With the voice of a diva, angel and pop star all wrapped in one, this fierce female brings down the house every time with her strong soulful melodies, passionate lyrics and straight up sass.

9 MP3 Songs
URBAN/R&B: Contemporary urban, URBAN/R&B: Soul



Details:
A Soulstory

A few years back, after moving from New York City, this little miss (with the big voice!) blessed Philadelphia - home of soul music - with her own stunning combination of sound, style and spirit.

From open mic lists, to featured sets, to show-stopping mainstage performances, Tara known as taragirl still has audiences and critics buzzing about a solo artist who's considered a gem out of 'the unsigned.' Her effervescent personality and talent have landed her opening slots for such major artists as The Brand New Heavies, Avant, as well as the UK's Hil St. Soul.

With an impressive debut album ("The 26th Power") which she single-handedly financed and released earlier this year, fans are now able to hear the taragirl they know and love from the stage, coming out of their stereo systems. Together with Warner Music producer Simon Illa, they have successfully crafted a diverse collection of quality soul and R&B anthems, underscored with a hip hop edge.

taragirl's artist persona projects a youthful image with a touch of girl power, but it's all soul to her as she explains:

"My style, my approach to life is really inspired by the fact that most of the time, I just feel like a big kid...I think that's because kids represent qualities I value like innocence, sweetness, real-ness...never anything fake or negative. I believe the inspiration for my music comes from the same place; if you ask me what I'm bringing as an artist, my answer is pure, positive energy that's real and honest - that's what soul music is to me, what I strive to create, and is a perfect reflection of my personality."

People who know will agree: you ain't seen energy quite like this before.

Prior to her Philly move, Tara graduated NYU, after studying music (theory, vocal technique, jazz and theatre) as well as journalism. She worked day jobs in every aspect of entertainment including television, radio, and artist management (for the group TLC).

Around the same time, Tara also fronted a band called Soul Project and cut her teeth performing live shows all over New York City, as well as at probably every R&B open mic in existence. Those venues included The Apollo Theater, Soul Cafe, Cafe Wha, Brooklyn's Five Spot, Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar and the Village Underground, where she was often featured at their famous Sunday night showcase for undiscovered talent.

Initially, Tara had only intended on a one year hiatus to this place where the (neo) soul resurgence was said to be happening. Soon thereafter, taragirl was born.

Allow yourself to fast-forward four years later, bringing us to the here and now. Thankfully, this young lady is still with us and Philadelphia claims taragirl as one of their own. With her fiery energy, and a voice infused with her own unique brand of soul, taragirl continues to perform solo, and with her soul-spirational band on stages, events and venues too many to list here.

There's no denying that it really is just a matter of time before this very special artist touches you, dear listener, and the rest of the world. Tara, by Hindi definition, means bright star, and it is without a doubt that taragirl lives up to her name.

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