There comes a time in every artist's life when they must evolve, either out of sheer will or the as a product of a shifting perspective. For New York-based singer-songwriter Tamaryn, that moment has come in the form of her upcoming album, Cranekiss (August 28 via Mexican Summer). Tamaryn's first two albums, 2010's The Waves and 2012's Tender New Signs, were largely guitar driven.
But Cranekiss marks a major shift, as Tamaryn, working with new co-writer Shaun Durkan and producer Jorge Elbrecht, used synths and electronic sonics for the first time, crafting something akin to early Madonna and the Cocteau Twins. That new palette is evident in the album's first single, "Hands All Over Me," an infectuous, '80s influenced pop number. Below, we get to know Tamaryn a little better.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Future perfect sad vagabond glam rock feminine chic. Right now I'm really into metallics and synthetic fabrics. Silver pants all day long. I've been on a serious D'arcy from Smashing Pumpkins sort of kick. I'm always changing it up but it's funny how the world works, where you get an idea of something that feels yours and then two weeks later it's on every Instagram model and their brother. There is definitely some stylistic radio waves everyone picks up on at the same time.
How did your career get started?
I've been going to shows and hanging around scenes since I was a teen. I always wanted to be a singer in a band and try to make something on the level with my musical heroes. It takes a lot of faith and resourcefulness to make it anything resembling a career. I would never pretend it was easy or that I've achieved it yet.
Where do you hope to be professionally in 5 years?
I'd like enough money to comfortably fund my creative endeavors forever while having home and personal life and a legacy of flawless albums.
What’s your next project?
The Cranekiss album comes out in August and we will be touring it a bunch. I've just recorded some songs with Anton from Brian Jonestown Massacre and I'd like to keep doing more collaborations. I feel so inspired right now and I want to capture it before that energy moves on to someone else. It seems like you get a window of this sort of thing and then the baton gets passed so I am feeling a sense of urgency regarding that.
What are you most proud of so far in terms of your career?
I love all three albums and I feel proud to have had the foresight to take my time and not be influenced by trends enough to make something original and powerful that I can be proud of forever. The potential rewards of this job are few but the social currency and how you effect people is the best part. Even if I don't make money just having an enduring place in musical history is the goal.
What famous person dead or living do most wish you could have as a roommate?
As a roommate? I hate having roommates and famous people seem really messed up and neurotic to be around but maybe like David Bowie or the designer Alaia. Someone with a quality of life otherwise impossible to access and good books or an outdoor shower.
What is your favorite driving music?
Depeche Mode, Songs of Faith and Devotion. I imagine i'm starring in one of this graphic desert Anton Corbijn videos playing the anti-hero.
Whose career would you most like to emulate?
Ideally someone like Bowie again or even Lana Del Rey. Someone who reserves the right to be themselves and bends the rules of what that means and then wins at life no compromise.
If you had to live in a past time, what do you think would be the most fun era and why?
Early '80s, early '90s in the UK. Just the best time for music and fashion in my opinion and the last time you could become a real rock star making powerful yet challenging music.
What activities do most enjoy doing alone?
Everything.
How do you wind down before bed?
Smoke, bath, chant, then listen to some subliminal message music on Spotify.
When are you most relaxed?
When I have the foresight to realize everything is impertinent and constantly changing, and life is all about how you deal with that. No matter how good you have it there is always something to obsess over and worry about. I'm learning to seek out joy and peace in chaos. Because you should be able to feel that even in your darkest life moment. Not easy but a truly worthy ambition.
What kind of person were you in high school?
A dropout, a raver, a goth, a transient.
Can you tell me a quality about yourself that you are genuinely proud of?
Honesty, although it gets me in trouble all the time.
Do you have any phobias?
People.
What’s a serious side of you that people are unlikely to know about?
Either in terms of interests, hobbies, or personality? I think people probably think I'm pretty serious about everything and I am. I'm trying to take life less seriously in general. The happiest people seem to live that way and I'm just starting to seek out what could potentially make me a happy person as I've never been one.
What are some new hobbies you would like to take on?
I try not to be hobbyist about anything in life although it's hard to do anything I love as a profession that is sustainable. I'd like to move to Europe and cook elaborate dinners and garden and pursue a life where I enjoy every day. Maybe learn how to sing in some other languages too.
What are some of your favorite Internet “memes” of all time?
Anything Lisa Rinna of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills posts on Instagram.
How do you hope to grow as a creative person?
I'd like to write a song that's remembered forever and blends so many styles and emotions it's never been done before and impossible to copy.
If there was a phrase that you think best sums up your approach to life what might it be?
Don't worry I'll be fine.
