Biography
Boomkat formed as a brother-sister duo featuring Kellin Manning and Taryn Manning. Their polished, broadcast-friendly style fused trip-hop, urban soul, pop, and danceable hip-hop, while Taryn’s rising profile as an actress helped secure rapid attention.
The siblings grew up with parents who were musicians. Kellin later drummed for rock groups, whereas Taryn trained in dance and attended countless auditions in pursuit of a Hollywood career. After abandoning college in Arizona, Kellin relocated to California to live closer to his sister and mother; ordinary employment held less appeal than the rudimentary, beat-and-sample-based recordings he created on a four-track and persuaded Taryn to vocalize over. The pair refined their material even as Taryn’s acting career accelerated. Parts on Ally McBeal and Boston Public, along with supporting roles as a drug-addicted friend in Crazy/Beautiful, a pregnant friend in Crossroads, and a jilted ex-girlfriend in 8 Mile, expanded her credits and introduced the duo to key listeners, among them David E. Kelly and Eminem. Although several demo deals collapsed, including an opportunity involving MCA executive and American Idol judge Randy Jackson, a strong response to a performance at the Mint in Hollywood attracted DreamWorks creative executive Robbie Robertson, the former bassist of The Band. Impressed by Taryn’s sassy vocals and Kellin’s blend of street-smart beats, he signed the duo to the label without delay.
Boomkat recorded with Pro Tools specialist Martin Pradler, completing Boomkatalog One in April 2003. Additional visibility arrived when “Wasting My Time” appeared on the 8 Mile soundtrack, when Kiss-FM championed the looping trip-hop feel of lead single “The Wreckoning,” and when Taryn featured in a prominent Gap campaign promoting “long and lean” jeans.
The siblings grew up with parents who were musicians. Kellin later drummed for rock groups, whereas Taryn trained in dance and attended countless auditions in pursuit of a Hollywood career. After abandoning college in Arizona, Kellin relocated to California to live closer to his sister and mother; ordinary employment held less appeal than the rudimentary, beat-and-sample-based recordings he created on a four-track and persuaded Taryn to vocalize over. The pair refined their material even as Taryn’s acting career accelerated. Parts on Ally McBeal and Boston Public, along with supporting roles as a drug-addicted friend in Crazy/Beautiful, a pregnant friend in Crossroads, and a jilted ex-girlfriend in 8 Mile, expanded her credits and introduced the duo to key listeners, among them David E. Kelly and Eminem. Although several demo deals collapsed, including an opportunity involving MCA executive and American Idol judge Randy Jackson, a strong response to a performance at the Mint in Hollywood attracted DreamWorks creative executive Robbie Robertson, the former bassist of The Band. Impressed by Taryn’s sassy vocals and Kellin’s blend of street-smart beats, he signed the duo to the label without delay.
Boomkat recorded with Pro Tools specialist Martin Pradler, completing Boomkatalog One in April 2003. Additional visibility arrived when “Wasting My Time” appeared on the 8 Mile soundtrack, when Kiss-FM championed the looping trip-hop feel of lead single “The Wreckoning,” and when Taryn featured in a prominent Gap campaign promoting “long and lean” jeans.
Albums
Singles
