Interview – Tanya Marie Harris

By: Emily Thomson

Tanya Marie Harris is a country singer and songwriter from London, Ontario. She listened to a wide variety of music growing up. Tanya began her career at age 8. After struggling to find her path, she found the right one which was singing. Along with a singer and songwriter Tanya is a wife and a mother.

The most recent big news with Tanya is that she has been signed with Nashville management company, Arrow Entertainment. You can see her newest video, “Second Hand Dreams” here: http://youtu.be/T-4CQvbwOxE

We had the chance to do a virtual interview with Tanya, so we hope you’re ready to learn more about this amazing country artist.

Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, who are some of your favourite Canadian bands/artists?

TH: Serena Ryder, Jann Arden, Jill Barber, Dean Brody, Gord Bamford, Jake Mathews to name a few right now.

If you could put together a tour with any Canadian bands/artist including yourself, who would headline and who would the openers be?

TH: I think Deric Ruttan & Serena Ryder would be a neat mix.  Me opening of course!

What made you decide that music is what you wanted to do?

TH: I don’t think I name a specific thing.  I can tell you the tipping point for me was when I had my Daughter Abby.

At what age did you start with music? 

TH: When I got my first Snoopy Toy Microphone at 2 or 3 years old.  Started writing my own songs at 8.

What was the first song you remember learning to sing or play on an instrument? 

TH:Well that is tough to recall.  I can tell you the first song I remember singing in public was Whitney Houston “I wanna dance with somebody”.

What are the challenges of being a mother and a singer? 

TH: Of course it’s finding a balance and learning how to be flexible.  I am fortunate enough to have a supportive family and husband to share the load once in a while.

What was the writing process like for your song ‘Second Hand Dreams’?

TH: Lightning fast.  David and I hit it off right away.  We knew the idea we wanted to get across and worked our way outwards from there.  I learned a lot from David and am so happy that I had the opportunity to write with him

 If you were given the chance to play a show anywhere in the world, where would you want to play it? 

TH:  You know, I would love to do a resort tour in the future…..hit up all the tropical places.  I am a fair weather Canadian.

What’s your favorite song right now? 

TH: Stompa by Serena Ryder. It lightens my day.

If you were given the chance to collaborate with any band/artist, who would you want to work with?  

TH: Right now, Brett Eldredge.  I have much love for his voice.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it? 

TH: Well that is a good question. Country with Bold Vocals.

What song do you suggest to someone who hasn’t heard your music should listen to? 

TH: I always invite new friends to listen to “A Woman Scorned”.  It’s playful and fun with raging guitars that hammer home the lyrics.

Any upcoming shows or releases? 

TH: I am excited to be playing Toronto at The Cadillac Lounge and Mingles Lounge but the most exciting show is the Wheeling West Virginia Jamboree on December 7th.

These next few questions will help your fans get to know you better, what is your favourite food? 

TH: Thai Coconut Green Curry Chicken over rice.

Do you have a favourite childhood memory? 

TH: Camping with my family each summer

If you had to listen to one album for a year, which album would you listen to? 

TH: Edwin McCain, Misguided Roses.

What is your favourite color? 

TH: Green (Moss Green)

What song describes you best? 

TH: “Love’s the only House”-Martina McBride or “The Change”-Garth Brooks

Do you have any hidden talents? 

TH: I have a green belt in Taekwondo…..that sort of hidden talent?

And lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? 

TH:  Just that I appreciate the continued support and love and I am all about paying it forward and backwards so keep in touch!