Songwriter and rap prodigy Tara Lord returns with the unmissable new music video for her hit sophomore single, ‘Praying’. Having been exposed to hip-hop culture through her father, Top Secret of the Sunshine Sound Crew, from a young age, it’s no surprise that Tara’s musical exploits have been a resounding success with fans and listeners from Toronto to London. Today, the young rap prodigy sits down to discuss the journey so far.
How are you feeling right now & what’s one thing you’re grateful for at this moment?
I’m feeling great actually, I’m out in LA right now and I’ve been given the opportunity to come out here for my music. I’m super grateful to be here and to be able to work on new music with platinum producers and talented musicians.
Tell us about Tara Lord, how did you come to find music & decide to pursue it as a career?
I was trained on old school Hip Hop by my father RP Rap a.k.a Top Secret who was the first one of two MCs and co-founders of the legendary SunshineCrew. My father owned Top Secret Studios so I grew up surrounded by hip-hop from a baby. Music has always been a passion of mine my whole life and I always knew it was the right career path for me. When I was around 8 years old I started asking my dad to train me on hip-hop, I was writing out song lyrics and performing around my house.
How would you describe your sound and style to someone who has never heard it?
I would describe my style as original, clean and very refreshing. I make music that’s different and stands out from everyone else. My style can vary depending on my mood, I don’t limit myself. I always just let the instrumental inspire me to do me. I have a rhythmic rap style and melodic flows. My singing melodic voice is soft, whispery and soothing but my raps are dominant, lyrical and bold.
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations, hip-hop or otherwise?
I would say Nicki Minaj inspired me to start rapping. She was the first female rapper in my generation that was really starting to pop and made a name for her. Before Nicki, I would always feel like rap was for boys. But she came out and proved me wrong. I would also say that my music is inspired by a variety of artists but Lil Wayne and Tupac influenced me pretty heavy when it comes to my lyricism. My dad has also been a huge musical inspiration to me and honestly just an inspiration in general. He has always been my biggest supporter and taught me a lot about hip-hop and the music industry.
‘Praying’ is an awesome track, what inspired you to write it?
Praying is a very emotional song for me. I wrote it at a difficult time when I was feeling very frustrated. I kind of just let out all my frustration in the booth and came up with “Praying”. It’s one of my favourite songs that I’ve ever written. Although I’m speaking about being frustrated in the song, I also speak on manifesting my dreams for the future, and not letting anything get in the way of them.
‘Praying’ is all about hoping for a better tomorrow, what are some career milestones you’d like to achieve over the next few years?
Within the next 5 years, I would like to be one of the top rappers in the hip-hop industry. Touring around the world, collaborating with my favourite artists and continuing to make music that inspires others. I’d like to win a music award, build my own label and use my fame to help others by giving back to communities and using my platform to spread positivity.
Do you have any words of advice for other young, female rappers hoping to make it?
My advice would be to stay true to who you are, a lot of times in this industry people will try to get you to change or tell you how to present yourself as an artist. Make sure you stay solid, confident, working on your craft and always keep an open mind to opportunity. Lastly, believe in yourself and always stay authentic to who you are.
What’s next for Tara Lord, what can fans expect to hear/ see next?
I have a song dropping with Canadian rapper Yung Tory this month. I’ve been in the studio working with platinum producer Ari Blitz, so stay tuned for new music with him. I also have some more collabs dropping soon. This year I will be taking my career to the next level and I can’t wait for my fans to see what I’ve been busy working on.
@taralord
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