you are today? Your insights will provide a deeper understanding of your unique story.
TP: I was raised in Hershey, Pennsylvania, until the age of seven, when my family relocated to Annville, PA. I spent the next decade in between my parents’ house in Annville, and my grandparents’ house in Palmyra, PA experiencing significant life events that ultimately led me back to the Hershey area in my early twenties with my wife. My upbringing was Roman Catholic, and I come from a mixed cultural background, most notably Italian American (third generation), English, Spanish, and Pennsylvania Dutch. Family was a central part of my life, fostering an intense sense of loyalty, both as a friend and family member.
From an early age, I was privy to adult concerns, often acting as an emotional support for my parents during my pre-teen and teenage years. While challenging, this experience cultivated natural leadership and caregiving qualities within me. I am driven to help others and lead with kindness and compassion, although I occasionally struggle with managing my own emotions. I regret the anger I felt as a teenager regarding these adult issues and how it sometimes manifested in my interactions with peers. However, I believe that difficult experiences can be catalysts for personal growth.
TP: During my adolescence, I experienced several hospitalizations for mental health challenges. These culminated in my dropping out of high school during my senior year following an involuntary commitment (302). This stemmed from exacerbated mental health issues related to a car accident. My vehicle, a 1998 VW Jetta, collided with a tree at 45 miles per hour. The subsequent year following I fought through immense internal struggle. The resulting family turmoil led to my parents asking me to leave home. Fortunately, my grandparents welcomed me into their home.
TP: Initially, I engaged in self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse and other high-risk activities. I struggled to cope and found myself in a negative cycle, associating with detrimental influences and neglecting my education at community college. My grandfather recognized this pattern and issued an ultimatum: I needed to change my behavior or find another place to live. Despite continued setbacks, my grandmother provided unwavering support and grace. Over the next five years, her compassion and understanding were instrumental in my healing process. My grandfather's guidance, wisdom, and the parental support I had lacked previously also played a crucial role in my recovery. I deeply value the memories of Sunday dinners, insightful conversations about the future, and the unconditional love I received during a time when I was filled with negativity.
TP: At the back end of this 5-year period, I ran into my future wife out at a bar, and we had known each other through a mutual close friend. After a night of hanging and a good bit of liquid courage I asked for her number, and over the next year our relationship blossomed, and by fall of 2019 we were married and have been inseparable ever since. She supports my dream of being a musician and is the lighthouse in every storm of my life. God has so blessed me with the grace to learn and grow and become a better human, and forevermore for her presence.
TP: This period was profoundly formative, shaping me into the person I am today. Although some memories are fragmented due to a series of head injuries, I recognize the immense personal growth I experienced during this challenging chapter of my life that ended with a beautiful note.
AA: I am excited to delve into your musical journey in detail. Could you describe a particular moment or experience that sparked your love for music? I’m interested in what prompted you to commit to this path earnestly.
TP: As mentioned previously, my childhood was filled with significant emotional challenges, and music became my primary coping mechanism. I was exposed to 80s/90s metal and rock by my father, often while we worked on cars in the garage (though my tendency to disassociate, exacerbated by his frustration and my lack of focus, hindered my learning). I also listened to 90s/2000s alternative, country, and R&B with my mother. Discovering many of my favorite bands through older siblings of friends, I eventually persuaded my mother to buy me an acoustic guitar in sixth grade. I was determined to master the instrument and dedicated myself to learning through YouTube tutorials, ear training, and playing along with my favorite songs. During times of emotional distress, I could retreat to my room in the attic and play, finding solace and escape in the music.
AA: What challenges did you encounter along your journey, and what strategies did you use to overcome them? It would be great to hear about the steps you took to transform your passion into a successful career in music.
TP: I believe that almost every musician can attest that there is almost always some type of challenge to overcome. Logistics to tour, feeling like you don’t have enough creative output, struggling to maintain creativity while also creating engaging social media content ETC. My biggest philosophy in life has been to not compare to others, to continue doing what I believe is best, and move forward in any way I can to whether whatever storm comes my way. Let people talk, let people say youreyou’re never going to make it, but just be you, be authentic, and nothing can stop you.
AA: I would love to understand your band, Lives Lost better. Can you share the journey that brought your group together? What were some of the key moments or experiences that served as turning points, ultimately uniting you all as a cohesive collective? Furthermore, I’m interested in the story behind your band’s name, “Lives Lost.” What inspired that choice, and what significance does it hold for you as individuals and as a band?
