Tara MacLean shares the new single, “Lay Here in the Dark,” from Sparrows
Singer-songwriter Tara MacLean has had an extraordinary music career. From being discovered singing on a BC ferry to touring with Dido, Tom Cochrane, and Lilith Fair, her solo albums and those with the band Shaye have touched legions of fans. But she hasn’t, until now, disclosed how the power of song saved her from a childhood filled with danger.
She recently released the heartbreaking and inspiring story of her life with her debut memoir Song of the Sparrow, out on HarperCollins. Buy now.
More recently, she has also unveiled the accompanying album, Sparrow, and “Songs & Stories” events happening across Canada.
The new album (the book’s soundtrack) is a reimagined collection of her past work (including the singles “Let Her Feel The Rain” and “If I Fall” ), as well as new material (“Sparrow“), produced by Daniel Ledwell (Fortunate Ones, Good Lovelies, Jenn Grant).
“I knew I had to make this record when I began writing my memoir. It was important that I chose songs that were significant in changing my life, either publicly, or internally as a songwriter;” shares Tara.
Ledwell took the songs to a whole new level with stunning lush production and a beautiful understanding of Tara as a vocalist and storyteller.
Listen to the album’s focus single, “Lay Here in the Dark” below and learn more about Tara MacLean via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Greetings! My name is Tara MacLean, and I am a singer-songwriter and now author from Prince Edward Island. I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember, but professionally for the last 28 years. I just released my first book, Song of the Sparrow, and it became a national bestseller! How fun is that? I also have a new record out that is the soundtrack for the book.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release?
My most recent release is the single called “Lay Here in the Dark.” It’s one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written. Even though all of my songs are special in different ways, this song pulled me through one of the hardest moments of my life when I didn’t know if the darkness would swallow me. It turns out music is my deepest faith. It’s that little bit of light that illuminates everything. My new album, Sparrow, has seven old songs from my past that we have reimagined and three new ones!
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
When I’m writing, it’s usually because I’m trying to figure something out. Writing has always been my therapy. It’s something that has helped me survive some pretty crazy times. And now that my life is so beautiful and full of happiness, I’m finding that I’m still writing because there’s just so much joy to share
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
I am currently on a Cross Canada book tour! All of my shows can be found on my website at www.taramacleanmusic.com. I can’t wait to share songs and stories and connect with people in real life!
What’s your goal for 2023?
My main goal for 2023 has already been achieved! Having a best-selling book. I will also be heading over to the UK to begin unfolding a career on that side of the pond. I am working on creating a show rooted in my memoir’s story, but my dream would be to perform it with a symphony. And inside all of this excitement, I guess the most important goal is to stay centered, to remember the reason that I wrote this book was to lighten my own heart and hopefully inspire others to share their stories.
Upcoming Songs & Stories book launch events:
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 – Hamilton, ON – Mills Hardware – DOORS 7:00 pm / EVENT 8:00 pm – TICKETS
Thursday, April 13, 2023 – Ottawa, ON – NAC 4th Stage – TICKETS
Friday, April 14, 2023 – Montreal, QC – BBAM! Gallery – DOORS 7:00 pm / EVENT 8:00 pm – INFO (LIMITED SEATING)
Sunday, April 23, 2023 – Charlottetown, PEI – Trailside Music Hall – DOORS 1:00 pm / EVENT 2:00 pm – INFO
Saturday, May 6, 2023 – Halifax, NS – Friction Books 45 Portland Street Dartmouth @ 2:30 pm – FREE