Tara MacLean is an incredibly impressive woman – not only does she manage to juggle motherhood and her music career, but she’s also an author! I wanted to find out more about this amazing artist to find out how she does it all, as she’s a true inspiration to us all. Read more about Tara below, and if you like what you read, make sure you check out some of her work!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled That’s Me. What can you tell us about the track?
That’s Me was a song I wrote in the early 1990s, when I was just starting out in music in my early 20s. I’d had a bad break-up with my high school sweetheart and was reflecting on who I was without him, and who I wanted to become. The song is my self portrait at a very formative age. It was the first song I got into a soundtrack, a film called Kissed. And I also had a cameo in a Jerry Bruckheimer film called Coyote Ugly, where I sang this song acoustically. I re-recorded it for this new album that is the soundtrack for my memoir, Song of the Sparrow (HarperCollins 2023). We lowered the key to make it a bit more womanly. Turns out the sentiment still completely applies!
How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The reception has been wonderful. Old fans love the new version and new fans have been very supportive. The video has had amazing reviews as well, which makes me happy because it was a breakthrough video for me. It was the first time I danced! The song can be heard on all streaming platforms, but can be purchased through ITunes and Bandcamp.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
This was the final single from my new album. However, I have many new songs almost ready to go, and am considering that it might be fun to release singles rather than a whole new album again.
The single comes from your album, Sparrow. What can you tell us about the album?
This album is the soundtrack of my life in a way. I wrote my book, Song of the Sparrow, about my life in music, and figured it would be great to have an album to go along with it. I took seven songs that were significant in my career, either as hits or songs that changed me as a writer, and re-imagined them. Then I added my favourite three new songs that felt topical to the record. The album came out this spring and has had such a heartwarming response.
Are there any plans to release another album or an EP anytime soon?
I am planning to come back to the UK in the fall to do some songwriting, and hopefully begin recording in the new year.
Your music has a pop-rock sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
When I was a budding songwriter, I was definitely influenced by Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois, Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos. Recently I have been listening to Novo Amor, Olafur Arnalds, Jonsi, SYML, and RY X and I still always circle back to Peter and Daniel. Add some Brian Eno in there and Jon Hopkins for a different vibe.
You’re also a best-selling author! How do you balance it all? Have you released any novels recently?
Motherhood, book writing and songwriting are my life and somehow it all happens! I think I am excellent at time management. I also have very supportive kids who are proud of me and understand I have to be away sometimes. Song of the Sparrow is my first book and I was thrilled it became a best seller in Canada and was also released in the UK. I am conceptualizing my next book right now!
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
I am working on a multi-media stage show based on the book, that I would love to tour everywhere. It could be done with a trio of musicians or a whole symphony. I want to create something beautiful and inspiring so I can be on the road. My favourite thing is meeting fans and making friends all over the world.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I just finished my run of UK shows, but next week my manager, UK agent and I are beginning our 2024 planning session so please stay tuned! All my tour dates will be announced on my website: www.taramacleanmusic.com
Any last words for the fans?
Just that touring the UK is a dream come true for me. After years of touring Canada, the US and Asia, finally touring here is beyond exciting! I love it here and I’ve spent many years living in London in my lifetime. It feels like home. One of my new songs is set in London and I can’t wait to play it for you!