Interview – Tara Holloway

By: Jenna Melanson

We recently had a chance to ask Ottawa based alt pop artist, Tara Holloway a few questions about her sophomore album entitled “Little Ghosts” which was released through Light Organ Records in Vancouver.

When did you decide you wanted to pursue music as a career path?

As a kid I wanted to sing and by 14/15 I was actually songwriting and doing some gigs, so probably by 14 or 15 years old I only had eyes for a career in music. But really, I’ve been obsessed with singing since I could talk. 🙂

Who has been your main musical influence through the years?

So many! My Dad is a record collector and that opportunity to hear so much music of different genres and eras had a big hand in shaping my broad view of what I considered good music. I have kept that openness through the years and am as much into the blues as I am into alt country, pop, trip hop, punk, and country.

You just released your newest album, “Little Ghosts”, how would you say your sound has changed between that one and your previous release, “Sins to Confess”?

Hard for me to say! I’m so close to this latest release, better that the listener make that distinction I think.

How did you choose the name “Little Ghosts” for your album?

This became the perfect name for a song on the album, and then I realized it would be the ideal title for the whole album. It’s a definite theme of past affecting present, and just moving forward from old patterns. There are some juicy lyrics and some pent up emotion on this album.

You worked with Kevvy Mental, Colin Janz & Brian Simms on the album, is there anyone else you’d love to work with in the future?

Oh well that list is long and ever growing! Hahah I love to collaborate with other writers, one on one generally. A dream co-write would be Hayden or Sia.

What is your favourite song on the album?

It changes for me I guess- I’m partial to them all, at different moments. Different gigs, different audiences.

Can you describe to us your writing process?

I have a few different writing processes; I can write alone and it could be in a multitude of varied approaches (lyrics first, music first, writing ideas for song topics first); where when I write with other people, it helps if one of us has brought an initial idea to the table.

You are signed to Light Organ Records, and as we know, there is a ton of talent on that label, if you had to choose a label mate to go on tour with, which would you choose? Why?

Oh man, just one? Hahaha I would love to tour with The Zolas, Louise Burns, Fake Shark Real Zombie, and obviously Mounties! Love that Hawksley Workman 🙂

When can fans expect a tour from you?

This summer

What’s next for you?

Lots! I hope! Hahaha who friggin knows, it’s a crazy business. I am just happy to be putting a piece of work out there that I whole heartedly feel connected to as an artist. What I want to do is continue to tour, maybe get a tune or two on the radio, and be able to keep creating art as my job in life.

Here at Canadian Beats, we like to include a small portion of “fun” questions that may help your fans get to know something new about you, here goes:

What was the first concert you ever attended?

Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown

What is your current go-to song?

Ambre McLean’s full album “Me”

Do you have any hidden talents?

hahaha well I secretly enjoy playing harmonica! And I really like creating posters and stickers for myself 🙂

If you had to choose a fellow Canadian as your favourite band or musician, who would you choose?

Hayden, Dave Norris, Robyn Dell’unto, Ambre McLean, Esthero, Leela Gilday, James Diamond, Jerry Stamp, Amanda Rheaume, Ian Foster.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Hi! Please come and say hello! And I take requests! But I don’t always fulfill them (probably at about 80% there). THANK YOU.