CelebMix Speaks With Tanya G: "Songwriting for me is like therapy"

Not too long ago we did a #7DaysofTanyaG segment to celebrate the release of Tanya G’s first solo music video for ‘I Will Survive’. Now we’re back with an interview with Tanya G to get the dig on her background, career and what she’s been working on since her video premiered on our site.

We asked Tanya some questions to see what experiences she’s had in both the industry and in everyday life. 

At what point did you realise that music was something you wanted to pursue as a career?
Well, I I started writing songs at the age of 11 and I absolutely loved writing songs. I found it to be a release of my trapped emotions. I would also enjoy singing my own songs back to myself. It was then that I started to visualise myself as a singer. I was so confident and believed with all my might that it was just going to happen and it was inevitable that one day I was going to be a singer. It wasn’t something I intended to do, I guess you could say I encouraged the “law of attraction”. I also find it relaxing and stress-relieving as well, so I guess anything that makes you feel good, you would be naturally drawn to. Songwriting for me is like therapy.

I kept that passion for songwriting to myself for quite a while as I wasn’t sure whether I was any good. I found out later on in life that I actually had a knack for it.

What is one artist that you admire and why? And what artists have influenced your unique sound?
I admire Amy Winehouse, as she was original and her songwriting was deep and meaningful. In terms of who influences me, I’d say both new and old artists. Currently, I’m influenced by a lot of current British music. But at heart, it would have to be Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. Performance wise I am quite influenced by Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.

Check out Tanya’s cover of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie: 

Have you ever visited/lived outside of the UK?
Yes, I have been to New York, Chicago and Miami many times and I have actually lived in America for two years in my school days. I absolutely loved going to school over in Chicago, an experience I will hold dearly and never forget.

How do you balance your music with your personal life? And is there anything in your personal development as an artist that you would like to work on more?
Well, I usually just make it work. Everything has its place and I have to juggle a bit, but work with it. Also, I would very much like to focus a bit more, as I do have the tendency of losing focus.

When can your fans expect your debut Album to release and what should they expect from this project?
I’ve actually got that down as one of my New Year’s resolutions to have the album released by the end of this year, with a lot of new sounding music as well as Old Skool garage sounds. So you can expect to hear what Tanya G is all about as I will be writing my whole album based on feelings and my past experiences.

Where would you like to find yourself in 10 years time?
I’d like to have a few top 10 hits. But who wouldn’t? Also, I’d like to continue to be happy and do what I love in life.

What’s one message you’d like to send to your fans and upcoming musicians?
That I have my album dropping soon, so watch out for that and thanks for all the support so far. Especially from my loyal ones, they know who they are ;)
To upcoming musicians; keep mastering your craft and make sure you stay in love with the music.

During the weekend Tanya was filming an interview with Evelyn Obahor for her Sky 1 show THE JUSTEVE SHOW.

In the preview clips of the interview, we see Tanya discussing her background in acting that later got her into dance and music.

Don’t forget to let us know what you think, @CelebMix.

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