Long Island-based artist Tara Hack is and artist who understands the profound influence music holds in connecting generations and shaping societal movements. The power of anthems is undeniable, and Tara has embraced this understanding, weaving a narrative of modern life and love through her musical creations.
Currently immersed in the creative process of crafting her debut full-length record, Tara Hack is the captain of her artistic ship. This journey is driven by a fusion of her childhood influences and contemporary inspirations. She gracefully merges the enchanting nostalgia of her musical heroes with the fresh sounds of present-day icons like Coldplay, John Mayer, Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton and Michelle Branch.
Amidst this journey, Tara introduces us to her latest creation, “Sweet Nothing,” a single that marks her remarkable foray into electronic pop territory. The track opens with glistening synths, paving the way for Tara’s entrancing vocals to elegantly dance above. Her voice navigates the sonic landscape with finesse, delivering dazzling melodic leads that tug at heartstrings. The song blossoms into a vibrant chorus, driven by trap-style beats and a symphony of kaleidoscopic synths and emotive guitar tones.
An added dimension to “Sweet Nothing” is the conversational duet that emerges between Tara Hack and co-writer Joe “Two Ton” Killington. Their voices entwine in a melodic dialogue, enhancing the song’s storytelling and adding layers of depth to its emotional landscape.
Within “Sweet Nothing,” Tara Hack blends dreamy pop rock hooks into an irresistible chorus chant, etching its melody into the listener’s mind. The song’s opening, marked by spiritual atmospheric cries, beckons the audience into an enchanting musical journey that’s distinctly Tara Hack’s. The production, helmed by Benny, elevates the record to new heights, allowing Tara’s soulful vocals and evocative lyrics to shine with radiant brilliance.
As Tara Hack continues to shape her first album, “Sweet Nothing” serves as the perfect introduction to her creative prowess and a foreshadowing of the musical landscapes she aims to explore. With her ability to craft narratives that resonate universally, Tara is poised to leave a worthwhile mark and win over fans around the world.
We caught up with Tara Hack to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Sweet Nothing” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Tara Hack below.
Whatâs your earliest memory of making music?
My brother had a toy guitar, which was for a righty but I would play it lefty, and my parents have videos of me making up songs as young as 4. Growing up, I got much more into music, playing at family parties and gatherings with my friends and decided from a very early age that this was what I loved doing most and was born to pursue.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?
Chris Martin from Coldplay has been a huge inspiration for several years. I love his energy on stage because you can tell that he really loves what he does and I think that makes it more fun for the audience. It’s easy to let outside stressors affect your demeanor and it’s a good reminder to just have fun. Not to mention, the band’s music which I love. From their first albums to now you can really see how their sound has evolved, and how nothing feels inauthentic to who they are as a band. I think that’s very important.. to be who you are.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Itâs just in the air, a fleeting thought or melody that kind of presents itself especially, I find, when travelling on a plane or train somewhere or when getting home after a gig or a night out with friends.
I also use other people’s situations or experiences, either people I know in person or from TV shows and movies. I get a lot of ideas for songs that way. I used to busk in the train stations of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and that experience has opened me up to a multitude of stories from the people I would meet there.
What do you love about the New York music scene?
I love how eclectic the music scene in New York is and how the many different cultures blend to make a variety of unique sounds.
What truly captivates me is the way New York embraces an incredible fusion of genres. The hip-hop vibes of the Bronx find solace alongside the soulful melodies of Harlem, and the electronic pulses of Williamsburg somehow merge with rock ‘n’ roll echoes from the East Village. It’s a whirlwind romance of sonic elements, each note telling a story of its own. I am very proud to call New York my hometown!
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
The perfect setting? Wow, wherever your heart feels a resonance with the music I guess, which could be a dimly-lit speakeasy in the heart of the city, the kind of intimate space where hopefully, united by my music, strangers and dreamers become friends.
Or perhaps in larger venues and stages in time I hope, like concerts Iâve been to where each soul in the audience finds a piece of themselves in the music in a sanctuary where the artist and audience come together to connect and celebrate lifeâs triumphs and share their vulnerabilities.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
Well, when I first embarked on my musical journey doing small gigs and busking in New York, my sound was rooted in raw emotion and simple melodies reflecting the genuine stories I wanted to share. As time has gone on, with Philâs guidance and wealth of musical contacts, I’ve found myself drawn to experimenting with different genres and sounds, pushing the boundaries of what I thought I could achieve. My style has evolved into a fusion of folk, pop, and even a touch of R&B, allowing me to explore new avenues of self-expression. Yet, at the core, my songs (I hope!) still bear the essence of heartfelt storytelling and personal experiences – but now with a more refined and versatile musical backdrop. It’s been a transformative exploration of my own creativity, and I believe this evolution mirrors the growth and change we all experience in our lives
How did you find making your new single âSweet Nothingâ?
Despite the topic of the song being about the well-worn theme of a failing relationship, the track was a lot of fun to make. I flew to London and met with legendary producer/songwriter, Phil Pickett (who co-wrote Karma Chameleon).
Boy Georgeâs producer, Benny D and dance/EDM specialist songwriter Joe (2ton) Killington and, totally inspired by Bennyâs eerily atmospheric and sparse backing track, we very quickly wrote and recorded this song
What message did you want to get across with this release?
Strangely enough, thatâs quite a hard question to answer as this new release is more of a mood or feeling than a âmessage songâ as such. I guess âSweet Nothingâ is really about communication, or in this case, the lack of it between people who although they love each other, find it hard to get through, on the level of words anyway. The wailing, primeval voice on the intro I guess signifies the feeling behind the words we often use that cuts through and transcends the stuff we say sometimes.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
I’ve been listening to a lot of The Beatles again. As well as, Fleetwood Mac.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I hope, the sensational âbuzzâ and excitement of the musical journey I am now firmly committed to. Above anything else I want to connect with my listeners. I think it’s important for people to feel understood, so I hope when listening to my music people feel like they aren’t alone.
Whatâs been your favourite live performance so far?
I performed with a band called It Was Romance at Irving Plaza for the Night of a Thousand Stevies, It was my first time performing on that bigger stage and was a really fun experience pretending to be Stevie Nicks.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Apart from myself (of course, who wouldnât?!) my ultimate dream festival would have to include Coldplay, Hozier and Ed Sheeran and it could be nowhere else on earth but Glastonbury.
Thereâs something mystical and so special about the story and evolution of Glastonbury that is up there with the greatest and most important festivals on the planet in my view and this is why I would simply love to play there
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?
If it sounds cool, it is cool. Don’t just follow a trend if you don’t believe in it. As far at it is possible, you must stay true to yourself – harder than it sounds at times I know. Create and deliver the music that feels natural for you. I think that’s what people connect with the most.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?
I am excited to be releasing a ton of new songs for the rest of 2023.
Listen to Sweet Nothing below
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