Taryn Manning: So Much More Than Just 'Orange'

"Orange Is The New Black" (OITNB) is a phenomenon, for sure. The cast of women, made of up-and-coming and veteran actors, could easily be each considered a marvel in their own right.

One of the standouts amongst the talented women, is Taryn Manning, the girl responsible for the character Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett. She's the hard-bitten, bible thumping, wounded gal... with one serious attitude problem. Tiffany is a character, who is no doubt unpleasant and difficult to warm to, though Manning somehow manages to make us care. Showing the girl... has depths unplumbed.

That much at least, Taryn definitely shares with her character. There is a complexity to Manning that comes through as she speaks about her world. When you consider her longevity and come to understand how busy this young actor, singer, DJ and well-seasoned performer has always been, it is especially true. "OITNB" isn't her first trip on the success wheel and undoubtedly, it won't be her last.

I understand that you're in New York?

Yes, I'm in New York and driving upstate to shoot my next music video tomorrow. It's for my new album that I'm about to put out. I'll put out the single in a month or so, maybe July, maybe August. It's kind of up in the air and it depends on a bunch of things. When I'm on my next hiatus, I'll go on tour to support it.

You're a busy girl!

Yes, I was just talking about that with my friend. She asked me how I do it and I said, "Sometimes I'm not exactly sure how!" Especially, now that I'm getting a little older - I do get tired a little easier than I used to. It's just a little challenging adjusting from L.A. to New York time zones. I've had 5 a.m. call times here in New York, which is two in the morning at home in L.A. It's been a little rough readjusting and getting enough sleep. Today, I had a photo shoot for Nylon [magazine] and now I'm on my way to upstate New York to shoot the night shots for my video. Sometimes, I can't even wrap my head around it all! (Laughs) It just really makes me appreciate when I get a moment alone in a room... that peace is just amazing.

Do you think of yourself more as a musician first or an actor?

I think my soul and my spirit is in music - my very being is there. I'm definitely an actor though too, I love the craft, the escapism when you create a character. Transforming into somebody else, taking on another person's vision. I love the collaboration of that. Music has a unique feel, it's a different outlet. They are so different and yet they are very similar.

Your role as Pennsatucky on "OITNB" is so distinctive, it's how most know you, I would think. You have done so much else; acting, DJing, singing, I didn't realize how much. I loved learning that you were the singer on "The Wreckoning." It has always been one of my favorite dance tunes. Was that song your first chart topper?

Really? I love that, thank you! "The Wreckoning" was the first. It was with my band Boomkat and my brother, it was our first big release. After that, I had a song on the "8 Mile" movie soundtrack, then there was some EDM stuff after that, as well. I've always loved EDM, even before it was known as EDM - even though now I have to call it that! (Laughs) I love it.

How did you come by your role for "Orange Is The New Black?"

My manager called and said that there was this interesting situation, a role that came in as an offer. When he mentioned it though, he had this funny tone in his voice, "It's an odd, really bizarre character and it's a 'Netflix Original Series.'"

I thought it was cool. I'm the kind of person who will always take a risk, in order to create something new. It might be a little weird or something that nobody else is doing, but for me, it's exactly the kind of role I like... and for that matter, the kind of people I like to be around. Risk takers, pioneers, that sort of idea - edgy, creative, ballsy, those kinds of things.

Did you have any idea that the role was going to continue?

I feel, like my manager said, what is probably the most politically correct thing that you can say to a client (laughs), "And it could become recurring." He said that I had to make myself a "local hire" in New York. I had no idea what that meant. Basically, I had to find a place to live in the city, which I thought was going to be really easy and it wasn't.

Did anyone really have any idea of how crazy "OITNB" was going to become?

I came in around the sixth episode of season one, so I hadn't been around to see the excitement or feel the energy of the girls or the show. "Hustle and Flow" was sort of a breakout for me, but even then, I can't say I've known that something was going to be a success. To be completely candid with you, I was on set and thought, "What are we making? What the heck is the tone of this show?" I don't know that any of us really understood what was happening, which, is a big part of the magic of it, I think.

I can't imagine how much of an adjustment it must be to be a part of that kind of success. It must be intense.

I've been doing this for a while now, since I was 18 and I'm now in my 30s. I've had a lot of ups and downs and have been a part of small things and some huge films, but this is on a whole other level. This is definitely a high point. But like my mom always says, "Don't get to high on the highs and don't get to low on the lows." I have the experience to know that this is a phase - it's a wonderful phase, but it will change. Hopefully, it will open even more doors to the things that I want to do and to different types of roles that I'd like to play. It's definitely brought a new awareness to all of us on the show.

I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Taryn Manning - if we're lucky.

"Orange Is The New Black" is a Netflix Original Series. Catch all three seasons at netflix.com. Keep up with all things Taryn Manning at tarynmanning.com.

She will be appearing in San Diego at the Pride Music Festival in Balboa Park on Saturday, July 18, for tickets and more information go to sdpride.org