Imagine this: It’s +35 C outside, all you want to do is cool down and enjoy some music. You might want to head over to the Barney Danson Theatre this Saturday to listen to the sweet sounds of Tara Holloway. She will be performing with other female artists in the finals of the the third annual ‘She’s the One’ Emerging Female Artist Competition, sponsored by Ottawa’s boom 99.7. The competition is a cross-Canada talent search for the best in emerging Canadian female music talent. If your Saturday is booked, not to worry. You have another chance to check her out Sunday at the Rideau Centre.
We got to know Tara a bit better with a few questions by email…
How would you describe your sound?
I have always had a hard time describing my sound- it’s a mix of a bunch of influences, from genres across the board.
How long have you been playing music? How has your sound evolved over that time?
I have been singing and playing music since my first time on stage at the Ottawa Ex in 1994. My songwriting has not changed in the way I write lyrics, which I would welcome. It would be great to be more of a storyteller, but I write about myself almost all the time. Ha ha ha! Musically, I think I’ve grown, gotten somewhat cooler ;), especially given all the amazing people I’ve co-written with. I’ve learned a lot over these years and I’m working hard so i can make a living at this.
Tell us a bit about your Voices of Fire Tour.
Ambre McLean and I met last year on stage in Morrisburg and hit it off like a house on fire. So, here we are one year later and gearing up for our second tour together. I just love that chick! We both have vocally charged music and it’s kind of a match made in heaven. I am happy to say we make excellent friends and colleagues. Touring Ontario is a breeze, when you’re not trying to get out of it going East or West! 🙂 This will be two fun weeks!
What are you hoping to get out of your Bluesfest performance? Fans, adoration, festival experience etc?
I always hope to make a new fan. Adoration though is something I used to actually need quite a lot of. I don’t do this for the compliments anymore; I do this only to make meaningful art and to do it as a profession. As for Bluesfest, this is a GREAT way to make lots of new fans at once. CD sales are potentially really good, and there is a payday, so that’s nice. I feel SO grateful that they’ve let me in once again!
Are there any other bands on the bill you’re excited to see?
I love Ann Vriend and am SO excited to see her set and just have a visit! Plus, it’ll be SO GREAT to finally see Tegan and Sara live!
Finally, who in Ottawa, or what part of Ottawa deserves more love?
I am all about the 8 Locks’ Flat patio this summer! Just over the Somerset foot bridge. I played there on Canada Day and we watched the fireworks from there 🙂
Check out Tara Holloway’s video for Misnomer.
Tara is playing at the Barney Danson Theatre Saturday, July 6 at 2pm AND the Rideau Centre Sunday, July 7 at 12 pm. This interview was slightly edited. No emoticons were removed 🙂
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