<pTandaradei is the newest Oklahoma band that will be making a big splash in 2012, if not for their music, then for their name.

"It's not everyday you come across a Midwestern band with a German name that is hard to pronounce at first, so even if someone hates our music, the name will stick out to them like a sore thumb. I hope they like the music, though!"

Tim Miller, vocalist and band leader, explains the origin of Tandaradei.

"The name comes from a poem ( Unter der Linden ) by Walther von der Vogelweide, who was a Middle High German poet who is considered one of the more celebrated poets of that period in the history of the German language. What is usually considered to be of more lasting value are his writings dealing with love and Unter der Linden. Tandaradei is an exclamation for joy, and throughout the poem it notes what actions cause Tandaradei."

However, as someone views the lyrical content of the songs, it doesn't spark a sense of joy.

"Lyrically our songs don't come across as particularly joyful, but there's this sense of yearning for such a feeling that some people never get to experience for one reason or another. For some people, they wish they could relive that moment."

The themes are clear and well expressed with a genuine heart in the middle of the songs, but the personal aspect is the most important.

"As a lyricist, I take influence from Marvin Gaye and Elliott Smith. There's a brokenness found in their songs that's uncommon to find in today's music. I'm not saying it doesn't exist; sometimes I get the feeling some lyricists aren't being completely open and genuine, like there's so much more that can be expressed but they're not expressing a whole lot out of some kind of fear of opening up too much. I'm not a perfect person nor do I think I'm particularly smart, but I don't want to fake any aspect of my life. I want to show people that I'm disappointed. I want that to reflect in my lyrics. I'm flawed and I have demons that I'll probably be fighting forever."

Where being personal while writing lyrics is important for songwriting, having an open mind while writing music is important when coming up with guitar parts.

"Musically, I'm all over the place." says Tim. "I don't stick to one genre. I listen to it all and soak in as much as I can as a means to not run out of ideas. I don't want to be one of those guys who lists who he likes so people can believe that I'm open minded about music. Just take my word that I like whatever hits my ear, and if I don't like it, I'll give an honest reason rather than a strong opinion."

Out of that open minded desire goes all over the board, especially when it comes to playing shows.

"Personally, I'd rather play a concert with artists that have nothing in common with our style than play with artists similar to us. When I started going to shows at age 12, it was common to see a punk band share a bill with a hip-hop group and having people come together under one roof. Those were the shows that I made new friends at who all had different and unique backgrounds. Now a days, with the exception of our yearly Norman Music Festival, I'd be amazed if there were still shows like that going on. I'm not a scene leader, but I feel in order for a local scene to grow and come together, we should have more diversity, and I'd like to be that band that brings that back."

With 2012 already shaping up to be a big year for the band, Tim doesn't want to think too far ahead.

"I don't know what the future holds for Tandaradei. I brace it one day at a time. I hope we grow as musicians and as people, that we can look back on this period as an important progression individually. If that occurs, I'll be happy by the end of the day."