LA-based Tara Brooks has launched into 2020 with her chart topping and absolutely enthralling ‘Wake Me EP’, a package that perfectly showcases her completely contagious passion for music, unique sounds and sophisticated creative approach. A supremely talented DJ/Producer, this EP marks the closing out an era of sounds for Tara, while slowly introducing a new chapter. Having spent the last few months focused rebuilding and recreating, never afraid to step backwards in order to move decisively forward, Tara Brooks is now ready to take 2020 by storm. Navigating an ever-escalating touring schedule whilst embracing an unmapped direction of new sound experimentation is incredibly exciting and, guided by her steadfast flow of uplifting positivity, the future looks very bright indeed.

WWD: Hello Tara, welcome to WWD! Let’s get up to speed with what you’ve been up to – what are your key highlights from the past year?

Thank you! Glad to be back! 2019 was a whirlwind for sure – many twists & turns and special moments. I’ll start with playing at one of my favorite festivals – Rakastella, for Life and Death – they really do it beautiful and proper from the inside out. Other highlights – Cityfox NY, the Yuma Tent at Coachella, Ok Cool Detroit, Desert Hearts and multiple shows with John Digweed, as well as releases on Bedrock, Get Physical, and Katermukke.

2020 has blasted off well with my 2nd Bedrock EP which charted at #1 on Beatport’s melodic house and techno, my 2nd guest mix for the Transitions radio show, Rainbow Serpent Festival and Return to Rio in Australia, and my Stereo Montréal debut!

WWD: You’ve stated that this new EP on John Digweed’s Bedrock label marks the closing out of an era of sounds for you and the start of a new chapter in your growth as an artist – so where have you been and where are heading?

As an artist, or just as a human being, no matter what we’re doing, its important to be honest with yourself, check in from time to time and make sure we’re always evolving, growing, experimenting, and really finding new ways to express who we are and all that magic and creativity that’s in our hearts. It’s too easy to get caught up in trends or find yourself pigeonholed in certain sounds and styles. So this is the year to let the F go and dial into creating more original and unique experiences.

Over the last few years It’s been great to break into new markets, getting a chance to share more of the sounds I love including acid house, breakbeats, psychedelic trippy techno – always with splashes of soulful, ambient or ethereal inspired pads and beautiful soundscapes. In order to create these new directions, I feel it’s important to go backward and break my routine – the way I’ve learned to produce – and just start over fresh, doing things in completely unique new ways, redefining my sounds, style and work flow. The best part now is how much fun I’m having writing music, without any care or fear of what it’s going to be – just trusting and getting in that special groove where any and everything is possible. That rewarding feeling is incomparable.

WWD: We love the way title track ‘Wake Me’ blends elements of darkness and light, groove and melody, in such an original and haunting way – how do you achieve this? Can you give some insights into your inspirations and production techniques?

Once again, it’s come down to being creative and thinking outside the box. You’d laugh if you heard some of the original random samples I find! As they say, it’s not always what you have but what you do with what you have… For the vocal, I used plugins such as Tantra, Orange Vocoder, splashes of pitch bending, and the right amount of ValhallaVintageVerb.

WWD: The glorious breakbeat-based ‘Artificial Reality’ is stunning musical creation and the amazing vocal contribution of Switzerland takes it to another level – what a talent! How did this track come about?

As breakbeats have made a beautiful comeback today, I’ve been moved and inspired more than ever, experimenting and creating my own style. As much as I love a great tribal beat it’s important for my drums to be dancing, swinging and feel layered, but still have some space in between to create a special groove. I’m working hard on this as it takes some real practice, patience, and creativity to nail the perfect way to drive the groove, without it feeling generic or straight.

Switzerland is actually a best friend of mine (Craig Goldberg). He has one of the most powerful and loud voices, and his heart and passion lie in health and mindfulness. I couldn’t believe it took me so long to say: “Craig, send me your vocals, I have an idea.” I had him send some poetry and then just flow and share what he’s up to and I then I took his juicy, passionate vocals, chopped them up, made them a bit trippy and appropriate for ‘Artificial Reality’ and that’s how it all came together.

WWD: Are you planning any other exciting studio or live collaborations?

At the moment I have a few collaborations in the works with the talented Jay Tripwire, Dance Spirit, Lubelski, and really looking forward to working with dear friend, the phenomenal Doc Martin. Now that I’m shifting new sounds and styles, experimenting and fun collaborations is where I am. There’s so many beautiful and interesting ways to produce and it’s important to keep pushing the boundaries & thinking outside the box 🙂

WWD: How’s life in Los Angeles? And how do your travels impact your creativity?

I love LA! Traffic is what it is lol, but worth the perfect weather, chill vibes, beaches, hikes, a growing UG scene and an eclectic pool of open minded, interesting and creative energies. I’m used to what can be a crazy amount of travel and although it can be a bit harder to get inspired and creative on the road, there’s also plenty of opportunities to hear something new and the most valuable is the kind and creative people I meet on the road. It’s beautiful how our music brings us all together – so much to learn and share with each other.

WWD: You’re a strong advocate of the importance of sending positive messages in art – who and what in the world inspire you right now?

I think those creating any art or music are sending a positive message, just by creating for the sake of sharing and moving others. I’m deeply inspired by those who take the time out of their busy schedules to help others. Whether that be suicide prevention, mental illness, homeless aid, cancer research, animals, racial and sex equality, health, wellness and meditation… I feel, as the world is in a pretty chaotic place today, the more love and awareness spread, messages and reminders to support one another and also give love to yourself, is always inspiring when things get tough.

WWD: Finally, what else can we expect from Tara Brooks as 2020 develops?

2020 is off to a great start and also a year of new paths. For now I can share I’m back with John for my 3rd Bedrock showcase at WMC Miami, back to SXM in beautiful St. Martin, Thailand for Colors Of Love Festival, back in Detroit for one of my favorite Detroit movement after parties where I celebrate my birthday each year with the best crew ever, OK Cool! And, there’s a whole stack of tracks and remixes in the works 🙂 Stay tuned x

Tara Brooks ‘Wake Me EP’ is out now. Buy HERE.

Latest tour dates info: https://www.facebook.com/tarabrooksofficial