For the fourth installment of our CreatiVity program in partnership with Quadio—a new social streaming platform dedicated to showcasing the best new college music—we’re delving into the musical psyche of Brooklyn-native recording artist Tara-Bridget. Hailing from New York City’s The New School, the singer-songwriter is dominating the collegiate indie-pop scene with each of her heart-strung melodies. Captivating our attention for her praised single “Anne-Marie,” Tara-Bridget’s mature sound and raw vocals make her a standout pick on the digital music platform, and she’s certainly a highly talented force to be reckoned with. Confidently coining her elevated techniques in her April release “Something Other” and with plenty of new projects on the way, the 18-year-old singer is claiming her place in today’s ever-evolving musical landscape.

V spoke with the rising star about her beginnings in music, her time in quarantine, and her goals with song. Read the full interview with Tara-Bridget, below.

V MAGAZINE What’s your name, age and where do you go to school?

TARA-BRIDGET My name is Tara-Bridget, I’m 18 and I go to The New School in New York City!

V What are you studying there?

TB I’m currently studying Writing, and starting my endeavors in Audio Production through the school too.

V Where are you originally from? Does your music ever reflect or inspired by your roots?

TB I was born and raised in Brooklyn, but spent many of my springs in Key West, FL. As my music style comes to fruition, so do my intentions to stay true to where I’m from and where I’ve been.

V Can you tell us a little bit about your background in music as a solo artist?

TB My background as a formal solo artist is slowly but surely acclimating since my official start in late 2017. I was raised in an intensely passionate and music hungry family, so I’ve naturally been drawn as a performer and in love with singing and music my entire life, just as I’ve endured phases of grossly consuming stage fright. I’ve always been singing random words, jokes, about my dog, to remember things for a test. It was really a matter of time til I picked up the mic and started making and recording my own melodies.

V How did you hear about Quadio? Can you tell us about the relationship you have with the platform and your music?

TB I was approached by a representative fairly recently about Quadio, and knew it was a great way to meet young people in my community looking to collaborate, make music friends, and find new sounds.

V Why did you choose to showcase your music there?

TB I chose to showcase my music with Quadio because I feel that the college community is one of optimism, and all around feels less competitive and far more supportive than other platforms typically do.

V Who are some artists that inspire you, your sound and creativity?

TB I’ve always wanted to tell someone, anyone, about who inspires me because I feel such a tie and such a deep love for the artists who continue to creatively inspire me everyday. My vocals are so attracted to Enya’s style – endless layering and lullabied dreamscapes that really set the tone for every project I take on. Dionne Warwick has been another vocal inspiration for me because her style is so powerful and unique. BEA1991 is worth mentioning too – her individualism in terms of artistry is so admirable to me. I’d kill to see her live. Come to NYC, Bea!!

V If you could work with anyone musically (past or present), who would that be?

TB I’d love to work with so many people, but one I keep returning to is Jeff Lyne’s 1981 Time album with ELO. I’d love to have collaborated on that, but I also love that album so much I wish it was mine.

V How do you want listeners to feel (or what do you want them to do) when they listen to your music?

TB I don’t really want anyone to feel a certain way, but if I had to choose, I’d just want people to feel comfortable – like, a little kiss on the cheek. 🙂

V Can you describe your genre of music?

TB I have a lot of sonically existential problems answering this question whenever I’m asked. I want people to hear my vocals and know off rip that its Tara-Bridget. It’s bedroom/indie pop, but picking a subgenre is understandably hard because every one of my songs that has been released is under its own roof. I’m still settling into a genre because there’s so much that has still gone untouched by me – I like being unsure. It’s tailored to me.

V What’s been the most exciting moment or experience of your music career thus far?

TB Any time I have ever released a project is so exciting because so much stress typically goes into it, and I have so many projects I’m simply not ready to release because they’re sitting in my lap waiting to be tweaked to perfection. I haven’t peaked yet!!

V Can you tell us about the creative process and inspiration for “Dream boi”?

TB Dream Boi’s lead vocal was recorded in one take on my bed at 9 at night. These were the days when I hadn’t yet had a consistent audience, so things felt a tad more pressure-free. I had just got back into dating after my first heartbreak – it’s a simple little song that really shows off my excitement for this guy I ended up falling in love with and I just wanted everyone to know about it.

V You dropped a new single “Something Other” back in April, how did you feel about releasing new music during quarantine?

TB “Something Other” was a really therapeutic way to keep myself occupied in the first few weeks following the lockdown on New York. The song is telling; I felt as though I was watching the world happen without me in it. My boyfriend Clyde and I made the track from opposite ends if the state – quarantine helped us stay focused. More quarantine material to come very soon!

V How has adjusting to the current climate of COVID-19 impacted your schooling and your life?

TB COVID-19 has had a really profound affect on my school community since the loss of our facilities has truly made a ripple in the backbone of our education’s mission. I’ve found a huge appreciation for the little things in my life that keep me sane.

V How have you been coping during this time? Is there anything that’s keeping you grounded?

TB My friends are really my everything. I truly have the best friendships – we carry each other through everything and I’m so proud of the people in my life. Knowing I’ll see them on the other side is whats keeping me motivated.

V When you aren’t doing anything music-related, what are you doing?

TB Lately, just a bit of writing and doodling, watching different series, documentaries, taking a much needed run in the park with my dog, cooking up new recipes.

V Do you believe music is important especially during a time where the world is in crisis?

TB Of course music is one of the many therapies that will bolster us through something as trying right now as the time we’re in, but I think it’s important to remove yourself from the headphones sometimes and take care of yourself and occupy your mind in other ways. I learned that a few weeks in.

V Where do you see u and your music career 5 years from now?

TB I sure hope to see more live sets in my career, a huge growth in my discography, a set of skills in more instruments. I want my maturity as an artist to be recognized and understood. I see myself more sure of who I want to be in the years following this one

V What are some of your goals musically and personally this year?

TB I honestly just want to make it through this year healthy and safe, and with my loved ones right alongside me. I want to punch out a few more projects – hopefully more marketing features like this one! I appreciate opportunities like these and I’m keeping my sights forward for more.