Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tali Leda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tali , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I started my music career much later in life than most people. One of my biggest regrets is not starting my music career when I was young. I worked in film and television casting after graduating from college for several years. I had a grueling schedule – sometimes 60 + hours a week. After casting, I segued into Talent Management and represented actors for a few years. These hours were less demanding than casting, but I would have to read client’s scripts and attend plays and film screenings almost every night, so I had little time for any hobby or creative endeavor. I was mentally and physically exhausted from years of working in the stressful and high-pressure entertainment business. There’s a misconception that casting is glamorous and fun. It can be rewarding, but unfortunately, it is demanding and political. I was feeling pretty burned out and was seriously thinking about making a career change. I was afraid to leave my decent-paying job that I had been successful at to pursue an unstable music career so late in life. How would I pay my bills while I pursued my passion?

If I had learned an instrument when I was young and pursued a music career after college, I think I would have struggled way less financially and had more success. When you are young, you can still live with your parents or have a bunch of roommates, so it is far more affordable. The music business is also age-obsessed, and if you start after 30, you are considered a senior citizen!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From an early age, I have always had a passion for singing. I participated in several musicals during high school and college. My first role was a male character; I played Jonah, one of the brothers, in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

I didn’t pursue my music career until later in life. I was adopted as a baby, and finding my birth mom at age 30 was the catalyst that prompted me to leave my stable casting job to follow my music aspirations. My birth mother shared with me that I inherited a wealth of musical talent. She is a singer, my birth father graduated from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music and plays bass and piano, and my maternal grandfather was a percussionist with the Boston Symphony for over twenty-five years. Shortly after meeting my birth mother, I quit my casting job, taught myself piano and songwriting, collaborated with guitarists, and never looked back!

As a singer-songwriter, I create a distinctive blend of pop music that melds electronic and organic sounds with lush harmonies. Fans connect with my soulful lyrics, addictive melodies, and unique vocals. I enjoy communicating with fans after live performances or online; it is rewarding to hear why certain lyrics or songs resonate with each person.

I feel fortunate and proud that several of my original songs have been featured in esteemed TV shows and indie films. My most notable placements include “Shameless,” “Supergirl,” “Charmed,” “Dancing with the Stars,” and “Madam Secretary.” Additionally, my songs have been finalists in The John Lennon Song Contest and The Billboard World Song Contest.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Over the past several years, I have faced chronic health issues that have greatly affected my ability to perform, record new music, and work. I am grateful to have received grant money from MusiCares, a non-profit organization established by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. My goal is to build a successful music career, give back to the community, and help others in need. I aspire to create a non-profit organization that could assist others in pursuing their passions.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the idea that my songs needed to be perfect and recorded by a strict deadline to be successful.

When I recorded my debut album of 11 songs, I was obsessed with every instrument, vocal, and arrangement being exactly how I envisioned it. I also set a tight deadline for recording the album because I couldn’t work and make money during that time. I took off from work because my producer only works during the week, in the daytime. The producer I worked with was super busy, and several of the musicians we wanted to hire were unavailable based on the schedule I imposed. I ended up losing $2,000 hiring a string arranger and quartet that was available for my timeline but did not do a good enough arrangement. I had to throw away all the tracks of music we recorded and start again from scratch. Instead of waiting to get the best people for my project, I made an impulsive decision. I not only lost money but this affected my enjoyment of the recording process. I also spent too much time and money during the mixes of the songs. I thought every single note I sang had to be perfect. My producer wisely said, “Sometimes the best performance is not technically perfect but so emotionally beautiful that it should not be altered.” This philosophy had a huge impact on me and changed how I recorded in the future.   

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taliledamusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliledamusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taliledamusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talileda
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/taliledamusic
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/taliledamusic
• Other: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cMa0Sulza7YU9YAzBNOhd

  APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tali-leda/1390221240

Image Credits

Christian Yi, Alberto and Ian Brightman