ABOUT TARA CRAIG

One of the most vibrant and pensive songwriters emerging”

— Richard May, Songwriters TV Series

Tara Craig captivates audiences with a voice that is equal parts soulful and vulnerable. From epic spirituals to intimate ballads, there's a timeless quality to Tara's sound. While there is tremendous variety in her songs, they're tied together by a kind of longing — a longing for family, freedom, and requited love. 

The soundtrack to Tara’s childhood was a powerful one: Miles Davis on her father's turntable, Joni Mitchell on her mother's upright piano. At the age of thirteen, Tara began writing music. As a Salt Lake City teen, she spent hours recording her piano on old cassettes, overdubbing harmonies, and passing out tapes in the halls of her high school. Shortly after beginning college in Southern California, Tara picked up her first acoustic guitar. That year she also formed her first band, recording demos in the bathroom of their dorm. 

Tara began her solo career in 2002. She was a regular feature of the L.A. Songwriter’s scene where she shared bills with artists such as Tyrone Wells, Terra Naomi, Jay Nash and Tristen Prettyman. 

In 2007, Tara Craig moved her music career to the "Live Music Capital of the World", Austin TX. Where she quickly began to stand out from the crowd. In 2010, Tara’s fans nominated her for a Roary Award for "Best Female Musician”. Tara was up against some tough competition including, Amy Cook, Erin Ivey, and Kat Edmonson. But Tara’s fans rallied their votes sending Tara away with the coveted Golden Armadillo and the title of, "Best Female Musician". 

Tara released her debut album, "As The Leaves Were Changing", in 2010. The independent album comprises 11 original songs, combining elements of folk, pop, and rock. Tara’s vocals are full and comfortable in their surroundings and her lyrics possess a revealing intimacy. As the Leaves Were Changing manages to give the listener an intense instrumental experience that enhances the insightful and confident lyrics of a truly talented songwriter.

Following the successful reception of her debut album, Tara Craig spent the year playing shows around the Southwest with national touring bands such as Alpha Rev and The Soldier Thread as well as local favorites like Aly Tadros, Gina Chavez,  Alyse Black, and The Belle Sounds.  She also embarked on the “The Hometown Tour” through her home state of Utah and released the "The Utah 45” to commemorate the tour. 

Tara Craig released her EP, “Steadied” in 2012.  On the EP Tara wields mostly electric guitars and is supported by her bandmates’ nimble bass and architectural drumming. Despite the scintillating instrumental work, the highlight is Tara’s dynamic voice; from a purr to a roar, its emotional intensity is captivating.

Throughout her career, Tara has played hundreds of shows in a wide variety of venues and she continues to hone her craft. Her songs drip with imagery and are delivered with palpable emotional intensity.  Whether in a crowded bar backed by a full band or on the streets of a sleepy beach town, the strength and vulnerability Tara shares through her music resonate.  

Tara currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her wife, 2 dogs, and a cat.   She is currently working on her second full-length album.