The Tuna Helpers

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The Tuna Helpers
Adrienne Sneed (left), Bethany Sneed (right) photo by Chelsea Ross
Background information
Also known as	TheTunaHelpers
Origin	Austin, Texas
Genres	Folk rock, gothic rock, psychedelic rock, art rock, progressive rock, indie rock
Instrument(s)	guitar, keyboards, percussion, violin, trombone, bass guitar
Years active	2000–2007
Labels	Monkeyboy Records Mimicry Records
Past members	Adrienne Sneed Bethany Sneed Khattie Quinones Stacy Meshbane
Website	http://www.thetunahelpers.org

The Tuna Helpers (often, but not always, spelled TheTunaHelpers on albums and promotional materials) was an all-female American indie gothic psychedelic art folk rock band based in Austin, Texas from 2000–2007, noted for their elaborate puppetry in their stage shows and rich textures including diverse vocals, strings, trombone, and percussion. Its membership consisted of sisters Adrienne Sneed (lead vocals and guitars) and Bethany Sneed (keyboards, bells, and background vocals), Stacy Meshbane on violin, and Khattie Quinones on drums.

Their music often involves reflections on childhood, from a slightly dark but often comic perspective. Bethany also performs the songs in American Sign Language, an aspect of their live performances praised by Tucson Weekly.^[1] This element was added at Adrienne's suggestion after seeing Bethany sign Tori Amos songs at home.^[2] At local shows, Mrs. Sneed would serve cakes and host party games.^[3]

The TunaHelpers toured the U.S and Canada sharing the stages with such as Nina Hagen, TeamDresch, The Aisler Set, The Dresden Dolls, Faun Fables, Lydia Lunch, The Frogs, Adam Green, Lesbians on Ecstasy, Gretchen Phillips, Electrelane, and Bettie Serveert. The band also performed SXSW showcases four years in a row.