Afro-Lingít artist Tanóok Taylor Neal on identity, movement, and making music that feels like a reusable water bottle

astrodamus: Grunge, Justice, and the Weight of Sound

Tanóok Taylor Neal, known as astrodamus, is carving out a lane that fuses Afro-punk, grunge revival, and themes of transformative justice. Based between Alaska and Oklahoma, Neal’s work spans multiple states, stages, and mediums, grounded by her Afro-Lingít heritage and sharpened by her academic and activist journey. With recent releases including Ground Control (2024), Diving Board to Memories (2025), and a live album recorded at KBOO Community Radio in Portland, astrodamus is building a sound that is as raw as it is reflective.

We caught up with her to talk about grunge roots, cultural identity, community activism, and what she hopes listeners carry with them when they press play.

Your music blends Afro-punk, grunge revival, and themes of transformative justice. How did you arrive at this unique sound?


Something I appreciate about the 1990s—it was effortless and casual about niche ideas. Grunge was always in my environment. Chris Cornell was a voice that was always there. Bad Brains too. Having that foundation of sound and then subconsciously searching for it made me want to bring it to life with my own practices.

I didn’t fully understand transformative justice until Fort Lewis College, where I studied Criminology. I was drawn to helping people impacted by harmful systems find paths of healing. Wanting to help people within proximity to the criminal justice system—that’s transformative in itself.

You describe yourself as an Afro-Lingít artist. How does your cultural identity influence your music and storytelling?


My connection to Sitka and Lingít heritage feels concrete, though it was ethereal for a while. You hear that in astrodamus music—sometimes airy, sometimes heavy. I don’t shy away from being transparent about pain.

I grew up moving—Alaska, Chicago, California. My mom was adopted as a Tlingit and Filipino baby, and it’s been hard to determine our clan. That’s a huge part of identity, and I don’t have answers. It’s humbling to take baby steps in connecting the dots of my identity.

On stage, I perform as if I’m alone. I haven’t had much energy in life, but I’ve come to terms with that by finding what feels free.

You’ve released projects across Alaska, Oklahoma, and beyond. How has moving between these places shaped your creativity?


Moving between Alaska and Oklahoma made my creativity feel more refined and less restricted. Oklahoma taught me I can try less and it still feels concrete. I booked my first tour, played festivals, and got encouraging feedback there.

I’ve outgrown the struggle of trying to build a platform in Alaska. I rep AK, study it, and speak on it, but I’m not really platformed there. Alaska is my true home, but I’m kind of considered an outsider.

What role does music discovery and listening to others’ work play in your process?


Listening to others’ work is a constant force. I love shows, I love letting myself love someone’s sound, and I love learning from something even if it doesn’t resonate.

The astrodamus project actually began as a DJ set at KDUR community radio in Colorado. It was about curating sounds and contributing to people’s life soundtrack.

Beyond music, you recently completed a Master’s in Indigenous Peoples Law. How do legal and activist work intersect with your artistry?


Activism has been many lessons in community that usually result in me having to reflect individually. Self-reflection and accountability made me feel safe to be an artist.

My legal experience intersects with artistry by creating a dedication to discipline. Studying tribal and Native law gave me an affinity for context—limitless context.

What do you hope listeners take away from astrodamus, and what’s next?


I hope people can feel the direction in each album, song, or setlist. Maybe my music helps them stop thinking, maybe it makes them think, maybe it makes them curious. I want it to feel like a reusable water bottle—sustainable, eco-friendly, convenient.

My immediate goal is balance and grounding in this technocracy. I need to refine projects I thought were complete and bring new perspectives. Musically, I just want to feel my feelings and see what sounds carry me into the next chapter.

Playlist Picks:

  • “Neutral Juice Motel” – astrodamus.
  • “daisy pusher” – Julie
  • “Air” – astrodamus.
  • “Waiting on an Angel” – Ben Harper
  • “Dear Maintain” – astrodamus.
  • “Waves in Space” – astrodamus. & xhanego.