Going beyond being labelled another 'female-fronted rock band'—alternative powerhouse artist, DEAR TASH wants to take control and be the band. "I’ve never known life without music—it’s always been a part of me, whether I wanted it to be or not," says Tara, the fiery, red-haired solo artist behind the pseudonym DEAR TASH. With a sound that fuses raw alternative rock energy with deeply personal storytelling, DEAR TASH is more than just a project—it’s an evolution, a journey, and a defiant statement of self-expression.

From an early age, Tara was immersed in music, albeit in an unconventional way. "I didn’t grow up in a musical household, but music found me. My first gig changed everything. Watching Matt Bellamy (Muse) on stage, I was completely mesmerised—I wanted to be that." That night set the course for her future, sending her home to learn every Muse song she could, fueling a passion for music that would become an unstoppable force. Initially a bassist and backing vocalist, she spent years honing her craft in various bands before finally stepping into the spotlight. "DEAR TASH was the first time I combined playing bass, singing, and fully leading a project. It was terrifying but necessary." What started as a full band eventually became a deeply personal solo endeavor, allowing her to refine her artistic vision and embrace total creative freedom.

Upcoming EP, FATAL is a testament to DEAR TASH’s musical growth. "This record is the sound of my friendship with Dean Street-based producer Jess Cake (Bambie Thug). We’ve built something special over the years—he’s expanding as a producer, and I’m expanding as an artist. I wanted to push the sonic boundaries of DEAR TASH, to see where this could go beyond just being another 'female-fronted rock band'—I want to be the band." Drawing from a vast palette of influences, DEAR TASH blends elements of classic alternative rock, real piano (a nod to her classical roots), pulsing synths, and powerful percussion inspired by bands like Muse and Imagine Dragons. The result? A collection of songs that feel both deeply intimate and electrifyingly anthemic.

Lyrically, the upcoming EP explores themes of self-discovery, transition, and resilience. From breaking away from a toxic relationship to navigating the overwhelming nature of city life, every track tells a story that resonates. "Even when the music is dark, I want people to feel hopeful. I want them to know they can get through anything." On top of this, visually, DEAR TASH is equally as striking. Inspired by an evolving love for horror and arthouse cinemaa, her aesthetic plays with contrasts—bright colors (such as her staple bright, red hair) set against dark themes, creating a visceral experience that mirrors the music’s emotional depth. "I love the juxtaposition of beauty and chaos, light and shadow. It’s how life feels to me, and I want that to come through in every aspect of what I create." In addition to this, some of DEAR TASH’s visual inspirations include films such as X, From Dusk till Dawn, Blade (1998), The Fifth Element, The Lost Boys, Evil Dead Rise, and Saltburn. These films have helped shape the cinematic feel of DEAR TASH’s music and visuals, helping her project go beyond the music itself.

But classic movies aside, DEAR TASH grew up also obsessing over music videos that left a lasting impression. Some of her most-watched videos include ‘Bliss’ and ‘Hysteria’ by Muse, ‘Smile’ by Wolf Alice, ‘Decode’ and ‘Ignorance’ by Paramore and ‘The Pretender’ by Foo Fighters. All of these influences have fed into a sound and visuality that is uniquely her own- strong and powerful but with a dark twist.

Now, five years into the DEAR TASH journey, this upcoming release marks a defining moment. "It feels like everything I’ve done up until now has led to this." With her signature mix of grit, vulnerability, and electrifying energy, DEAR TASH is set to carve out a space entirely her own in the world of alternative music. And for DEAR TASH, that’s exactly the point. "I just want to inspire people the way music inspired me. To show them that they can be whoever they want to be, do whatever they want to do. Because that’s what music did for me. And that’s what DEAR TASH is all about."