Recently we had the pleasure of meeting song writer and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Elan Tamara, who hails from Walthamstow, London. Elan Tamara has been articulating her existence in the form of lyrical, cotton-candy melodies composed for Cupid's ears. At fourteen she started writing instrumental pieces for the piano and her shyness as a singer meant that she had more time to focus on mastering multiple instruments from the bass, guitar, sax to the balinese gamelan. Currently studying "World Music" at SOAS, she took the time out to share some experiences of her past and her visions of a dream-like future.
What makes you tick?
Apart from doing my own music I spend time doing Balinese dance, playing balinese gamelan and drawing paisley. Hopefully one day I will be a successful singer and songwriter that’s really my main aspiration! Right now I am working on getting my EP “Gold Fishes” out very soon and just getting my music out into the world generally. Hopefully getting signed to a decent and reliable record label that understands what I am about - a label that gives me full creative control.
What was the first record that you ever bought?
I don't really remember all that well. Normally my dad bought all of the CDs. But one of the first ones I remember buying with my own money was Vanessa Carlton's first album. A Thousand Miles was definitely not the best track on that album, she had so many songs which were much better. I was mostly amazed by her skill on the piano. For me her and Alicia Keys stand out as pianists/singers - I think Vanessa is much better, but nowhere near as successful. She was one of those artists who had a few amazing tracks on each album, but some awful tracks too.
What kind of music were you into as a teenager?
I was into loads of stuff, it did vary from bad to good. I was really in to Aaliyah back when Timbaland was good! Alicia Keys. I liked Vanessa Carlton (and still like some of her stuff), Tom Vek (will always love him his album is timeless), was into Coldplay until their third album came also! Some really bad stuff I was into was like Linkin Park and Evanescence (that didn't last very long though!) and loads of other crappy stuff I can’t really remember right now, I went through phases I think. I also was always listening to loads of Cuban, Brazilian music, some old soul/Motown, that was all down to my dad really!
If you had a conversation with yourself 5 years ago what would be your advice to the former you?
I would definitely tell myself to have more confidence in my own music because whilst I was at college I was too nervous to sing, I used to let the competition intimidate me! I don't know what other advice I would give because everything that has happened in the past has made me who I am today.
In an ideal world where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
In ten years I would love to be a successful recording artist, have a few albums out. I really want to be an artist that has a big impact on other people, someone that people will think of as an inspiring artist. However in 10 years I’ll only be 29 so I’ll have loads of time to do more music. I would also would love to work with Bjork, that would be amazing. In 10 years I’d also like to have a nice house and a baby possibly!
You are in a relationship with the producer Kwes. How has that relationship impacted on your musical style?
Ah! Now the secret is out haha! I think that being with Kwes has helped with the way my music sounds production-wise, he is very good at producing. I don’t think he has made my style change. He has definitely helped refine it though.
Its obvious the song Tissues is about you. Do you have a reply to the ballad and will it be released?
Hearts in Home is about me too actually. In fact those two songs are probably a reply to my song Oranges that is about him, I wrote that song a few months into our relationship. Oranges is on the forthcoming Gold Fishes EP :).
How do you go about writing your songs?
I normally write the piano part first and then work on the vocals while I am recording the whole track. Sometimes the music spreads across weeks or months, I start with recording piano and then add other instruments, then vocals and harmonies. I write very slowly.
What are your hopes for the album conceptually/is there an underlying theme for the debut?
There’s no particular theme for my album at the moment it’s just going to be a mishmash of loads of instruments and harmonies. It’s very early stages at the moment but I will probably be playing loads of instruments on the album. But nah, no theme yet, I have to consider that.
What songs are at the top of your play list at this very moment?
I checked my iTunes most played and it’s actually Steve Reich – Music for 18 musicians. I love that piece of music even though it’s an hour long, it goes by so quickly because you get really into it. I think the sounds that he achieved are amazing you would think that he used effects and stuff, but it’s all instruments and only 18 people, listen to it Steve Reich is amazing.
Which London based artists are you championing right now?
Ah there are a few, Micachu, Charlene Soraia, Post War Years, Kerry Leatham, Hebe Jones. Hebe is amazing, she’s a friend of mine. I wrote a song about sheep with her, she has an amazing voice, it’s like Regina Spektor and Bjork’s voice collided together with someing out of this world to create her voice. Very talented. Kwes and I are working on some demos for her solo stuff now.
What’s your favorite YouTube viral video?
Chocolate rain is my favorite video, I think it’s just because Tay Zonday is such a strange guy. Apparently it was about racism but he went about the subject in the weirdest way, He's funny also because he is naturally so odd. Omazing grace is also a pretty funny one, just because I have never heard such awful singing my life the ad-libing at the end is the best bit! Apart from that YouTube is good for gamelan videos with Balinese dancers.
['Oranges'/Elan Tamara]
Look out for Elan Tamara's EP 'Gold Fishes' coming out later this year.
