Toronto’s own Tara Van, a genre-defying singer-songwriter, pours her heart and soul into her music, creating an evocative soundscape beyond boundaries. With a voice that can soothe and stir at once, Tara’s recent track, “Sunshine’s Callin’,” displays her unique ability to blend soul, folk, pop, and jazz into an auditory experience that feels intimately personal and universally relatable. Born to create music that resonates, Tara’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about sharing her truth with the world. “Sunshine’s Callin’” released on May 24, is a call to embrace the outdoors and let the sun illuminate the darkest corners of our minds. Let’s delve into this beauty of a track.
Accompanied by a gorgeous beat, “Sunshine’s Callin’” opens with a deep reflection: “I was in the dark until the 9th of July 2022.” These words, steeped in introspection and vulnerability, set the tone for the entire track. Tara’s lyrics narrate a journey from confusion to enlightenment, a transformation sparked by the healing power of nature and sunlight. With a voice rich with emotion and clarity, Tara Van’s understanding of emotion and notion is pretty strong, showing how neatly she can present and display them with the melody. There’s a raw honesty in her delivery that drew me in, making me feel every word she sang. The repeated refrain, “Just like lightnin’ out of my sky, it came to me,” echoes with a sense of sudden, divine realization, highlighting the spontaneity of her epiphanies. She did magic with these!
Lyrically, “Sunshine’s Callin'” is a masterful exploration of Tara’s journey, reflecting her neurodivergence and her quest for self-understanding. The song’s narrative arc from confusion to realization is beautifully mirrored in the music, for a truly immersive listening experience. The lyrics “Just like lightnin’ out of my sky, it came to me” sum up the sudden moments of insight that can change our viewpoints in a second. It revolves around the importance of stepping outside, physically and metaphorically, to air out and sun soak our problems. Tara eloquently captures the magic of those “aha!” moments that often come when we least expect them.
Musically, “Sunshine’s Callin’” is a sun-drenched tapestry. The production, helmed by Mark Calderone, is crisp and clean, allowing Van’s vocals to take center stage. The instrumentation is understated yet effective, providing a harmonious backdrop for the song’s message. The claps, kicks, subtle percussion, and the ethereal voices and synth layers create a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive. Calderone made sure that every note and beat served the song’s narrative, enhancing Tara’s lyrical storytelling.
Ultimately, “Sunshine’s Callin’” is a standout track that showcases Tara Van’s talent for blending personal experiences with broader, relatable themes. Her ability to craft introspective and universally appealing songs makes her a rising star in the music world. As this is her first appearance on Songweb, Tara Van’s journey from Toronto’s vibrant streets to your playlists is just beginning. Let’s allow ourselves to be swept away by her soulful serenade and let “Sunshine’s Callin’” remind us of the beauty that lies in simply stepping outside and soaking up the sun. So, next time the sun is shining, and we feel the call to step outside, let Tara Van’s “Sunshine’s Callin’” be our soundtrack. Embrace the moment, air out our worries, and let the music guide us to a place of clarity and peace.
Listen to “Sunshine’s Callin'” Tara Van on Spotify or SoundCloud and let us know your thoughts.
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