Q: Where did you grow up in PEI, and how do you think your upbringing affected your music? I grew up in Cardigan in a tiny cabin in the woods until I was almost five, and then we lived all over. Murray River, Mt Albion, Mermaid and then Charlottetown. I grew up with my stepfather, Marty Reno, playing gospel music in churches when I was young. He wrote songs, played guitar and sang so beautifully. He toured for many years with Gene MacLellan as a duo, almost two decades, and taught me how to sing harmony and play the guitar. We had great musicians around us all the time, and they were always expressing themselves through music. Witnessing songs being created out of thin air was like some kind of magic. It was an incredible gift to be raised on PEI surrounded by so much talent, creativity and dedication to music.
Q: How has being a woman affected your career, if at all?
Being a woman has impacted my career in many ways. In the mid to late 1990s when I was launching my career, there was a tidal wave of brilliant music coming from women, and Lilith Fair was happening so I got to be a part of that tour. The music business was definitely a boys club in many ways, but I was with a very progressive label and they were quite in touch with their feminine sides! There were strong women around me all the time encouraging me. I eventually signed with Capitol Records for the US and Asia, and one negative thing that happened was that when I got pregnant with my first child they dropped me after only one record. The 'Artists and Repertoire' person called me and said, “Maybe you just want to go and be a Mom.” I was pretty heartbroken. They wouldn’t be able to get away with that today. Fortunately, I still had two other deals (With Nettwerk and EMI Canada) and a publishing deal with Sony/ATV, and they supported me through the years when I was having children. The best part about being a woman in music is that I am now in my 40s, and I feel like I am just beginning, that I am now coming into my full power as a person and performer. It’s very exciting.
TARA MACLEAN A & Q with www.taramacleanmusic.com
Q: Where has your focus been lately?
I have a very full life! Three gorgeous daughters and a show on PEI in the summers called Atlantic Blue- A Celebration of East Coast Songwriters at The Guild. I released an album to go with the show last June. I live part of the time on Salt Spring Island, BC, and every chance I have to be home, I am. I am currently working on the production of the 2018 run of Atlantic Blue, and an album of new, original music.
Words by Story Sheidow Photos: Billy Woods
Q: Who are your musical influences?
My musical influences are definitely Marty and Gene, so old country gospel stuff. But as I grew I fell in love with Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Stevie Nicks, Leonard Cohen and anything Daniel Lanois touched, especially his own work. I love how gospel music is about lifting the spirit out of darkness. This is a running theme in my music. The other music is brilliant lyrically; groundbreaking production wise, and just touched me for some reason. Who really knows why some music resonates and some doesn’t. I also really love cool electronic music, old school country like Willie Nelson, Radiohead, all that. Three desert island records would be “Acadie ” By Daniel Lanois, “Passion” by Peter Gabriel and “The Mission” soundtrack by Ennio Morricone. Can I add one more? “Wrecking Ball” by Emmylou Harris.
Q: What was it like starting your career here on the Island?
I began singing in public on PEI when I was about eight years old, doing different talent shows. A hometown crowd is so supportive! I was always so encouraged by the community. When I was 12, I had the opportunity to work with the legendary Alan Lund at The Confederation Centre of the Arts. That was a wonderful experience for me. Having The Charlottetown Festival here, with some of the best performers/directors in the country has always been a huge inspiration, and it continues to offer world- class entertainment. Music PEI is also an incredible resource.
SPRING 2018 www.pei-living.ca
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