We’re excited to introduce you to the always driven and passionate TARYN PAPA. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with TARYN below.

TARYN, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

I signed with Red Light Management after my time on NBC’s “The Voice”, Season 19. With their help, I was able to strategically plan my album releases and marketing campaigns. They also assisted in building my brand and providing the support and resources needed to succeed in the music industry. Overall, teaming up with Red Light Management was a game-changer for my music career post-“The Voice”!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Taryn Papa’s music is the soundtrack to endless summers. Blending the timeless twang of 1990s country with the modern melodies of 21st century pop, she bridges the gap between the classic and the contemporary, creating a warm sound that’s every bit as powerful as the Martina McBride records that first captivated her attention as a teenager.
Raised in Connecticut, Taryn grew up listening to female country artists with big voices and honest stories. Inspired to follow in their footsteps, she formed her first band at 16 years old, performing country-rock songs, Pat Benatar hits, and Kelly Clarkson anthems for audiences in the northeast. Between gigs, she’d spend hours at her grandfather’s piano, playing the same instrument she’d been practicing since she was 7 years old.

“My grandfather taught me how to play when I was young,” she remembers. “He was later diagnosed with Alzheimers, and whenever I’d bring him into the room and play piano for him, he’d say, ‘I think I know that song!’ For him, music was so much more than sound. It was a time, a place, and a memory. The experience taught me about music’s ability to transform a moment into something much bigger than itself.”

Taryn began creating transformative moments of her own, singing the National Anthem at various events — including NASCAR races and NHL games — before resettling in Nashville. Drawn to the honky-tonks that filled the city’s Lower Broadway district with music, she quickly found a new home onstage, where she spent years playing marathon shows four nights a week. Those gigs sharpened her vocals to a powerful point, and she spent the hours between shows taking hold of nearly every aspect of her career, from designing her own merchandise to booking her own shows to writing original songs.

Those songwriting skills take centerstage on AWAKE, Taryn’s first release following her successful run on Season 19 of NBC’s The Voice. She co-wrote every song on the EP, inspired by a new relationship whose bright, sunny promise dovetailed nicely with the anthemic sound she’d been crafting for years. Her vocals sharpened by thousands of hours spent onstage, she turned AWAKE into a celebration of the good things in life: new love, old thrills, and the joy of surrounding your heart to a worthy partner. From the warmhearted title track — a dynamic love song, laced with upright piano and driving percussion — to the rapid-fire hooks that fill the record’s climactic closer, “Persuaded,” AWAKE is every bit as rousing as its title suggests, delivered by a singer, songwriter, and inspired businesswoman who has every reason to take stock of the present.

“I’ve put so much of my life into my music,” says Taryn, “and a responsibility to those who didn’t get out of their hometown. I want to succeed for them. I want to share our story through my music.”

Taryn Papa isn’t scared to pay her dues. For her, the journey is worth as much as the destination. With AWAKE, she’s created a pitch-perfect soundtrack for the ride.

Taryn recently authored a children’s book, Fernella Blooms, that can be found on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Reflecting on my music journey, there’s not one particular period that stands out vividly. Every year seems to bring new challenges, new trends, and new opportunities, pushing me to adapt and evolve constantly.

For example, when TikTok was created, I found myself at a crossroads in my music career. The industry was changing rapidly, and what had worked for me before was no longer yielding the same results. It was a daunting realization, but I knew I had to embrace change and chart a new course forward.

With determination and a willingness to learn, I embarked on yet another journey of reinvention. I immersed myself in studying emerging trends, experimenting with different styles, and honing my marketing skills. It isn’t easy—there are setbacks and moments of self-doubt—but with each obstacle, I grow stronger and more resilient!

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during this time was the importance of flexibility and adaptability. The music industry is inherently unpredictable, and success often hinges on the ability to pivot quickly in response to shifting landscapes. By embracing change rather than resisting it, I discovered newfound opportunities and avenues for growth that I had never considered before. For example, I enjoyed my time as an Entertainment Host on “Inside Track” with American Songwriter, stepping onto the red carpet interviewing artist’s for Wynonna’s “Christmas at the Opry”, and as “The Voice” Correspondent on WSMV 4’s “Today in Nashville”.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges that forced me to pivot in my music career. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to discover new passions, refine my craft, and ultimately become a more versatile and dynamic artist.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society can best support artists and creatives by engaging with their work in meaningful ways, such as sharing content on social media, streaming their music for more than 40 seconds, and following them on various platforms. Each small action, “share”, “comment”, “like”, “follow”, contributes to their visibility and success. Major labels are attracted to artists with strong numbers, streams, social support, and talent. By collectively supporting artists, society can create a ripple effect, providing opportunities for many great talents to thrive!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tarynpapa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarynpapa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarynPapaMusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-papa-56b598286/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tarynpapa
• Other: Purchase “Fernella Blooms”, Taryn’s debut children’s book! https://a.co/d/5AU2xI8

Image Credits
Aña Monique, Evan McCaffery, Sara Kiesling