She's actually pretty new to me, but Tara Craig has been making some waves here in Austin, last year picking up a Roarie award for best female musician, and then releasing her debut album. Now, she's kicking off 2011 opening for Alpha Rev down the road in San Antonio. Indie Sounds got the background.
Photo by Brenna Normann
Indie Sounds: Let's start with the debut album you released recently - As the Leaves Were Changing. Tell us about it, and making it.
Tara Craig: The album is made up of 11 original songs. The album title is a lyric from track seven, Wish On You. The title resonated with me because the songs on the album span a decade. It was recorded in my home studio, just outside of Austin, in the winter and spring of 2010. My band, drummer Marco Arroyo, bassist Wayne Decker, and I produced the album, and Marco engineered and mixed it. It also features talented guest musicians from across the USA, including horns from the Pacific Northwest and a ukulele from New York.
IS: What's the elevator pitch for it?
Tara: "An intense instrumental experience that enhances the insightful and confident lyrics of a truly talented songwriter."
Buy As the Leaves Were Changing at CD Baby. Download it at iTunes.
IS: When did you come to Austin? And what's the Tara Craig story before that?
Tara: I moved to Austin in 2005. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, I grew up singing and performing, and began writing songs when I was 13. I moved to Southern California when I was 18, for college. I was states away from the family piano, so I borrowed a guitar and started learning to play. In 2000, I began performing shows in the Orange County/LA area.
IS: Where have you been performing in and around town?
Tara: Momo’s, The Ghost Room, The Parish. I also did an acoustic residency at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf throughout 2010. My favorite place to play is probably The Parish, although each of those venues are excellent. The acoustic shows at Coffee Bean had an intimate, family like feel. We played every other Sunday morning and it became something the band and our fans really looked forward too.
IS: And your next gig is?
Tara: This Saturday, January 15th. We’re opening for Alpha Rev at The Korova in San Antonio.
IS: Any other live plans for 2011?
Tara: Yes. An early summer Southern tour, Austin to Tampa Bay.
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