A Chat with Tanya Goltz (12.12.23)
Described as reflective, eclectic, meaningful and a profound narrator of life’s journey, singer-songwriter Tanya Goltz shares her stories and talent with the masses. Inspired by the likes of Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette, Australian Goltz captures your heart with her elegant blend of alternative country, folk, rock and blues. We speak with Goltz about her album Pieces Of Me, social media, future plans and more.
OSR: When you were growing up, did you want to be a musician? What drew you to a musical career?
Goltz: Yes absolutely! I have always wanted to be a musician. I remember being surrounded by music growing up, at home music was always playing and during road trips, we would all sing along in the car. My dad has such a love for music and taught me to “follow the black notes” when I was learning to sing. My brother and I would record songs on a cassette for Christmas presents and I was gigging from the age of 11. I just can’t imagine not having music in my life in some capacity. After resigning from my social work career and making the move into music full-time, I have felt such a sense of belonging and deep gratitude that I am able to immerse myself in doing what I love the most.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Goltz: Music is what keeps me grounded, it inspires me, grieves with me and reminds me of the moments of absolute joy. Music is so ingrained in my day to day, that I simply wouldn’t be me without it.
OSR: You mention that you left Australia at age 15 to explore the world. Do you have any interesting stories about your travels?
Goltz: I moved out of home at 15 from my small country town to a large city in Australia to live independently. That move in itself was quite an overwhelming experience; putting myself through senior years at high school, managing my day-to-day and developing these life skills independently had its challenges as a young teenager. I then met my husband when I was 18 and after we got together, we started to travel frequently overseas and within Australia; we share a love for exploring new places and culture and it has only gotten stronger over the years. Being able to explore the world so freely at such a young age was the most rewarding and exciting experience, it helped me discover who I am and allowed my husband and I to grow and learn from each other.
OSR: You recently released your EP Pieces Of Me. What can you tell us about the EP?
Goltz: Pieces Of Me is a collection of songs that really represents my growth as an artist over the last few years. I wanted it to be empowering and honest while showing my love for all kinds of music. It is a blend of rock, alt and contemporary country with a hint of blues and pop. It was recorded at Red Engine Recording with acclaimed producers, Steve James and Andrew Cochrane and features some incredible musicians that I had the privilege of working with on my debut. The studio experience was just so gratifying and I can’t wait to get recording again!
OSR: If you could change one thing about Pieces Of Me, what would it be?
Goltz: To be completely honest I feel that Pieces Of Me is exactly what it needs to be as my first record. I am incredibly proud of it and I feel like there are always going to be things that I want to change. As a perfectionist, there will always be some part of me that feels like it’s never complete or never quite where it should be but I also acknowledge that it’s really important to let those feelings go at a certain point and move forward to the next song or project. When I look back on how I have grown from the person and musician I was when I started writing those tracks, through the recording process to who I am now, I am so thankful for that journey and proud of the person I am today because of all of those experiences.
OSR: What were the most exciting and least exciting things about making music?
Goltz: For me, the most exciting thing is the endless options and the unknown of where a song can go as I am crafting it. I get so much joy from songwriting and creating and could spend endless hours locked away writing and singing.
The least exciting thing for me is the anxiety and feelings of not knowing how your music is going to be perceived and if anyone out there will enjoy it! But I think it’s so important to go with your instincts and write music that speaks to you; as the rest will follow.
OSR: What are your thoughts on social media?
Goltz: I initially struggled with social media, although I love performing and entertaining, social media was quite awkward for me. I struggled to know what to post and what would be interesting content. But I have come to realise that it’s such a useful tool for my audience to get to know me and get to know the stories behind the music. So, I am learning that the best way forward is to show my authentic self and talk about the things that I am passionate about.
OSR: In emergencies, how do you react?
Goltz: I am actually pretty calm and level-headed in emergencies, my time working in social work has enabled me to be this way. I always look at what needs to be done and am generally the person who helps problem solve, calm others and figure out the best way forward.
OSR: Have you ever experienced deja vu? If yes, what was the experience?
Goltz: I have experienced déjà vu several times but on a small scale. I have had a few times where I have been in the middle of a conversation, or singing at a gig, or visiting a new place when I’ve gotten this strange sense of familiarity that I have been here before. But not one particular experience that stands out.
OSR: What plans do you have for the future?
Goltz: I am actually writing for my very first album at the moment and I am hoping to be back in the studio next year to get it underway. I am working with a wonderful team for all of my creative services and am hoping to organise a tour and some shows in Australia in 2024. So definitely watch this space!
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Goltz: Thank you all so much for supporting new music and independent artists. And a big thank you for taking the time to get to know me and listen to my music! Without the support, I wouldn’t be able to do this and follow my dreams and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Many thanks to Tanya Goltz for speaking with us! For more from Tanya Goltz, check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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