Tara MacLean is a singer, songwriter, and award winning recording and touring artist. From break-out pop hits (“If I Fall”) to country-crossover (“Happy Baby”) her style is reflective of her deep roots in Gospel and the Folk Music of her East Coast Canadian upbringing. She has been signed with Nettwerk, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Capitol Records and EMI Canada (with her band Shaye). Her three solo albums were released to high acclaim, garnering extensive film and television placements, as well international touring and radio play.
Tara shares her time between her home on the West Coast of Canada on Salt Spring Island, BC, and her home province of Prince Edward Island, on the East Coast. During the summer months, she brings her family to PEI to perform in her hit show, Atlantic Blue- A Celebration of East Coast Songwriters, which she wrote, produces, directs and stars in. Look for her new album release Spring of 2019.
What inspires you to create music?
Life, heart ache, love, acts of kindness, sorrow.
Do you have a process to your songwriting or when creating music?
Just feeling and then turning it into a tune.
How did you get your start as a creator in the industry?
I was discovered in 1995 by Sony Music Publishing and Nettwerk Records.
How has your music evolved since you first became a recording/performing artist?
Absolutely! It’s been 25 years so I def have evolved!
Do you write for other recording/performing artists?
Sometimes I go to Nashville/LA to write for my publishing company.
Do you tend to write for one genre, or do you find your music crosses genre lines?
Writing definitely crosses genres.
Have you faced any major economic, social or political hurdles as a music creator?
Yes. Being a songwriter in Canada is not the easiest way to make a living. Thank goodness for SOCAN!
Do you have any musical influences who have influenced your style, or who you give a “nod” to whenever possible?
Peter Gabriel, Dan Lanois, Leonard Cohen, Tori Amos, Sarah of course.
If you could collaborate with any other music creator, who would that be?
Dan Lanois.
How did you learn your craft – was it a “formal” or “informal” music education?
I am self-taught, though I grew up around songwriters so I watched carefully.
Do you have any advice for upcoming songwriters and creators who are looking to break further into the creative scene?
Write from your heart. It’s the only thing that will make you stand out.
What is your fondest musical memory or favourite piece of music you’ve written?
Writing with Gordie Sampson, a song called Star about my sister Shaye.
What is the most important “tool” you need when creating, eg. GarageBand, google docs, your cell phone, Pro Tools, or a pad of paper?
My guitar.
Do you ever compose for film/tv/video games? What’s that like?
It’s fun!
How can S.A.C. help you?
I’m not sure! I am proud to be apart of Canada’s thriving songwriter’s scene! Let’s see where this goes. Looking forward to the newsletter.
If the music community could do one thing better what would it be?
Help musicians write government grants.
What do you see in the future for songwriting and music creators like yourself?
I plan to write music all my life, whether it is heard by millions, or by a few loyal fans, I just have to keep sharing the art. That makes it complete.
