Tana: Making Your Mark In The Game
Having signed her song Reality to Sony Sweden and TGR Music Group, Tana is an artist, writer, and topliner with unique flair for lyrics and melody. Her tracks have been championed by Sean Kingston on Instagram, played on BBC introducing, Reprezent radio, and Pulse 88. Her growing reputation means she is one to watch, and she aims to change the UK scene for good. (source: Spotify)
Gulie Carrington: Tana, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me. I loved your track, Bad Habits, and wanted to firstly say THANK YOU (laughs) for making that song, because it definitely resonates. I’m curious about your musical journey; tell me about your journey and how we got here today, and what inspired you to join the music industry.
TANA: Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to perform. I took drama and dance classes from a young age, but it was when I was 8 years old that I picked up the guitar, and my musical journey grew from there. Since then I’ve been in and out of bands, and experimented with many different sounds and styles to get to where I am now.
I would say I’m inspired by a lot of things, like the people I’m around, art, fashion, culture and the places I’ve been. But ultimately, I make music for myself because it makes me feel good and that’s what I enjoy doing the most, just creating and having fun with it.
GC: Interesting! Thanks for the thorough response; keep em coming! How have you been throughout Covid? Musically and personally, tell me how you’ve dealt with it and marketed yourself.
TANA: As you can imagine, lockdown was pretty tough for everyone, especially learning how to adapt in ways of being productive and keeping yourself busy. It did test my mental health a lot, but I found ways of staying positive and creative.
In a sense I did benefit from lockdown, as it gave me so much free time that I never really had. I used this time to create and write new music. I also did some live streams where I performed and interviewed people as part of a weekly segment called ‘Quarantine and chill house party’. I’d feature a lot of creatives from DJs to producers, and songwriters to artists. It was a way of meeting new people, staying in touch and exchanging ideas when everything was closed.
GC: That’s amazing! While Covid limited us, it helped me meet people I would never have been able to speak with in person. Kind of like now, meeting you! I never would’ve found it appropriate to reach out like this before, but it’s truly opened my eyes.
What would you say is your ideal setting for creating music?
TANA: Recently, I’ve been writing a lot in my bedroom, and I love it because it’s quiet and I can take however long I want. Ideally, I always tend to go for a quiet space because it’s where I can really focus and just feel calm.
GC: I feel that. A lot of artists I speak to mention being around bodies of water, listening to water etc for their source of peace for those same reasons.
What’s next for you? Any projects in the works? What about touring? Please tell me a little bit more about your track, Bad Habits!
Excerpt about Bad Habits from Buzz Music: ”The harmonies exuded dip into an atmospheric realm of divine hues that are rich in passion with the energy she pursues throughout this record. With a repetitive hook that ushers you into its unforgettable aura, you can’t help but submit yourself to the talents that Tana showcases as she oozes vulnerability, authenticity, and an exclusive aptitude for melodic wistfulness. (Source: buzz-music.com)”
TANA: I’m currently releasing singles in the lead up to an EP. In between I’m also doing some really cool collaborations such as a deep house feature with a DJ duo, set for release on June 18th. I’m also shooting a music video very soon and have some other visuals lined up with a print magazine which is really exciting because I haven’t done that in a while, so it would be good to get some stuff out there as I really want to focus on my branding and image too.
I also have my first live performance set for July, but I have to admit I’m a little nervous because I haven’t played in front of an actual crowd in two years, since the pandemic started. But I know it’s going to be great and I’m really looking forward to it because I’ve missed that crowd interaction and just playing live in general.
Bad Habits (Keep On Coming) is a song about wanting to get rid of old tendencies that continue to stick around despite being in a different walk of life. You could say it’s a song that challenges toxic traits and wanting to get rid of them. I found myself doing things from a previous relationship that didn’t end too well, and so I wrote this song which helped me address these issues and move on.
GC: That’s amazing. I can’t wait to see live music again. Congratulations on getting back out there. Looking forward to seeing more from you, Tana!
Check out Tana:
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