INTRO BY TIFF CHEA
Pennsylvania native Tarra Layne has been singing since she was young and has successfully turned her passion into a career. This singer-songwriter was urged to compete against other talented singers by her high school music teacher, contributing to her decision to audition for the NBC reality series The Voice. Though we are unaware if Layne will be a featured competitor on The Voice, we know that she will become a household name soon enough.
How did you get your start in music?
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLUTCH 32 PUBLIC RELATIONS
TARRA: I’ve always known I’ve wanted to sing. My first time singing solo was in the fifth grade talent show portraying Madonna’s “Material Girl.” From then on, I knew it was something I knew I wanted to do. My father would make me mixed tapes as a child with all kinds of crazy progressive music. I’m grateful for that because having that background has had a great impact on my artistry. I moved to Nashville after studying musical theater, music industry, and marketing. Ever since then, it’s been a wild ride.
Who are your musical influences?
TARRA: The list is endless! I’ve always enjoyed Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna’s fearless fortitude. My first CDs were Jewel, Hanson, and Mariah Carey. I loved 90s R&B pop, so TLC, Brandy, Monica, SWV, you name it was always on replay for me. I lived on it. My influences are all over the place, but first and foremost, I’ve always appreciated artists that I felt close too, who’s music had purpose. Yet, the blues, soul and rock ’n roll really did it for me as far as my artistry. I feel my influences pull from the old to the new. I’m a Zeppelin and classic rock lover and I also love Motown. Otis Redding is a favorite. Too much yet? Haha.
How would you describe your music?
TARRA: Nowadays, I feel like I’m a mixture of Amy Winehouse, Miranda Lambert, and Grace Potter.
What do you think is most unique about you as an artist?
TARRA: The above. Haha. Definitely my sound. Everything has been done. You can’t reinvent the wheel so to speak, but I feel I can’t pinpoint an artist today that I directly sound like or relate to musically.
What song of yours do you think represents you best as an artist and why?
TARRA: Cherry Moonshine. It’s demonstrates the raw, fun-loving, playful side of me and I always want to remain real when expressing myself as an artist.
Why did you choose to audition for The Voice?
TARRA: I thought, “What the hell. Let’s (me, myself, and I) do it!” As in anything in life, you need to makes changes or nothing will change. you need to take chances, or opportunity won’t present itself. The Voice is an amazing platform. I feel that it’s something that any artist in my position would love to be apart of. Singing and performing is what I love, and being able to do just that on national television is an incredible opportunity.
What are some of your goals as an artist?
TARRA: My ultimate ambition is to touch people with my music the same way my favorite artists touched me. I hope my music can be a part of someone’s life soundtrack. Other than my artistry, I want to engage in many areas of philanthropy or awareness for a cause(s).
What can we expect from you in the future?
TARRA: New records. New videos. Maybe acting? I feel that would be fun! New tour soon! And of course, writing as always, and game-planning for 2017!