LA Singer TARA MACRI Discusses Her Newest Song, ‘Meet Me on Mars,’ Her Biggest Inspirations and More!

Meet Tara Macri! She recently released her new single “Meet Me On Mars” as well as the music video.

Even though I’m singing about getting to Mars, the song is a love story with the idea that Mars needs to be a place where everyone can go and be anything you want with anyone you want. It’s a fresh start with no one there to judge you…it’s a place where you can be your best self. – Tara Macri

Tara has an impressive artistic performance background. Her lifelong passion for the arts led her to land pivotal roles on Broadway (Hairspray, Jersey Boys, and one of the latest movie-turned-musicals to hit the Broadway stage, The First Wives Club.) She also starred as Amber in Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl opposite NICK JONAS and JOHN STAMOS.

Connect With Tara Macri Here: taramacri.com 

Learn more about Tara Macri in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you now? Is there music playing in the background?  

Thank you so much! I am home in Los Angeles. Just got back from an early morning yoga class.  The sun is out and right now I am listening “Magic” by Coldplay.

Now that we are on the back end of the year, how do you think 2018 has treated you and your career? What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it? Or did you already reach it?

So far really great! I released my new song “Meet Me on Mars” and along with it I released a super fun dance video, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEzTMneHwsU) which is something I have always wanted to do.  The year is not over yet and one of my goals was for the video to reach a million views…hint, hint, hint:)

Growing up, was music always a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience? Can you see yourself ever doing anything else?

Yeah, it definitely was. My dad used to play the drums and I remember in the mornings when I was a kid he would come into our rooms and play & sing the bongos to wake us up. I don’t remember the song… I think he would make it up on the spot! That was our alarm clock. Also my grandpa was really musical. He played piano and would host everyone over after church on Sunday to a house concert. He was the one who taught me piano when I was 2yrs old. I really can’t see myself doing anything else!

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?  

In the past, artists would release their story in full albums but now you can release a song and get instant connections and feedback from fans right away. I am always excited to get feedback from people all over the world that my music has impacted. The world seems to move faster and faster with so many things to chase after, so the challenge is to stay focused in your lane.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today? 

The movie La La Land really got it right LA is generally  a blue sunny day so it makes you think anything is possible. At the same time there is the buzz of people working hard to reach their dream. Prevailing over obstacles has always been a part of my music so it fits nicely.

What was the inspiration for your single, “Meet Me On Mars”? How would you say that it prepares listeners for more music from you? 

The inspiration behind the song is even though I’m singing about getting to Mars, the song is a love story with the idea that Mars is a place where everyone can go and be anything you want, with anyone you want. It’s a fresh start with no one there to judge you…it’s a place where you can be your best self.

When do you hope to release more new music and a full collection of new songs?  

Sooooon! I do have another song ready to go that I am really excited about. It’s about fighting for what’s right.

How do you think your roles on Broadway compare to writing and releasing your own music now? 

When you are playing a role it’s so much fun taking on someone else. When you release your own music it’s all me. I am not playing a part and that can be very vulnerable.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period or is your music more of an escape from all that? 

Love this question. For me, I think it’ more of an escape. Just depends on what is happening. I did happen to write a song that really fits for what is going on right now but I was writing it about something I thought was really wrong and it is very personal song to me. My biggest joy is being able to inspire others. So even if one of my lyrics makes someone feel better then that is great.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now? 

OMG YES!!!! It’s crazy because on the one hand, I really love it because it’s such a great way to connect with fans, but on the other hand, you can get caught up on it at times when I really want to be in the moment. But you are right, there are so many different platforms out there. My favorite way to connect with fans is Instagram/Facebook/Twitter.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future? 

Oh wow, there are so many. Passed on to the great beyond: the one…the only Michael Jackson. Living- I am so inspired by Coldplay and would love to work with them. It’s a dream of mine to tour with them! Also I am a HUGE fan of P!NK. I love how all of her songs are full of so much honesty. Her lyrics don’t always paint a rosy picture, but they do continuously display strength and perseverance to get through the tough times. I really love that message and, after I listen to one of her songs, I feel like, “Yeah. I feel like that sometimes, but P!NK just said it….confessed it…and she prevailed. If she can do it, then so can I!” It is a message that still drives me today.

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why?  

Piano hands down. I would be able to write songs until rescued 🙂 Playing the piano is like meditation for me so it would keep me sane until help arrived. Although it would not be the best instrument to stay tuned on the island…

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in? 

I have a great Christmas song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Qx6g3ZtHs) that I would love to see in a Christmas movie! The Walking Dead is one of my favorite shows, but not sure my music is a fit for the show. But maybe the show will take a turn, (it’s about prevailing) and then maybe one of my songs would fit in a season finale when they prevail!

Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about? What has been a favorite performance of yours? What do you think makes an idea show for you? What’s next on your musical agenda? 

Yes I do! I will be playing Oct 27th in Chicago for the Susan G Komen fundraising event (http://chicagoland.info-komen.org/site/Calendar?id=22529&view=Detail) It’s a cause that is really close to my heart. The show is going to be so much fun because they will have a choir for me to sing with and I can’t wait to hear my songs with them.  I also have a show Nov 20th in LA at the Silverlake Lounge (https://thesilverlakelounge.ticketfly.com/event/1760651-swoons-tara-macri-los-angeles/) and will be announcing some other really cool shows I am doing in Nov & Dec where I am opening for some amazing artists. Check taramacri.com for those dates 🙂

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? I’d like to know more about how you want your music to be timeless?

I hope that my music speaks to anything and everything that they are passionate about.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music? 

Thank you so much for all of your support! Can’t wait to share more music with you. xoT