When did you decide to make a career/focus of music?
I've always wanted to sing, since as long as I can remember, really. I would sing in the mirror and to my stuffed animal audience - beginning to write at about age 12. I dedicated all of my extra-curricular time in school to music and when it came time to go to college, I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to pursue. I moved to Nashville in mid-2008 and really began taking my artistry and writing seriously. Been truckin' ever since.
What’s the best gig you ever played?
The best gig I ever played was April 18th, 2012. Thanks to Sonicbids, I won a slot opening for Gavin DeGraw and Vanessa Carlton for the Origins Rocks Earth Month concert at Webster Hall in New York City. Absolutely amazing. I really have no other words to describe it. The venue was huge, gorgeous, and packed with a screaming audience. The show was also streamed online. What more could you want as a rockstar?
There’s been a lot of talk recently about what being an “indie” artist really means today. Some say the term is becoming obsolete. What does “indie” mean to you, and do you think there will be a different word we use in the next 10 years?
"Indie" to me means "Do-It-Yourself". I like to specify myself as an "indie" artist, but some people get it confused with a specific genre or an "indie" sound, which, to be honest, I have no clue what that means. I think using it in that context is plain confusing. However, I feel that independent artists and labels should be proud to be "indie". To me, it means you are strong, have the know-how, and can survive without huge backing. Embrace it! Different terminology in the future? The use of D.I.Y. is becoming prevalent, but by the way things have been rapidly changing in this industry thus far, everything about the business is going to alter.
What’s your favorite way/tool/site for you to interact with your fans in the digital age? Do you recommend anything to other artists?
Oooo! Lovin' the social media! Right now, I'm between Facebook and Twitter all the time. Facebook is really great for marketing and networking. Twitter is amazing for throwing short shout-outs. However, ReverbNation has really impressed me with their offerings, especially their FanReach tools, which does wonders.
What’s your next big gig coming up? When/Where?
Well, thanks to Sonicbids, yet again, I scored a spot playing the LAUNCH Music Conference in Lancaster, PA April 27th and 28th, 2012. It was really cool hanging out at the convention, networking, attending seminars, and of course performing! Next I’ll be playing in Garrettsville, OH on June 9, 2012 at the Nelson Ledges Quarry Park.
Check out more on Tarra Layne here.
