Tallia Storm: The New Face of Paul Frank
Singer/songwriter, Tallia Storm, recently sat down with Glitter to talk about working with Sir Elton John, when she was first discovered, where she got the nickname, “Tiny Chancer,” from, her two-book deal with Scholastic, and what it’s like to be the new face of Paul Frank.
GLITTER: How were you first discovered?
TALLIA: Well I’ve been singing ever since I was a little girl, but I first started doing events when I was about eleven years of age and did some stuff for my local radio station when I was twelve. But my big break came with Elton John. I was on holiday with my family and discovered Sir Elton John was staying in the same hotel. Despite my best stalking efforts I didn’t meet him but I did see his partner David Furnish having breakfast- so I decided it was ‘my moment’ – I wrote a letter, approached him and gave him my CD. The next day Sir Elton called my mobile and asked me to open his sell out gig in Scotland and yes my life literally hasn’t been the same since!!!
GLITTER: What was it like to work with Sir Elton John?
TALLIA: It was and still is one of those life-changing moments. On the day of opening his gig we arrived at this 17,000 capacity football stadium, which I remember so vividly walking into the huge space – totally in awe. I wasn’t too bad but my mum was freaking out. When I stood on the massive stage and did my sound check to the empty space, I knew then that this was where I was born to be. It was the most incredible feeling ever – to hear your own voice over those loud speakers, reverberate around the stadium was the biggest adrenaline rush ever. By the time the place filled up, I was ready to do it. Don’t get me wrong; I was shaking with nerves but good nerves I think. I loved every single second of it – I had to sing 5 songs which was a long time – given I was only 13 and had never done anything remotely like this before. It seemed to fly past; so much so I could have stayed on to do another 5 songs had I been allowed! I will be forever indebted and grateful to both Sir Elton and indeed David Furnish. It was truly an honor and I do feel very blessed indeed!
GLITTER: Where did the nickname, “Tiny Chancer,” come from?
TALLIA: Well as I said earlier, I was on holiday when I found out that Sir Elton was staying in the same hotel as me. I became this crazed stalker, loitering around the hotel waiting for my one chance to bump into him, however it didn’t quite happen. On the day I was leaving the hotel, at breakfast David Furnish, Sir Elton’s partner was sitting a few tables away. I thought this was my moment. I literally ran up the room and took some hotel writing paper and scribbled a note about being a huge fan, and going to his concert in Falkirk in the summer (not imagining for a moment I would actually open his concert). I told him a bit about my style of music and what I liked and made some fun jokes about being Glaswegian and being in the same hotel as a legend. I just asked him to listen to my CD and give me some advice! I wrote down my website and mobile number etc and signed off. The next thing you know Sir Elton was calling my mobile the next day. So the name has stuck with me ever since – ‘tiny chancer’ as I literally took that one ‘chance’ and went for it.
GLITTER: Who are some of your greatest musical influences?
TALLIA: So many really. From the great jazz legends like Ella, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy, Coltrane to Motown, Stevie Wonder, Chic, to of course Sir Elton a real hero of mine, also people like John Legend, Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé. But I am passionate about neo-soul and I adore Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Melody Gardot is great too. Of course I love listening to Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Jay Z. I would say my sound urban / soul and R&B inspired with a flavoring of pop rather than an outright pop act – that’s definitely not me! My father and song writing buddy has taught me everything I know so he’s clearly a massive influence. From introducing me to the jazz greats to the soul & R&B legends of our time. Together I think we’ve crafted a really cool sound now. There are hip hop influences in their alongside EDM, with my Tallia signature.
GLITTER: How would you describe your sound?
TALLIA: I would describe my sound as urban /R&B with soulful Tallia twist. I believe there’s a real market for something a little different. You have those legendary pop acts like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry – how can one compete with that. These girls are awesome? I like to think I bring a little edginess to the table. A sprinkling of pop, but with a cool R&B/Urban vibe with some hip hop undertones – that’s me! As we say – get ready folks, there’s a #storm coming!
