You know that feeling you get when you meet someone who surprises you on every front? TARA is one of these people. This musically-obsessed electro-pop songwriter has penned a deal with Peach (BITTEREINDER) and is definitely worth your ear-time – have a listen to her first single ('Deeper' on iTunes) if you don’t believe me!

We chatted to her about life in Dubai, coming home and defining herself and her sound.

What’s the industry like in Dubai?

Dubai is still developing the arts and culture scene. There are a lot of musicians here that perform in venues around the city but mainly perform Jazz and cover music due to the demand. There are some popular DJ's that have built a name for themselves and original solo artists and bands are emerging and finding an audience. Sometimes it can be hard to build a fan base with a large turnover of people in the large expatriate community.

Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I'm a singer-songwriter that has been living in Dubai for the last 3.5 years. I grew up in Pretoria, South Africa and started writing songs when I was a teenager and continued on and off as a hobby but took it seriously a couple of years ago. I always loved music and also played drums in some bands when I was younger. I really love poetry and write a lot about it.

Congrats on signing with Peach – what was that like?

Peach is doing the production on my album and working with him is absolutely great. He is seriously professional, super creative and does everything "music" with his whole heart. He's a genuine guy and I feel very blessed to be able to collaborate with him on this project. I'm hoping we will make some amazing tunes in the future, I find every song we do gets better each time and he really gets my vision and supports my ideas and message.

When will you be back in SA?

I am hoping to come soon but definitely once the album is launched early next year for performances.

How do you think your faith has affected your sound?

Majorly so, since my faith in God is the most important thing in my life, it filters through in my lyrics and I just follow my heart on it. I write about what I experience during my journey of faith and hope it will inspire others who may face the same highs and lows.

If you could have any vocalist perform a song that you’d written, who would it be and why?

That’s a really cool question, I would be honoured if Tori Kelly sang one of my songs because I have followed her journey as an artist and she inspired me a lot during mine. I really respect and appreciate the way she did and still does things.

We think your sound is ‘melodic electronic’ – would you agree?

Yeah, I guess so, not really sure how to categorise myself sometimes but I stuck with electro-pop for the album. Thanks for the idea! Someone once was adamant that I am "country" despite my pleas for mercy.

Any goals for 2016?

Yes, to make more music! I definitely want to get started with my second album and perhaps drop a single or two during the year.

Your support makes stories like this possible!

Underground Press relies entirely on your generosity, enabling us to report on the entertainment industry, free of charge and independently. Your contribution ensures millions worldwide can continue to visit our site for amazing content from around the web.
*Currency in South African Rands (ZAR)