We were lucky to catch up with Tara Brooks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’d love to pick one but theres 3 I must share! long before I was a dj or producer, I was a huge fan of John Digweed. I used to get lost in his unique sets which I can only describe as a beautiful & twisted journey into another world. his flawless mixing told a story that touched and moved the listener. fast forward around 10 yrs, as my dj career took off, I knew if John heard me, he’d connect with my music & me. the story behind that connection is priceless so I’ll have to share that next time! So one of the most meaningful projects is remixing one of my favorite records on John’s label Bedrock, Apollo Vibes, by Pole Folder & Cp. Its been a massive inspiration to me bc of its hypnotic trippy vibe, warm bass and rolling groove that puts you in a state of trance. I did 2 versions as I can never just let such a monumental track go one way.. Similarly story.. ive always been a fan of Theivery Corporation so when I connected with Rob Garza after he heard me play we became dear friends & I remixed a track for his solo project Garza, which also means the absolute world to me. im currently remixing the legendary Motorcycle (Gabriel & Dresden & Jess)’s #1 Billboard Hot Dance Hit song As The Rush Comes, 20 years later! These are all passion projects, with no intention but to put my creative spin on these special tracks & artists that influenced who I am as an artist today. The power of music always bring the good people together!
Tara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started djing in 2007 after discovering a beautiful & healing energy, mixed with pure joy & excitement I never felt before, through Socal raves & underground events between Sf, La & San Diego. music runs through my blood and is my families main passion.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect, is the response & positive energy I get from my dancefloor. the exchange of energy & journey we take together is a priceless experience bc no 2 sets of mine will ever be the same. what I play is determined by environmental factors, which makes it a special & unique adventure each time. when I feel their happiness & get to hear later how the music has touched and moved them, thats truly everything, & keeps me inspired & going.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
When I started djing in 2007 it came to life bc it was my true passion. I was done with college & just figuring out what I wanted to do. I knew I would never be working a 9-5 and would pursue something creative & in the arts. It was hard work to get yourself heard & opportunities at that time, especially being a female was rough, in this male dominated industry. But it made me so happy so I never stopped working & pushing to play and be heard, I was getting booked more & more based purely on my dj skills & music selection. it made an impact & the word spread. it organically became my career and I never looked back. Unfortunately, I did not have any sort of business skills or background. I learned the ropes as things grew & learned valuable communication skills & how to manage myself. it was enough at that time but when social media exploded, I wasn’t ready for it & had no strategy for how to grow my business when the industry changed and required much more then playing & producing good music. So, the big lesson, is to always learn the business, the backside, the strategies of what it takes to be successful in each market. Your passion, skills, and experience is not enough.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabrooksmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarabrooksofficial
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tarabrooksmusic
- Youtube: https://www.google.com/search?q=youtube+tara+brooks+music&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1023US1023&ei=v7g9ZMaOLPjAkPIPtNWGuAY&ved=0ahUKEwiG6q3i7LH-AhV4IEQIHbSqAWcQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=youtube+tara+brooks+music&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIFCCEQoAEyBQghEKABMgUIIRCrAjoICAAQogQQsAM6CwgAEIkFEKIEELADOgcIIRCgARAKOggIIRAWEB4QHUoECEEYAVDRB1iaFGCCF2gBcAB4AIABggGIAYIFkgEDNy4xmAEAoAEByAEEwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#ip=1
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tarabrooks
Image Credits
Michael Allen for press shots