Classically trained, electronic-pop singer, Tina Tara, has procured the “perfect” boyfriend in the form of a robot that will give in and take care of subconscious fantasies, with her latest single “Maybe.” In the music video, Tina shows us that each boyfriend she has sent to her apartment dress to her specifications, take care of her physical needs, and make sure she doesn’t have to leave the house if she doesn’t want to. However, the clip might be a bit satirical; hence the title “Maybe.”
Tina devotes time between London and Los Angeles, and the influence of each cities is reflective in her music, style, and voice. Tina was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, and began playing classical piano at the age of 3, singing at 6, and wrote her first song at 14. Needless to say, music has been in her blood for more than half of her life. After living and studying in Spain for a year, she made the move to London to focus on her music. London is where she attended the BIMM Institute for Music, and really started to hone her own production skills with her material. Tina has previously released two singles in 2019, including the “Arriba” and “Worth It,” and these tracks were co-written with multi-instrumentalist Anthony Goldsborough (Bastille, Ed Sheeran, Hozier, Olly Murs). Goldsborough also produced “Maybe,” and the single is a vibrant concoction of light-hearted fun.
Tina delved with us into her musical background, how London and California have contributed to her musically, concocting up the “perfect” boyfriend with “Maybe,” what she’s learned from the varied cultures she’s been immersed in, and her fun music and book favorites.
What drew you to pursue music as a profession? Do you recall when you first began singing and/or writing songs?
Tina Tara: I recall exactly when I started wanting to sing. I was around 8 years old, had just been in primary school for a couple of years, and had learned a few words in English. I heard Whitney Houston sing
“You Give Good Love” on my mum’s record player and OH – MY – GOD – I fell in love with her voice and delivery right away. I had no clue what she was singing about but to me it was magical. So, I started singing her songs. It didn’t take long before the wish to do this for a living had ignited in my heart and soul. In my childhood and early teens, I never thought of it like a “profession” it was more the entirety of my existence I just felt I needed to go towards that path. Everything else seemed inauthentic and (bluntly spoken) completely fake to who I am.
You split your time between London and California. Are there any aspects from each location that contribute to your singing and writing style?
Tina: Hm. I think everywhere I go and engage in a musical way contributes to my writing style. The reason why I moved to London in the first place was because I wanted to improve my songwriting skills in the English language. That definitely happened and I am very grateful for all the amazing experiences and lessons I learned. California, so far, had more of an influence on the freedom of my art and visuals. I definitely extracted my love for the colours, the visuals, and attitude of eternal possibilities even more from spending time in Los Angeles. Whenever I am there, I feel like nothing in my life has a limit. And that is why I spend more and more time in the US.
With your new single “Maybe,” you have concocted the “perfect” boyfriend in the form of a robot. What was the writing process for it?
Tina: Well. When writing the song itself, I didn’t have a “robot boyfriend” in mind. The topic of the song is actually a very real, beautiful (slightly naive) feeling many of us have when meeting a potential “significant other” for the first time. Just the sheer openness to the possibility that this might be “IT” can spark images in our mind as to how the ideal future with that someone could look like. It is funny what stories you can create in your mind and to what extent you might elaborate the most minor details about the future, whereas the best thing to do would be to wait and see, be patient and let the future pan out. The robot scenario for the video occurred to me as I spun this “ideal relationship” concept further and looked at our compulsions and perfectionism in a rather “sarcastic” way. So, I created a scenario where a single lady might just procure the perfect boyfriend with all the right attributes. Patience is not her virtue and she wants it ALL, Now! But as it turns out, there is NO perfect scenario as she has gone through a few of the robots on that website and there always seems to be an issue with her newest “significant other”. Quite frustrating, but she keeps going on the search for the ideal solution…
What was it like writing and working with producer Anthony Goldsbrough?
Tina: It was and IS a great experience to work with Anthony. He’s been “around the block” as they say and has a great spectrum of knowledge and creativity to bring to the table. When I am in the studio writing with someone, I need to feel comfortable enough to be silly and just blabber whatever ideas come to mind…without judgement. That’s creativity to me and the best ideas and lyrics come from “not giving a damn” but actually just letting go. Anthony can be silly just like myself and that lays the perfect groundwork for my music. That being said, he is very professional, skilled and has the right ear for arrangements and production which is the ideal counterpart to all the crazy creativity.
You have experienced many different cultures throughout your life. How have they all impacted you in unique ways?
Tina: Great question! Growing up I always had the urge to explore. Get to know different people from all different walks of life, countries, cultures, “class” or whatever we think differentiates us from other human beings. The most essential thing I have learned is, that, we are all the same. I don’t distinguish people by where they came from, what they believe in, what colour skin they have, what sexual orientation they are born with (or they choose). To me, the only thing that really counts is character and someone’s heart. Those attributes don’t know borders. It’s not about money, fame, status, religion, colour or else. When someone leads their life with love and care, understanding and patience, respect, and support I can be their friend no matter where they come from. In general, I think we could learn so much from one another if we would be more open to that possibility and less judgmental if someone is simply “different”.
Is there an album and/or EP from you on the horizon soon?
Tina: The horizon is very wide and far (smiles). I am sure all that is somewhere on the horizon. At the moment I am just writing, without pressure, without having to put a label on it. I will put music out when it is ready, which will for sure be sometime later this year. But whether it will already be an EP or album is to be determined.
