Tara MacLean is an internationally renowned singer-songwriter hailing from Canada, whose illustrious career spans over 25 years. Tara MacLean's musical style has evolved over the years, drawing from various influences and experiences. Her journey as an artist has been shaped by collaboration, activism, and a relentless dedication to authenticity. With her timeless voice and profound storytelling, she continues to inspire and uplift audiences.
Her latest release “That’s Me” has swayed us away with a deeply captivating melody, a power packed vocal delivery and an unfiltered honesty. The soul stirring arrangements and poignant songwriting are the backbone of the song. By embracing imperfections and finding strength in vulnerability Tara MacLean has gifted us an anthem of self acceptance through her song “That’s Me.” In a recent interview with her we had the pleasure of knowing more about her and her artistry and we couldn't have been more awe-inspired. Keep reading to unveil this gem of an artist and her song “That’s Me!”
Can you share the inspiration behind your latest song, "That's Me"?
I wrote That's Me when I was 20, more than half my life ago. It was a time of deep introspection, and after a tumultuous childhood, I needed to figure out how to navigate an inner world, fraught with scar tissue. I didn't want to be the victim of my circumstances, I wanted to really dissect my life, figure out my strengths and weaknesses and then choose how to move forward with integrity. In a way it was my anthem about how to be free of the past. It's important to keep asking the question "Who am I?" throughout our lives. I wanted to re-record this song to revisit the question.
I truly admire the way you touched the hearts of listeners by conveying heartfelt vulnerability in your song “That’s me”. Can you share with us how it feels to express such raw emotions as an artist? What personal significance does being so true and vulnerable in your art hold for you?
Thank you. I did have a bit of a vulnerability hangover after the video came out. To dance and weep in a video was as vulnerable as I could be. To express like feels like permission to be completely who I am. Not some polished version, but the real me, and at this point in the course of my creativity that is the most important thing. I have always been an open person. I live without armour and that is one of my strengths. The older I get, the more I love that about myself and the more invincible I feel. To me, vulnerability is the same as courage. It gives others permission to be who they are.
You've been involved in the music industry for over 25 years, working with different record labels and releasing solo albums as well as albums with your band. How do you think your music and style have evolved throughout your career?
I've been so lucky that in my time with the labels, I was always given a tremendous amount of freedom to explore my own sound without too much intervention. Of course when there are millions of dollars behind you, you want to have a hit, and so I certainly pushed some of my work into the pop/hit realm. Now I don't think about that at all. I just feel the music. If it moves me, I share it. It's hard for me to have perspective on how the music has changed, since I've always aspired to be "pretty and gritty". I want beauty but I want edge. I want it to be epic, yet simple. I try to find the balance always.
I would also like to congratulate you on your book, "Song of the Sparrow" that came out in March. The book is released alongside an album that serves as its soundtrack. How do these two artistic expressions intertwine? Did the book influence the creation of the album or vice versa?
The album is the soundtrack for the book. I was writing the memoir and realized that it made sense to have an accompanying musical guide, since I delve so deeply into the songwriting. This way people can refer to the songs easily. The album holds many of the songs that were the most significant for me as a writer or performer.
As someone who has worked in various artistic mediums, including music, theater, and now writing. How do you approach the creative process differently when working on a song compared to writing a book? How do these different outlets allow you to express yourself?
I find, for me, a book requires that I clear my plate and create a schedule and a routine. I show up at my writing desk religiously. For songwriting, the song doesn't have a schedule. It surfaces of it's own volition and forces me to write it no matter where I am or what I'm doing! The songs are very bossy!
You have also received the Senate of Canada Medal for your activist work in your community. What kind of work have you been doing for your community? Do you also incorporate these experiences into your creative work? How do you believe artists can use their platform to inspire a positive change?
I am a passionate advocate for Truth and Reconciliation with the Indigenous community and work hard on that relationship. When I create shows, I make sure they include, support and employ as many locals as possible. There is almost always a charitable component to my shows and I am involved in many charities. (Charity is literally my middle name). I work with the Sexual Assault Centres across Canada as well, since my book touches so much on that issue. These experiences definitely impact my work. I feel like this is what having a platform is for, to try to do good in the world, to pass the microphone when I have it to those whose voices need to be amplified.
You’ve also directed and produced the hit theater show, "Atlantic Blue-The Stories of Atlantic Canada's Iconic Songwriters." Can you share your experience of bringing these stories to life on stage?
This was a blast! I wrote the show as a way to feel closer to the east coast of Canada where I am from. I was living away on the west coast, and missing home. The music brought me back there. I began researching the lives of the songwriters, many with whom I had a personal connection, and found that there were so many unknown stories that needed to be brought into the light. it was an exquisite honour to share their stories and music, and it brought me home, every summer for three years to perform and be close to my family and my beloved Atlantic Ocean.
Throughout your career, you've collaborated with various musicians and artists. Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with in the future, or any dream project that you aspire to undertake?
Where do I start? Honestly there are so many great songwriters I would love to collaborate with. My big dream is to create a show that can tour the world with symphonies, and I'm already working on that! That would be my dream!
Could you share a significant moment or experience in your career that has shaped you as an artist and had a lasting impact on your musical journey?
In my book, I share about the time I met Daniel Lanois, my favourite producer/songwriter. We spent an evening together and he told me that the key was to keep it simple. I took that advice and applied it to my whole life. He continues to inspire me beyond belief.
As an artist who has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians and songwriters who are looking to make their mark in the industry?
I am not a huge advice giver, especially about the music industry because it keeps changing and there is no magic wand to success. But I would say this, and I tell any young artists I mentor... "This is your blank canvas. The stage, the song, the album, the image, the message. It's all you. Turn yourself inside out, hold nothing back. Don't worry what anyone else thinks, or doubt yourself. Use everything inside of you to excavate your bravest work, and share it. In any way you can, share it, because the work isn't complete until someone else takes it in. And it doesn't matter if it is one person, or a million people. What matters is that there is an exchange. What will be great about the work is that it will be yours, an ever evolving opening and exhibiting of your unique expression. And that goes for every artistic modality. The world needs it, whether you know it or not. Don't die with your song still inside you."
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