TAMARA MILLER featured in SHOUTOUT LA MAGAZINE! July 2021

SHOUTOUT LA MAGAZINE FEATURE!

July 2021

You can check out my interview on SHOUTOUT LA Magazine! 

https://shoutoutla.com/meet-tamara-miller-composer-for-tv-film/

CANADIAN MUSICIAN MAGAZINE MAY / JUNE 2021 Issue

 

" Tamara is a fantastic talent...I'm a big fan of her writing and singing...always refreshing to hear a new sound and style of music in a world full of homogeneous singers. 60 Seconds is still one of my favourite songs, and looking forward to her new CD." - Steve Sexton, Composer (John Williams, Anne Murray, David Foster) 

 

Thank you TAXI Music for the fun interview!!

(July 2019)

Interviewed by Michael Laskow

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Toronto, Canada, and moved out to Austin, Texas, about eight years ago.

Why did you choose music over hockey? 
Even though I look great in skates, my true home is at the piano. Besides, I think I’m too rough for hockey! :)

Do you come from a musical family? 
Yes! In the 1940s, my mom’s father played drums in the family band with his four siblings. They were part of the Lions Rotary Club band and travelled to Pittsburgh for a contest where they won first place! My grandparents were very active in the Arts and were awarded lifetime governors of the incredible Shaw Festival in Niagara-On-the-Lake. They helped playwright Brian Doherty organize the theatre festival from the ground up! I love hearing stories about the many meetings they hosted in their home with Mr. Doherty and the talented actors. My grandmother was very persistent and very fashionable so I’m sure she took the lead!

There was always music playing in my home. My mom played piano and violin and my dad played guitar and clarinet. I was always encouraged to play music and go after my goals. I am very grateful for my family’s support.

How old were you when you started playing and what was your first instrument?
I started taking piano lessons at five-years-old, but if you count spoons and bongos, I joined a rhythm band at the age of two.

Spoons and bongos count! When did you start writing songs, and do you remember what motivated you to start? 
Glad you asked that, Michael! I started writing songs in my teens (often during what was supposed to be my classical music practice time). I somehow trailed off Chopin (whom I love) and ventured off into writing my own songs. At one point I was very close to quitting piano as I was getting a little bored playing only classical music. My mom wouldn’t let me quit and found an awesome piano teacher in Toronto who taught Pop music on synthesizers. My soul found its spark!

"If I find a piano in a hotel lobby (that’s not locked) or one in the middle of a train station, I just have to play it."

Isn’t it amazing how much influence the right teacher can have on your life? 
No kidding! My teacher Angela opened my eyes to a whole new world of show tunes and musicals. I learned how to play music from Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables on what must have been a very cool Yamaha electric organ! The inspiration started flowing and the songs emerged. 

The piano for me has always been my creative outlet. I was very shy as a kid but I could always connect with my thoughts sitting down at the piano in a quiet space. I think my first dive into songwriting occurred during my Bachelors of Music at York University in Toronto. I was enrolled in a songwriting class and composed a song called “Running.” I remember how amazing it felt playing my original song on a beautiful baby grand and singing with a fellow classmate in front of a very talented audience. The chills and emotion was indescribable. During my studies I also remember writing and engineering an instrumental piece of music in the “music lab.” I worked on that piece for hours one day using Cubase and didn’t take a break! (I might have snuck in some pretzels and cream soda) but time just flew by. It was then I knew this is what I wanted to do. I just felt it.

So, piano is your instrument of choice? 
Yes, I love the piano. I am literally drawn to pianos wherever I go! If I find a piano in a hotel lobby (that’s not locked) or one in the middle of a train station, I just have to play it. But although piano is my go-to instrument, I have learned it’s very beneficial to write on different instruments. I also love composing on guitar and find I write so differently! I think that’s the key... not getting stuck too much on one instrument because sometimes you could get into that “Rose colored glass” situation and miss a different way to play your song and give it a whole new meaning on another instrument. After all, it’s all about the song, right?!  

It is, and I completely agree about how much a different instrument can change the heart of a song. Did you ever feel that there were any obstacles because you were (and still are) a female? 
I haven’t personally experienced any obstacles in the music industry due to my gender. I think we all have experienced times however when we’re not always taken seriously or don’t feel that we’re being heard. It’s important to stick with your instincts and know that you always have something to bring to the table. That’s why you’re in this creative and crazy field, right?! I always make sure to surround myself with positive people who have a strong work ethic and have similar goals as myself. Finding collaborators who you can build on each other’s strengths and work with those who appreciate you and your work is key!

