Meet Tara Trudel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Trudel.

Hi Tara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career in Chicago, where I taught music for the Merit School of Music, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. During the day, I’d travel to classrooms around the city with a guitar on my back. At night, I sang in bands and played piano for comedy shows. Occasionally, I had time to sleep. It was a breakneck pace, but I loved it.

I left teaching to work at the Second City as a Musical Director for their National Touring Company and a few Chicago-based shows. I loved performing at different theaters, but the best part by far was getting to work with an amazing group of comedians. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so much talent and creativity.

After touring with Second City, I moved to Los Angeles, where I’ve been collaborating with other artists on a variety of projects. I write scores for short comedy films and theme songs for children’s picture books. I’m also about to release my debut album, Fractured: Fairy Tales Remixed, on May 5, 2023. The album is a modern spin on fairy tales that combines the different parts of my career – music for kids, comedy, and stories. Fractured also features guest appearances from some of my favorite comedians. I’m really excited for people to hear their hilarious performances.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s always hard to reestablish yourself when you relocate. I moved to LA and had two children in the first few years I lived here. It was challenging to juggle my role as a new mom with building a career in a new city. I felt like I was just starting to gain career momentum when the pandemic hit, and the gigs I had lined up disappeared. While it was difficult to navigate, it ultimately lead to me writing my album.

Finding a community of artists has also helped. I’m a member of a wonderful group called Mamas in Music that’s working to identify and overcome the barriers that musicians face in their careers when they become mothers. Working on those challenges collectively has been really empowering.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m really interested in drawing connections between music and story. Whether it’s a book, a theater show, or a short comedy film, I love to identify the heart of something and figure out how to translate it musically.

My album, Fractured: Fairy Tales Remixed, also dives into the relationship between song and story. It explores who gets to write stories, which characters are written about in stories, and how to take control of your own story. Those themes are woven into danceable songs with catchy melodies, funny lyrics, and modern instrumental arrangements. It’s a fun, narratively interesting musical experience families can enjoy together.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I wrote the album during quarantine while my kids’ preschool was closed. I’m proud that I kept going, even when it was difficult to find time and space to write.

That time also reminded me of the magic of collaboration. I wrote the songs with some of my favorite performers in mind, imagining a time when it would be safe for us to get together again. The process of recording with such an amazing cast (Ashley Nicole Black, Chelsea Devantez, Mary Sohn, Niccole Thurman, Eddie Mujica, Neal Dandade, Carisa Barreca, and Rachel Trudel) and producer (Ben Harris) was so much fun. I was able to truly appreciate how special it is to be in a room making music with people I admire.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.taratrudel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_trudel/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tara_Trudel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHRNwCcK8-GBfz8R7NyxWkg
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fttDD7I8gPoZkmcpGBdWL 

Image Credits
Matt Misisco, James Yang