GLITTER: Can you tell us more about your global record deal with Virgin Records?
TALLIA: I signed a global record deal in Los Angeles with Virgin Records Capitol Music Group so it’s pretty insane – all because I took a chance. I signed the contract in Hollywood in the iconic Capitol Tower- so it was a pretty surreal experience.
GLITTER: What is it like to be the new face of Paul Frank?
TALLIA: It’s truly a dream come true. My life was Paul Frank galore as a kiddy – I grew up with Paul Frank bed sheets to pants so when this came around I was totally psyched. Paul Frank is such a globally recognized, iconic fashion brand, which features such artistic and entertaining designs that it is a perfect fit for me. I love being a little quirky with my look, eccentric almost, which is exactly why I’m obsessed with the bright and vibrant designs of Paul Frank. I think people should have fun with fashion and stop taking it so seriously, which is why I love this brand so much- for the young and young at heart!!!
GLITTER: When did your fascination for the creative process begin?
TALLIA: Ever since I was a little girl and played dress up with my sister putting on our own ‘shows’ that we would make our parents watch every night!! We even make our own music videos. I would sing around the house endlessly and also with my dad always on the piano, I guess I don’t know anything else. Having my dad allowed us to experiment and really craft a sound that was truly mine. Funnily enough my younger brother Zac who is turning 8 this month plays the bongo’s and he’s amazing and my other brother Johnnie plays the bass guitar and he’s 10 years old so music is definitely in the family. Then there’s Tessie, my big sis, who style’s me so we’re all very creative.
GLITTER: What is your ideal first date?
TALLIA: My ideal first date would be a trip to the movies, with lots of popcorn and pizza! There was a lot of chat about myself and Brooklyn Beckham but it’s simply not true. My sister and I are just pals with Brooklyn – he’s really fun and cool and we hang out when we’re in London. That’s all there is to it.
GLITTER: Favorite pick-up line?
TALLA: “You must be a choir director, because you make my heart sing!” or “Do you have a map? I’m getting lost in your eyes.”
GLITTER: What would you say has been your greatest experience so far?
TALLIA: Undoubtedly would have to be opening Sir Elton John’s concert. It was one of the most surreal experiences in my life. However, a close second would be jamming on stage with the legend that is Nile Rodgers. I presented TedxTeen in London last October, which was insane. At the end, this amazing DJ Tim Exile was doing a set and next thing you know I’m freewheeling on stage with Nile Rodgers on his guitar. I was like, ‘is this for real’?
GLITTER: Do you have any projects coming up that you can share with your fans?
TALLIA: I had such a busy year last year. I performed at Eva Longoria’s Global Gift Gala in Dubai, which was awesome. They had it in the most amazing venue – this rooftop club and there I was performing for Eva. I’m a huge supporter of her philanthropic work – they help women and children from around the world. Eva also introduced me to Victoria Beckham at her London Gala too which was incredible. They really are a powerhouse duo and a total inspiration for other women!
I’ve also just signed a two book deal with Scholastic – which is pretty unbelievable even for me. It’s a fictional tale based on my own experience and will follow a fictional heroine who we’ve named ‘Storm Hall’. I love the idea of the novel where I can chronicle the life of a teenager striving to make a name for herself in the music industry but sharing all the pitfalls and teenage drama’s that surround it. It’s very exciting I must say! Some people have called me a real life Hannah Montana and I guess there have been times when I have actually felt like that. You know juggling regular school then flying off to some gig. It’s all crazy but good crazy! This summer I’ve got a host of festivals and concerts but I will share the dates on my social media when the tickets go live.
GLITTER: How can your fans follow you?
TALLIA: Twitter: @Tallia_Storm
Instagram: @Tallia_Storm
https://www.facebook.com/TalliaStorm?ref=ts&fref=ts
http://www.talliastorm.com/
Soundcloud/TalliaStorm
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Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
