GETTING TO KNOW TAMARA SEELEY
by Jacqueline Jax host of A.V.A Live Radio
Challenges herself by…
continuing to learn. I don’t ever want to limit myself by not continuing to learning new things. I like to challenge myself by going to vocal/songwriting bootcamps, and getting advice and guidance from industry professionals.
Biggest fear…
not singing anymore! I’m afraid of surrendering to the fear and giving it up, because those thoughts have definitely crossed my mind.
Success is…
to do things from a authentic place. For me, success is taking ownership of your dreams, and creating a message that is a ‘True’ reflection of yourself. Doing things on your own terms, and not comprising on your morals is also very important. Success is producing work that you a proud to call your own.
A success story that you she is particularly proud of…
Last year, I launched a Kickstarter campaign so I could fund my first independent release. I spend months working on this campaign, and all the hard work payed off! It took just 4 weeks to smash my 10K target, and I ended up raising 12,500. “Gold Armour” is currently South Australia largest funded music project on Kickstarter! It just goes to show when you believe in yourself, and you put the time and effort to make it happen, anything is possible.
Life goals…
I want to keep singing and writing! My next goal is to do a tour of Canada/USA 2016. Later on down the track, I want start a family and be a ‘rockin momma.’
I challenge myself by…
taking vocal lessons, which makes me sing outside my comfort zone! I also like to collaborate with other artists, because there is always something different to learn from someone else. When I move to Vancouver, I’m going to buy an acoustic guitar and teach myself how to play it. It’s never to late to learn an instrument!
Starting in music…
To be honest, I stumbled into music. Growing up, I was a little tomboy playing every sport under the sun. Even though I used to sing with my dad, belting out Rod Stewart’s classics, and singing into my hairbrush whilst dancing around my bedroom, music wasn’t on my radar. Then when I was 15, I went to boarding school in Hamilton where I was exposed to the performing arts. My best friend Elena over heard me singing along to the radio and encouraged me to audition for the school musical. Sure enough I went to the audition, landed a part in the show, and instantly discovered my passion for music. From that moment on, I have never looked back.
Brave Together…
when I was working a nightshift job that I didn’t enjoy. Going to this job everyday made me feel like I was pushing my dreams to the side. I was listening to that voice in my head telling me that I couldn’t do it! I was at a point where I was thinking “Should I quit music all together?” But there was always that small part of me that still had this burning desire to keep going, so writing this song was a real empowering moment for me. It has revitalized me, and I’m ready to keep fighting for my dream!
Her new album…
is my debut 5 track EP entitled “Gold Armour”, which I released a few months ago. It has a real pop/rock vibe with soulful lyrics, and I’m so glad I finally had to courage to share it with the world. Edgy title track “Gold Armour” tells of the importance of not letting negativity beat down your dreams, while “Visiting Hours in Heaven” was written about a dear friend who passed away when I was 18 years old. The goal for this EP was to share my journey, and not just the good, warm fuzzy stuff. It was really important for me to write from an authentic and vulnerable place, because I feel like that’s what connects with people. It is humbling to know that people are relating to my music. I have had so many messages and conversations with people saying that they have felt the same way that I did and have gone through similar experiences.
When she is not singing…
I love to watch/play Netball! My inner competitive tomboy needs to surface from time to time. I also love to travel. I’m originally from Mount Gambier, South Australia, and I recently moved to Canada. I have been travelling around Alberta for the past 2 months, and I’m heading to New York soon for a week. In early October I will be based out of Vancouver.
The music industry…
can sometimes be overwhelming, especially as an independent artist! You deal with a lot of rejection, so self doubt can sink in occasionally. I just try to stay grounded, and keep moving forward, knowing that I’m doing my best.
Social media…
is great, as long as it is used in a positive and uplifting manner. I come from a small town in South Australia where you feel like you are removed from the rest of the world, so I love to use it in order to keep in touch with the rest of the globe.
Singles or an album…
I’m for both! Being an independent artist, releasing a single is more affordable, but an album allows you to showcase more of your versatility as an artist.
I would love to have 5 minutes alone with…
Sia! She is such a gifted artist & songwriter, and I have such a big soft spot for her, because she is originally from South Australia. Because of this connection, I feel like can relate to her. I understand why she performs with her back towards to audience. Sometimes as artist you want to be heard, not seen.
Music video creation process…
I have been very fortunate and blessed to collaborate with some very gifted and inspiring creatives. My dear friend, Marcus Jones, from the film industry worked with me on my kickstarter campaign and music videos. He gets my vision, and just has a way of bringing my ideas to life. Building solid and authentic relationships is where the magic happens! I can honestly say that every single person that I have worked with on my debut EP “Gold Armour,” are all people that I admire and respect. I even got to work with my cousin, Leery Southern, who is a very talented body/makeup artist. Using the gold body paint for my album cover actually inspired me to write “Gold Armour.”
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tamara-Seeley-Music-Page/167513456690123?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamaraSeeley
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tamarakseeley/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQGJBSSUVtpZubR20jGZ9gA
Website: https://tamaraseeley.wordpress.com