TP: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I sought an additional creative outlet beyond my metalcore band. This new musical project, LIVES LOST, was born from a deep sense of loss. Over the years, I have lost friends through drug addiction, suicide, and tragic accidents. I have witnessed others succumb to addiction, crime, or harmful behaviors. I have learned of children and women lost to sex trafficking, and I have observed the corrosive effects of corruption, greed, and overconsumption. These experiences inspired the project's name, initially "Our Lives Lost." However, upon the advice of my initial backing musicians, including founding member Alan T., I shortened it to LIVES LOST to avoid potential confusion with "Our Last Night" and its impact on search algorithms. This project serves as a tribute to those who have been lost along the way, and that is the underlying meaning of LIVES LOST.
AA: How many members make up the band, and what distinct roles does each play within the group?
TP: Lives Lost has been since October of 2023, comprised of Tanis (lead vox, songwriting), Chad (bass, backing vocals), Alan (drums, backing vocals), and Aaron (Lead Guitar). Outside of those roles, Chad assists me with the merchandising, Alan with the backtracks, and Aaron with Stage and Tour managing. I manage the band, book all our shows, do all our social media posting, and do our general graphic design and writing for our Bios, EPKs, Press Releases, and Tour Fliers.
Tanis (lead vox, songwriting)
Photo by Ian Mimnall of Icmvisuals
Aaron (Lead Guitar)
Photo by: Ian Mimnall of Icmvisuals
Chad (bass, backing vocals)
Photo by: Ian Mimnall of Icmvisuals
Alan (drums, backing vocals),
Photo by: Ian Mimnall of Icmvisuals
AA: Understanding how each member's unique contributions and talents enhance Lives Lost's overall sound and identity would be enlightening.
TP: Over the past several years, our collaborative process has evolved significantly. Initially, our early singles were written and recorded solely by Alan (drums) and myselfme. However, by the time we released our debut EP, A Portrait of Loss (including its b-sidesB-sides, "Letting Go of Ghosts," "Brighter Days," and "IED"), Aaron had become an active contributor, handling the majority of the lead guitar work (with a few exceptions). He also co-wrote the second verse of "IED." Furthermore, the entire band began to offer input on song structure and vocal placement. While these suggestions didn't always lead to significant changes, their perspectives were valued and considered during the songwriting process. Occasionally, a melodic line I had written might be replaced with one of theirs, or screams might be substituted with a melodic passage. I deeply respect and appreciate my bandmates' contributions.
AA: What is it like to be your band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter?
TP: Initially, performing both guitar and vocals simultaneously presented a challenge. My focus was divided, sometimes compromising the vocal performance due to the demands of playing, and at other times limiting the guitar work to chords and basic melodic lines. A friend's advice proved pivotal: "You can always find a live guitarist; you should just write 110% of what you want to hear." This insight prompted a complete stylistic shift, enabling us to evolve into the band I had always envisioned.
AA: Could you share your experiences and challenges in balancing these two roles? How do you find inspiration for your lyrics, and what does it feel like to perform your creations in front of an audience?
TP: My lyrics draw inspiration from the same experiences that led to the band's name. Having felt lost at a certain point in my life, the lyrics reflect my state of mind at the time of writing each particular song. For me, the roles of lyricist and musician have always been intertwined. The instrumentals are as integral to the meaning of the song as the vocals and lyrics themselves.
AA: How would you describe the essence of your music?
TP: LIVES LOST essence is powerful emotions into a modern, heavy sound, creating music that is both intense and relatable by navigating the complex waves of human emotion with guitars that are unafraid of where those feelings may go and a rhythm section that guides the way with bombastic beats and well concocted driving lines.
TP: My lyrics draw inspiration from the same experiences that led to the band's name. Having felt lost at a certain point in my life, the lyrics reflect my state of mind at the time of writing each particular song. For me, the roles of lyricist and musician have always been intertwined. The instrumentals are as integral to the meaning of the song as the vocals and lyrics themselves.
AA: Additionally, I'm curious about how you collaborate with the other band members in the songwriting process and how those relationships influence the music you produce.
TP: Our collaborative process involves each member contributing their unique style to their respective parts. I typically present a completed song structure with acoustic guitar and vocals. Alan and I then handle pre-production, adding electric guitar, bass, and electronic drums. Chad and Aaron enhance the lead guitar parts (sometimes writing entirely new, more effective parts) and bass lines. Finally, we work with our longtime engineer, friend, and producer, Jeff McKinnon, and his assistant engineer, Evan Seeberger.
AA: What specific emotions, experiences, or life events were crucial in their creation? It would be wonderful to understand the stories behind the songs and the motivations that drove you in the songwriting process.