When did you join TAXI, and what was the impetus? 
My first year as a TAXI member was in 2010. It was a blast! Being my first time in LA for the TAXI convention, I was overwhelmed with the excitement. I remember standing in the Road Rally registration line in the parking lot and meeting some amazing TAXI members! I still can’t believe that was almost 10 years ago! I heard so much about TAXI and there was a lot of chatter about the organization in Toronto, so I thought I better go and check this conference out! I am so glad I did!

"I was especially excited to find out one of my songs I collaborated on was forwarded to a major label artist!"

Did you make any rookie mistakes in the beginning, and if so, what were they?
Definitely, yes! I recorded my very FIRST demo at this gorgeous recording studio in Ontario. Rush and Barenaked Ladies recorded their hit records in this studio and I thought...well... if they can do it :) The studio was absolutely stunning and was situated on 40 acres of land. It had the best gear and a shiny grand piano overlooking an incredible view. I remember bringing in my three-ring blue binder filled with lyric sheets, highlighter, and multicolored pen. We recorded three songs in two days. Of course at the time I thought these songs were going to be the biggest hits of all time!! Probably should have tested them out first and perform them a little more before recording my demo. But hey... I loved the experience and wouldn’t change a thing. However, if my younger self asked me, “Hey Tamara... do you think I should record here?” I’d probably say, “Test those songs out first, try some pre-production on your own at home, play them out live, and then see where you’re at!”

What were some of the things you started doing differently that resulted in more forward momentum?
The best piece of advice I heard at one of my earliest Road Rallies was to write every single day. Period. This way of thinking resulted in a lot more forward momentum and got me in the groove early on. It’s been very important to be efficient with my time in order to crank out more music. Having clear goals in mind – weekly, monthly, yearly and writing them down and posting them on your wall at home (not just on Facebook) so you can visualize them clearly. Keeping a journal and writing every morning has been invaluable. Attending conferences like the TAXI Road Rally year after year definitely keeps me inspired. I’ve teamed up with other musicians and producers both locally and internationally. I love recording in different studios... new scenery always inspires new songs and has helped keep the creativity in a state of flow.

Overall, seeing what works for you, and going full steam ahead is probably the best thing you can do!

Speaking of things going “forward,” do you remember how you felt when you got your first song or instrumental forwarded by TAXI’s A&R team?
I was super excited to get my first TAXI forward! Especially early on when I started producing my own music in my home studio I thought, “Hey, I can do this!” This definitely kept me going. I was especially excited to find out one of my songs I collaborated on was forwarded to a major label artist! Now thatwas an exciting forward.

"It’s a good thing to have TV show editors see your name multiple times in their database. If you only write a few cues here and there you will likely get lost in the shuffle."

Do you subscribe to the TAXI member-created mantra of “Write, Submit, Forget, and Repeat” and if so, why? 
YES! Writing music for production music libraries and TV placements is a big numbers game. It’s important to play to your strengths. It’s a good thing to have TV show editors see your name multiple times in their database. If you only write a few cues here and there you will likely get lost in the shuffle. It’s so important to supply a lot of music so editors can find you! I think that the more music you write the more placements you will hopefully get! So, keep cranking out those tunes so that they can find the right homes.

Since joining TAXI, has the education from TAXI itself and from the member community at-large resulted in you having a more realistic view of the music industry and what you need to do to become successful? 
Every year, The TAXI Road Rally is filled with hands-on music business classes and recording techniques that you can directly apply to your production projects. There is a wealth of information from both the panels as well as from speaking with other members in the TAXI community. The weekly TAXI TV episodes (which if you happen to miss one, you can always catch it later on YouTube!) are always fun, and you can learn a ton of industry tips and specific hands on engineering techniques from weekly special guests. TAXI’s A&R team and panelists are all in the industry so of course you will learn a ton about the current trends every year. You’re right in the thick of it!

I am so impressed with the level of talent and expertise in the TAXI community and it’s a great feeling to know that we are all going through the same motions in the business and that we can all learn from one another. TAXI continues to be a family of support and encouragement in a business that can steer you in so many directions. Thank you Michael and your outstanding staff for always having our backs and believing in our work. You continue to inspire so many of us songwriters and composers. Thank you!!!

Well, thank you for that compliment – on all our behalf. It’s nice to know that our members feel the connection and know that we’re on a mission every day!

Don’t miss Part 2 of this Passenger Profile in next month’s TAXI Transmitter!

 


 


CD RELEASE - 'Changing Lanes'
FRONT PAGE NORTH YORK MIRROR  


http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/884137--north-york-musician-releases-eight-song-ep


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THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2010

Female Solo Artist Tamara Miller Interview
Listen to Tamara Miller '60 Seconds' on MakeAStar.com


MAS: Congratulations Tamara Miller for your song ’60 Seconds’ and the win in the July Female Solo Artist Contest! Tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.

