Interview with Tarra Layne
Glitter recently sat down with NBC’s The Voice hopeful, Tarra Layne, who has a gritty, home-grown voice similar to that of Grace Potter and Amy Winehouse. We spoke with Tarra about her upcoming EP, what it was like to audition for NBC’s The Voice, what it’s like to be a featured singing voice for Mattel, and the best advice she was ever given. Read on to find out more about this talented singer/songwriter.
GLITTER: How would you describe your sound?
TARA: My sound is a mixture of ALL my influences. It’s truly different and new. It’s bluesy, it’s southern, it’s soulful, it’s ROCK’N ROLL. Yet, my writing habits bring my music to a contemporary standpoint for sure so it’s unique to the ear. I’m so happy with the away it’s coming out so far.
The Voice:
- Walking on that stage, I’ve never been so nervous, yet so alive. Everything I have ever done throughout my whole life – every struggle, every sacrifice, every let down, every triumph, every step – led up to that point. It changed me. It gave me a new hope and re-sparked my purpose in this life.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your EP, Once You Go Red…?
TARRA: Once You Go Red… is my third EP. Like all of my catalog, it pulls from personal experience – a very introspective place. I wanted to dig deeper into expressing myself as honestly as possible. I wanted to be able to show my listeners the fun-loving, raw side (Cherry Moonshine & I Thought That Bitch Moved), the analytical, heartbroken side (Difference), and the sultry “Man at Home” was written after a vacation with girlfriends.
GLITTER: Who is your dream collaboration with and why?
TARRA: Oh lord, waaaaaayyyy too many! Otis Redding, Gretchen Wilson, or Tom Petty possibly.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about doing singing voices for Mattel? How did that come about?
TARRA: It was an amazing experience. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. The kids freakin’ love it and that makes me so happy. I just remember being so inspired by my idols as a child and being able to possibly do that for someone is a huge deal for me. It makes me feel like I’m achieving my goal as an artist.
GLITTER: Would you ever host a web series again?
TARRA: I would absolutely love to host a web series or TV Show again. It’s incredibly fun and I love being able to bring new cool content and information to people. So much fun.
GLITTER: Do you have any celebrity crushes?
TARRA: Ahhh! Hmmm… When I was young, I had a huge crush on Justin Timberlake. I was an *NSYNC super fan. I kinda have a flame for Shia LeBeouf. He’s a dreamboat to me. I love his personality and artistry. So real.
GLITTER: Is there something about your fans would be surprised to know?
TARRA: I can do a bad-ass pig noise. lol. I also do not have tattoos, yet. 😉 Everyone seems to think because I’m a rocker, I need to represent, haha. But, I am a very organized, very fickle person, so in a way, I can be conservative for self – protection purposes and I think I’m just scared to do that. Not against it, just not sure it’s for me.
GLITTER: Best advice you were ever given?
TARRA: “Don’t ever let anyone stand in your way,” “Be fearless,” and “Stay true to yourself.” I feel these phrases are the absolute most important words to live by. You will never be happy if you sink into what others tell you to do, or let society lead you in a direction you don’t wish to go. You will never experience true freedom or the real feeling of peace. Money should not lead you, your heart should. The only things you need in life are the ones you love and your passion. The rest is an illusion.
GLITTER: What do you enjoy during on your free time?
TARRA: If you check out my merch store, I enjoy making homemade items for my fans. I love being crafty and creative in a ton of ways and being able to make something for a follower is so very uplifting. I’m also a hippie at hears, so I love the outdoors, music festivals, camping, hiking, and traveling.
GLITTER: Any projects you can tell us about that you’re working on next?
TARRA: Well, you’ll just have to see! Haha! I’m working with a few different artists now, helping them write and singing background. There’s also a forth-coming EP on the horizon, an awesome acoustic tour (awaiting dates), and hopefully some more work with Mattel. I also would love to get into acting and maybe even some cool voice-over roles in the future. 😉
GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
TARRA: Yes! You gotta follow me and join my “Mother Truckin’ Mailin’ List” to receive my love letters. 🙂
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Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
