Tara Hawley

Tara Hawley is known for her smooth vocals and beautiful, soul-filled song interpretations, which evoke the sweet familiarity of the old in a refreshing style all her own.

Also a songwriter and arranger/pianist, Tara released her original-song album Stay Awhile, on which she also played several of the piano tracks. Her songs tell stories from her own life—stories of love’s loss and triumphs, every day struggles, and the dreams of things yet to be. Most importantly, the songs convey Tara's love of music, combining some of the many stylistic influences on her as an artist from various decades and genres. The album was recorded in Cleveland, Ohio and produced by Jim Wirt, best known for his work with platinum-selling artists, such as Fiona Apple and Hoobastank, and on the Emmy-nominated theme song "Somebody Feed Phil" by Lake Street Dive.

In addition, Tara has a long list of live-performance experience and has headlined at venues such as Nighttown, BLUJazz+, Cain Park, and the Stocker Arts Center in Northeast Ohio. She has appeared as a guest vocalist on fellow musicians' recordings and performed as a featured soloist—from jazz trios to full orchestras—singing jazz, pop, country, gospel, and other styles. Tara has also worked as a model, film extra, and studio vocalist, lending her voice to background vocals, jingles, and demos.

Most recently, she has been recording original singles, as well as re-imagined cover songs with award-winning songwriter/producer Allan Licht and Grammy-Award-winning producer/pianist/recording engineer Pete Tokar and performing live at various venues. Her original holiday single “It's Christmastime," written by Allan Licht and orchestrated by Pete Tokar, reached #6 on the Smooth Jazz Holiday chart.

For more info, visit Tara's blog and connect with her on social media @tarahawleymusic

To find out more about her album Stay Awhile, see the article below and visit the music store page.

For more press info & Bio in PDF form, visit www.tarahawley.com/press-kit-bio

"But when I hear music...I see fresh beauties and delights opening up before me one after another.  I run behind them, catch them, savor them, but still more come before I can absorb them, quite like the waves of the sea that come on endlessly and forever."  

~From Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz 1905

Recorded with producer Jim Wirt (known for his work w/ platinum selling artists such as Fiona Apple and Hoobastank), Tara Hawley’s long-anticipated, original-song album Stay Awhile brings a breath of fresh air to the modern pop scene. Infused with jazz, rock, and soul, Tara’s melodic, poetic tunes (all written or co-written by Tara) don’t fall slave to current pop trends but carve out their own niche. 

The first single “Ready to Give You Love" is full of trumpets, jazzy rhythms, and tight harmonies, giving listeners a glimpse of her debut record. The song—inspired by her love of jazz and the classic pop songs of the late 60’s and early 70’s—captures a vintage, upbeat vibe with a fresh twist. 

Filled with deep lyrics that don’t feel heavy and catchy hooks that will keep you coming back for more, this album is another great example that traditionally crafted music can still be mainstream. Grand piano, trumpets, cello, acoustic bass, guitars, and more make these songs come to life. Giving nods to previous decades in style and delivery, Stay Awhile remains classic and refined while creating fresh vistas for its listeners. And, not least of all, Tara’s smooth, sultry vocals will quickly capture your attention as her interpretations draw you in – the perfect complement to this original material. 

Visit the Music Store to add Stay Awhile to your music collection

“I’ve always been especially drawn to lyrical, melodic songs,” says Tara, “that, even if they are upbeat and fun, have a story to tell … I’ve also been so inspired by performers who are also great interpreters and can make you feel a song. It’s always the best compliment I can receive: that someone felt something deeply as they listened to one of my songs or performances. Great art is really about communication and baring a little of our souls, whether we are in the role of artist or audience. It celebrates the moments of beauty and vulnerability that connect us all. I'm so excited to have you to share in a little bit of my story, and I hope it helps you feel that you're not alone in this fantastic, crazy journey called life.”