Music Bugle Exclusive – Q & A – Tara Hack

By Nicholas Jason Lopez 

Fresh off the success of her previous single “She Wants To Be Loved,” which received steady airplay on Spotify and SiriusXM Radio, Long Island, N.Y.-based indie singer-songwriter Tara Hack has now unveiled a new track called “Let Go” via Ephilm Productions LLC..

The breakup song was mixed by Grammy-winner audio engineer Craig Alvin (Kacey Musgraves) and was one of the first produced for Hack’s debut album. She wanted to pay homage to Avril Lavigne with the track, who served as one of her deepest influences.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Hack was discovered in New York City’s Penn Station, as she played for massive crowds of commuters. She plans to continually release new music throughout the rest of the year and hopes to one day reconnect with a live audience.

The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Hack about what she’s been up to lately and more.

Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your debut album? 

Tara Hack – Creating my debut album has been beyond exciting. I went to England to record at Abbey Road. I saw the studio where The Beatles created their records. I’ve met and worked with some really amazing people and I’ve pushed myself to be a better musician and songwriter – it’s been amazing. Of course, every project is going to have its ups and downs. There were certainly some stressful moments, but it’s been an incredible journey. 

 

Music Bugle – What made you want to release “She Wants To Be Loved” as a single? 

Tara Hack – This song was particularly important to me. I’ve heard multiple stories, have witnessed more times than I count – from women who mean a lot to me – the exploitation that a lot of women experience throughout their lives and are almost conditioned to accept. It really broke my heart to see such great and amazing souls used for their bodies. This song is meant to be a message for the women that go through that and to know they don’t have to. Also, for the men – who don’t even realize the implications this mindset has on these women because they’re conditioned not to – to hopefully realize that sometimes, women are just looking for an honest connection. 

 

Music Bugle – Does social media make it easier or harder to stand out as a musician these days? 

Tara Hack – I think both. Obviously, when there’s a lot of people aiming for the job you want, it’s certainly tough to stand out. However, if you have a deeper insight and understanding of how to make your videos go viral, then it could definitely be easier. I think the most important thing that social media has done has allowed artists to be whoever they want to be. As an artist, you can be yourself and find an audience that appreciates that. Social media has given the power to the artist, which I am thankful for, for that reason. 

 

Music Bugle – What would you say are some advantages that come with being a singer-songwriter when it comes to making music? 

Tara Hack – As a songwriter, I think you have to be empathic. You have to feel what the other person is feeling, as well as your own self-awareness. For me, I hope someone hears my songs and connects with them and walks away feeling better because they feel understood. In order to do that, successfully, I have to tap into emotions that may or may not be something I’ve gone through. 

 

Music Bugle – If you had the chance to chat one-on-one with one of your musical influences, who would you choose? 

Tara Hack – There are so many to choose from – Avril Lavinge, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton, have all influenced me. Avril is the reason I picked up the guitar. Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton are who I tried to sing like. Chris Martin has so much energy on stage that you can’t help but feel that too. John Mayer is a wordsmith, not to mention, an insane guitarist. 

 

Music Bugle – What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far? 

Tara Hack – Recording and performing at Abbey Road Studios is definitely a moment I’ve been reliving in my mind since it happened. 

 

Music Bugle – What do you miss the most about performing in front of a live audience? 

Tara Hack – The connection with the audience. I perform in Penn Station as part of the Musicians Under New York program, so I miss the regular commuters I would see. 

 

Music Bugle – How exactly have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Tara Hack – I was performing four-five times a week, so it affected that for sure. However, it ended up being better for me because I was able to focus on this album in a way that I probably wouldn’t have been able to if I were still performing. 

 

Music Bugle – If you had the chance to go back to this past New Year’s Eve, what would you tell yourself about 2020? 

Tara Hack – “Don’t even bother with the resolution, it’s not going to matter.” I am kidding! 

 

Music Bugle – What has been the most productive thing you’ve done while in quarantine? 

Tara Hack – Believe it or not, we recorded this album in quarantine. I am very thankful for Zoom!