TP: Literally all of them, and I wish I was kidding. Lives Lost IS my emotions. Lives Lost IS my experience. Our music being mainly created by me from start to finish has ensured that all of my feelings are in the music. From the very first single we dropped “Forward Yesterday” (song about wanting to be the change we want to see in the world speaking for a hurting planet Earth” to our “A Portrait of Loss” Ep (concept EP dealing with the 5 stages of grief as a young person experiencing love and loss and coping with mental illness) to latest drop “Chin Up Kid” (about persevering in the face of adversity even if it means doing it alone, still standing up for others on the way”. In all these different ways LL has been my life’s work. My motivation has always been and will be to inspire others through my personal experience to know that they are not alone in what they are feeling. That’s why Lives Lost creates songs about the human experience; Anger, Anxiety, Grief, Happiness, Hope, Loss, Love, Mental Health, and navigating life.
AA: I would like to explore the behind-the-scenes elements of the production process in greater depth. Specifically, what vocal techniques and innovations did you integrate to elevate the overall auditory experience of each song?
TP: I use a bit of everything when I track vocals. I consider myself versatile and generally track with chest voice, head voice, falsetto, mixed voice, fry and false chord and gutturals (although I don’t do these much For guitars we do several layers of rhythm with the occasional lead, one layer of bass guitar, drums, and keys/synths and other samples.
AA: Did you use particular methods for vocal layering, harmonization, or effects that contributed to the final sound? I’m interested in understanding how these choices influenced the mood and atmosphere of the music.
TP: For clean vocals I always do layers on all my lines, generally a low octave and the main layer which consists of the main vocal line tracked at least twice in the verses and 4 times in the choruses. I also do a lot of harmonies (generally a 3rd, 4th, 5th and/or an octave up). I also love to do a lot of call clean vocals with response scream vocals because I love Mall Screamo / Post hardcore (alexisonfire, from first to last, Hawthorne heights, story of the year etc.), but my main focus for LL has always been the clean vocals although definitely integrated more screams as time has gone on but I prefer screams as more of an accent or in culinary terms, like parmesan on the pasta dish.
AA: Can you recall the details of your very first live performance?
TP: YES, I played guitar and sang at my Uncle Bob’s garage party. He was married to my great aunt Karen (Rest in Power Bob!), and lived right across the street from me and had like a little cover band that he would play with at big parties at his house over the summer, and I was out in my parents garage practicing on my guitar and they heard me and told me to come over and play for everybody, and I never looked back. It was at that moment that I was absolutely hooked!
AA: Describe the setting, the crowd’s energy, and the anticipation leading up to that moment.
TP: Just a bunch of drunk middle-aged people, but they were having a great time and just enjoying the performance even though I’m quite sure that at that time I wasn’t that good.
AA: What were your thoughts and feelings as you stepped onto the stage, and how did it impact you both during the performance and afterward?
TP: Mostly just shear nervousness. I am a super anxious person and still to this day feel a lot of anxiety before I go on stage, but once I’m there in front of people, spreading the story of my life and the meaning of LIVES LOST far and wide, it just makes me so blessed to do what I do.
AA: Please tell us about any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations you look forward to. I'm eager to hear what you're most excited about and any details you can share about these initiatives!
TP: We have so much unannounced stuff that I cannot quite delve into much, but we will be hitting the road on the east coast and the south HEAVY this year in support of our new EP, “HOME” which comes out 3/26/2024. This EP includes a vocal feature from KELLIN QUINN of SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, and we are VERY excited for this record to come out. You’ve probably already heard the first two singles “numb the pain” and “chin up kid”, but the other 2 songs are my favorites “salt the wound” and “Found” (this is the song that features Kellin), Super stoked to get this release out into the world and to hit the road.
Band promo by Sierra Cochran of Grace & Jade Photography
AA: What influences, themes, or concepts do you explore in your work? How do these elements interplay to shape the unique sound that defines your artistic identity?
TP: My creative process is deeply rooted in the lived experience of navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual grappling with mental illness. This personal journey serves as the primary wellspring for the themes and concepts explored in LIVES LOST's music. Through my lyrics and vocal delivery, I aim to translate the raw emotions of love, loss, hope, and fear into a sonic landscape that resonates with authenticity and vulnerability.
The intent is to foster a sense of shared humanity, creating an equal playing field where listeners can connect with the universal aspects of these experiences. By channeling my own struggles and triumphs, I strive to positively influence others, offering a platform for empathy and understanding.