Tamara: I began playing taking classical piano lessons at six. I loved playing classical music, but I was always more interested in composing and playing contemporary music. I also loved composing pieces for piano and voice and loved to sing! I continued my musical studies at York University in Toronto, where I was awarded an entrance scholarship to attend the Faculty of Fine Arts at the age of 18. I enrolled in a songwriting course that allowed me to experiment. For the final assignment, we had to compose an original piece of music and perform the song for the class. It was such a wonderful experience and it was at that point during my studies that the light bulb went off; this was something that I wanted to do. I began performing my music in various live shows, released my EP – 60 Seconds in 2008, produced by Juno Award winner Ron Lopata (Jacksoul, Simon Wilcox). The CD has been featured on CBC Radio and on community-campus radio stations across Canada. I was also very excited to have my song “60 Seconds” featured on the hit teen drama series, Degrassi: The Next Generation - airing across Canada, US and worldwide.

MAS: That is a stunning accomplishment and well deserved. How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?

Tamara: I am often the primary songwriter, but I also really enjoy collaborating with other musicians. I think it’s a fantastic way to see what other people are doing, how other people write, and find different ways of saying the same thing. Sometimes I think artists can get stuck in the same “style of writing” if you are always writing by yourself in the same environment. Co-writing is an excellent way to find new inspiration. I think I developed my sound along the way of studying classical music and finding what inspires me to write (from traveling, to walking by a large open lake, to watching a film etc..). I write and play what comes naturally to me and go from there! I have found that it’s really important to stick to my instincts and stay true to what I want to express.

MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?

Tamara: The song that I entered into the Make A Star contest is entitled “60 Seconds” - the title track to my latest CD “60 Seconds,” This is a song about making it on your own, leaving the past behind, and moving forward. I believe 60 Seconds is a journey that all of us at some point in our lives have taken.

MAS: Beautifully expressed- you won by judge and fan votes. How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?

Tamara: MakeAStar.com is a fantastic medium for artists to learn about each others' work and for fans from all around the world to become involved in their success! It’s great exposure for artists and for fans to find new music. It just goes to show the amazing impact of the internet and its importance in the music industry. There are so many music sites out there, but I think MakeAStar.com stands out in that it really supports the independent artist and I just love the incentives of points/gift cards for voting for your favorite artist!

MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?

Tamara: I have often been compared to Natalie Merchant and Chantal Kreviazuk.

MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?

Tamara: I believe I have a unique soft-pop sound both in my music and voice. Sometimes I get “your song can go country” or ... “you remind me of this teen pop star” or... “I can hear your song in a Disney film.” It’s so flattering to hear that so many different age groups/ people feel that my music can be marketed in various ways. It’s such a wonderful compliment, and I am just so thankful to be able to share my music. I really enjoy chatting with fans on Facebook so be sure to look me up!

MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?

Tamara: My inspiration can come from anywhere at any time! Just last week I picked up a beautiful art book called “Great Escapes Italy.” Immediately, I melted with so many beautiful pictures of Tuscany. I taught music in Italy one summer and it was so nostalgic to look at these photographs. Seeing these beautiful wooden benches, giant fig trees, fresh basil (I love basil :) -- I immediately got flashbacks to my time back in Italy that I forgot about until I saw the picture. I was immediately inspired with these delicious photographs and uplifted from these pages - It’s almost like seeing an old diary you haven’t picked up in a long time. Anything from watching a film, attending a concert, photography -- all these things inspire me to think.. and then I simply need to write. I love exploring and the curiosity in that inspiration makes me want to play music and express what I’m feeling. I simply have to get it out! :)

MAS: Who were your favourite musicians as a child?

Tamara: I attended camp for many years and I always loved the sing-songs (sitting around a campfire and singing a bunch of classic songs from -- If I had a Hammer,Dreamer, to James Taylor...I loved all the classics! I also loved listening to music from plays such as “Little Shop of Horrors” “Les Miserables” “Phantom of the Opera” - and played with various sounds on my keyboard to arrange the pieces - loved to explore with the synthesizer!

MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?

Tamara: I think the best part about being a musician is being able to sit down at a piano or pick up a guitar and just relax and play. I love where the music takes me. It’s so nice to be able to share my music with others. Another great part about being a musician is being able to create something from scratch, watch it develop, and take it outside the “creation room” where it first began and play it for others- that’s the greatest feeling in the world. Being able to create something that no one else has created is itself very rewarding. I love seeing where the music will take me next! It is a tough business, but I think if you have the drive, love, and will to keep going, there’s really nothing that anyone can do to get in your way - just stay focused!

MAS: Thank you Tamara Miller for your eloquent words and music. Now tell us something completely random.

Tamara: I love melting chocolate in the microwave and dipping it in fruit!