Tess, could you tell us more about your upcoming single?
My new song is called "Take me There" and I wrote it about the feeling of wanting to reinvent everything after feeling stuck. During this period in 2020 where we are all literally stuck inside for months, it makes us question everything from the ground up and rethink how we are in the world. I wrote it during quarantine and recorded it in my bedroom home studio and collaborated with my awesome producer Arthur Pingrey.
Who or what inspires you to make good music?
I love writing music that's about expressing things authentically - beyond what society tries to tell us to be or act like. Sometimes that involves going to dark places and difficult emotions to explore things that are usually hidden, but that provides healing and catharsis. I started writing songs from journaling and exploring my own depths, and finding a sense of freedom in that process. I love being able to share that with others and explore different sounds and textures to express new ideas and deep feelings.
We noticed you love playing your guitar and piano, how long have you been into playing instruments?
I started playing the piano around 12 years old and have been playing on and off since then. I've recently taken up learning acoustic guitar which was been really fun. But my favorite new instrument is my new Korg Minilogue synthesizer, I am obsessed.
What is your favorite part of making music?
Just getting completely lost in the creation process of writing songs and performing. It's this blissful flow state that feels like it always has something new to offer.
What advice would you give to your fellow artists who are struggling right now?
It's a tough time with so many interruptions with live music and the way we're used to connecting with people and bringing in income. We all have to find new ways to creativity work during this time, whether it's live streaming or outdoor concerts. I think artists are creative and often entrepreneurial, and we can apply those skill sets to adapt and evolve the way we operate. This will end, but it might take awhile, so how can we create new ways of doing things in the meantime? The world needs music more than ever, don't stop.