TP: The interplay of these deeply personal themes with the band's alternative metal sound is crucial in shaping our artistic identity. The intensity of the music serves as a vehicle for expressing the often turbulent and complex emotions inherent in my experiences. This fusion of raw emotional vulnerability with powerful musicality allows us to create art that is both cathartic and impactful, fostering a connection with our audience on a profound level. Take all of this and combine it with intense love and influence from 2000s rock and metal a la Coheed and Cambria, Chevelle, Deftones, Papa Roach, Saosin, Silverstein, Three Days Grace, etc. and you’ve got everything that makes LL, that special potion if you will.
AA: If you were presented with the incredible opportunity to open for any band or embark on a world tour, which bands would you choose to join on this exciting journey, and what specific reasons drive your passion for touring alongside them?
TP: This one is always tough for me to answer. The like “dream tour” would be like AFI, Coheed and Cambria, Chevelle, Deftones, Fightstar, Funeral for a Friend, Saosin, Silverstein, Three Days Grace, Thrice, The Used, and Yellowcard immediately come to mind. More within our genre would be A Day To Remember, Dance Gavin Dance, Dayseeker, I Prevail The Word Alive, Wage War, We Came as Romans.
TP: For the first batch of bands, they're some of our faves from growing up, and it would be insane to tour with them. For the second batch we enjoy them and they're genre adjacent/have a similar sound, and I feel like we'd do stellar on the road with them for that reason.
AA: Consider the musical styles, the energy of their performances, and how their artistry resonates with you. What unique experiences would come from collaborating and sharing the stage with these artists?
TP: All of these bands are high energy. The music, the performances, the fan base. I love a high energy performance and upbeat rock and metal music that has lots of riffs, breakdowns, and cool vocals. These bands check all of the boxes
TP: The unique experiences that would come of these opportunities would be because it would get our music out in front of bigger crowds. I'm sure we would meet more people than ever before and in turn convert more LOST ONES.
AA: What are some of your all-time favorite songs to perform live, and what makes them so special for you?
TP: Without a question my favorite song in our catalog to perform live is probably Jonny Romeo or Equivalent exchange from the EP. Jonny is pure post hardcore chaos and Equivalent is so dancy with lots of push and pull in the song. The lyrical content on our debut EP also hits with me because it's about grieving and processing great loss within my life in my late teens/early 20s and I feel the most connected to those songs emotionally.
AA: Can you share a funny or interesting behind-the-scenes moment from a music video shoot or recording session?
TP: We once had to delete video footage because before Chad was officially in the band, he was on set helping and his shadow was too prominent in frame so we had to cut scenes lol 😭😂
AA: If you could collaborate with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
TP: This is one of the hardest questions ever, BUT Chester Bennington, Layne Staley, or Chris Cornell. Three of my favorite lyricists/vocalists ever and just feel like we would bounce awesome ideas off of each other and the collaboration would be so unique cause we all have “different” yet powerful voices as vocalists.
AA: Share three individuals who have significantly influenced your life, positively or negatively, and explain why.
TP: My wife (Harley), and my grandparents (Linda and Roger Pellegrini) are the three biggest influences that have positively affected my life.
TP: The positive impact on me from meeting my wife cannot be understated. I believe that she is the first moment in my life where I met somebody that completely understood me and wanted to be my friend first before we even had any other aspect of our relationship, and she gave me this renewed sense of importance in prioritizing my mental and physical health as well as instilling her insane work ethic into me. We have created a beautiful life together, and God willing will spend eternity as best friends and lovers.
TP: My grandparents took me in when I had nowhere else to go without them. I would not be doing anything I have currently done, I wouldn't have met my wife etc. My grandfather also taught me responsibility and how to be a man in a big way, and my grandma taught me to care, and love no matter how others act.
TP: I love these people with my whole heart and am eternally grateful.
AA: When it comes to movies, what are some of your all-time favorites? What is it about these particular movies that resonate with you? Is it the storytelling, the characters, the cinematography, or something else?
TP: This is tooouughhh! I would say my all-time favorite movie is The Princess Bride. It has everything: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance, and storytelling. It is a story of great love and great adversity. My favorite movie trilogy of all time is LORD OF THE RINGS tho, and I love the books as well. High fantasy in general is perfection and anything with an engaging fantasy storyline is for me.
AA: As for TV shows, which ones do you find yourself eagerly tuning in to? What about these shows captivates you—could it be the plot twists, character development, or the overall production quality?
TP: Same as movies, high fantasy is my jam BUT also crime / legal dramas. Like I love Justified, Yellowstone and it's spinoffs, Game Of Thrones, etc. Big story lines, grand visuals, witty/snippy lines and good character development. I'm all on it.
AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?
