Tara Van – Sunshine’s Callin’ (2024)
Describing herself as, and this is on her Spotify, a “big-hearted weirdo” and “certified oversharer”, I’m certain listening to singer-songwriter Tara Van’s melodies is a comfortable chat with your best friend splurging on gossip, random thoughts, serious topics and having a good time. Profoundness and clarity with a hint of juicy joy and grins, Canada-based Tara Van resonates with audiences across the globe. My first cup of tea with the songstress, her new single ‘Sunshine’s Callin’’ is my introduction to Van; join me, won’t you?
With an infectious smile, bright eyes and a breezy nature, Van can mystify you without saying (or singing) a word; however, it is her determination to not be pigeon-holed that impresses. Finding her roots in vintage folk, pop, soul and jazz, her 2023 debut album Rise is a plethora of styles from the folk-pop ‘Everybody Knows’ to jazzy ‘Kicks’. Following Rise, ‘Sunshine’s Callin’’ melds electronic pop with soulful jazz in the style of old-school Joss Stone, but with a contemporary edginess to the track.
The first collaboration with producer Mark Calderone, ‘Sunshine’s Callin’’ is a sophisticated combination of bold electronic beats with shimmering synths and percussion-style finger clicks (or at least that’s what it sounds like). Upbeat, laidback, toe-tapping and chilled, ‘Sunshine’s Callin’’ burns bright as an anthem for bright, sun-laden summery days you spend by the beach.
Just as the melody gives you happy vibes filled with insatiable joy; the message is as significant with an empowering message. As with her previous single ‘Fucked-up-ness’, Van explores her neurodivergence looking at the “aha” moment clarifying all those odd behaviours and challenging situations – the “oh my word, that makes so much sense now” attitude. Van explains:
“After officially being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder right before my album Rise dropped last year, I began trusting my gut. The answers I had been searching for my whole life seemed to strike me out of nowhere… “’Sunshine’s Callin’’ is an uplifting power-pop song about finding answers to questions you had long since stopped looking for and coming into your power! This song is meant to motivate you to put the haters on hold and answer sunshine’s call! We all need more sunshine in our lives these days and I’d like to spread some.”
Find out more about Tara Van on her Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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