FAVES: Stephen Kings Dark Tower series, The Dragonlance Chronicles, Legend of Drizzt, and Stephen King’s The Shining and Doctor Sleep.
TP: I am due for a reread of the Stephen King’s oeuvre. He's hands down my favorite author and I love his attention to detail and wordiness to describe any given scenario in a book. It puts you into the world so vividly, and I can't imagine where I'd be as a songwriter/lyricist without his influence. The thematics, style, etc are so perfect.
AA: Which podcasts do you highly recommend and why? What sets these podcasts apart from others, in your opinion? Do they offer valuable insights, entertaining content, or something else that keeps you hooked?
TP: I'm not really a podcast guy to be honest, but we've had great experiences on Ian's untitled scene show, The Yo Show, The Popko Project, Chord Progression Podcast, The Musical Misfits Podcast, Stereo Therapy Podcast, and Pete Vs Anxiety podcast. All these podcasts really care about music and the community around it and we're infinitely grateful for them hosting us.
AA: I'm interested in learning about your favorite bands or music artists that you're passionate about. Additionally, I'd love to hear all the details about your most memorable concert experience - the atmosphere, the performance, the venue, and anything else that made it special for you.
TP: Alexisonfire, Avenged Sevenfold, Blessthefall, Chevelle, Circa Survive, Coheed and Cambria, Counterparts, Dean Martin, Korn, Metallica, Saosin, Silverstein, Thrice, Train, and The Used to name a few. I listen to so much music honestly it's crazy. First concert I ever saw was Train and Maroon 5. Pat Monahan (Train) is a fave vocalist of mine. He's a beautiful tenor with excellent timbre and melody choices and he is GREAT live.
AA: What three standout qualities make you truly exceptional as a guitarist?
TP: I'm definitely more of a rhythm player than a lead player. Id say that I have exception pick attack, Down picking ability (grew up on Metallica y'know?), Chord Voicings to make vocals standout, and good sense of melody. Those are the things I like most about myself as a guitarist.
AA: Can you take some time to reflect on your personal experiences with mental health?
TP: There are not enough pages in the world for this, but I've had the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. Mental health is something that we must take seriously and have candid conversations about. Not about diagnosis or whose trauma is worse, but about point of view experience and helping others thru that shared experience to let them know they're not alone.
AA: Consider how these experiences have impacted different areas of your life, such as relationships, work, and personal growth. What specific insights have you gathered through these moments?
TP: Always take a step back and assess. Do not act out in a moment of anger or sadness. Do not hurt others because you're hurting. Assess. Heal. Learn.
AA: Additionally, how have you managed the challenges you face with mental health? Share any strategies, coping mechanisms, or support systems that have played a role in your journey.
TP: Music and leaning on my support system are my 2 coping mechanisms. When I have a bad day I go shut myself in my home studio and play along to my favorite songs or write something that's how most of our music gets made.
AA: What insights would you share with others your age who are grappling with mental health challenges?
TP: Build a support system. Find HEALTHY coping mechanisms. Never dim your light or censor yourself for others, it just makes your mental health worse!
AA: What hobbies or pastimes do you find particularly enjoyable when you’re not immersed in your music? Are there specific activities that allow you to unwind and express yourself differently?
TP: Spending time with my wife and our fur babies (Otis and Opal), cooking, working out, watching movies / tv (specifically rom coms, gritty crime shows, anything high fantasy or historical), playing video games, and reading fantasy novels/horror novels (Stephen King is my favorite author).
AA: What message would you share with everyone if you had the world's attention for five minutes?"
TP: We have more in common with our fellow people than we can ever imagine, no matter our cultural / ethnic background, our religious beliefs, our social standings. There’s so much love and kindness that can be spread in the world. Where there is hate there also exists great love. Where there is ignorance, there can be great comprehension. We cannot heal the wounds of yesterday if we continue with close minded beliefs, and fear of the unknown. No matter what your path in life is, we are all on this floating rock through space, and there is no chance we make it out alive. Death is inevitable, but art is forever. Kindness is forever. We must find our commonality and continue together, more powerful than ever as equals. Through art we are all equal.
AA: We appreciate Tanis Pellegrini from Lives Lost for kindly sharing him story and interests with us.
Band promo by Sierra Cochran of Grace & Jade Photography
Please access the following links below to find detailed information about Lives Lost and Tanis Pellegrini.
Follow his personal Instagram account
Lives Lost Website:
*** Images are by Ian Mimnall of Icmvisuals, Band promo is done by Sierra Cochran of Grace & Jade Photography and videos are by Lives Lost Band, unless specified otherwise **
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