A Quick Chat with Tegan Clark

'Tallest Businessman' has been with you since you were 16. What made you want to bring it back for your debut album?

‘Tallest Businessman’ has always had a special place in my heart. I wrote it during a 30-minute songwriting challenge that my Tafe teacher at the time gave me, and it was the first time I proved to myself that I could do something like this. It opened the door to what I thought was possible with songwriting, and that feeling was so exciting and inspiring. The album, ‘Sick or in Love’ also has a few older songs of mine, so it only felt right to include ‘Tallest Businessman’ too.

The song deals with ambition and regret, but has a really fun pop feel. How did you find that balance?

Even though the song has a deeper truth to it, I wanted it to remain light hearted and have some fun with the spaces in production. It allows the audience to question if you are prioritising the right things, while also accepting that success has its perks. This song has seen many shapes and forms over the years, and landing on this final product reminds me of movies like ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘Clueless’. There’s always an underlying theme of struggle or character development, while also viewing from the outside that material success can also be fun.

You’ve released some very different songs this year. What does that variety say about where you’re heading as an artist?

I guess I’m still discovering my “sound”, but I am proud that I know what I want to say. Each song was written from whatever flowed in the moment and changed with the context of what season of my life I was in. I don’t like limiting myself into one style or genre, rather focusing on what I want to say and how it serves the song.

'Love Garden' took things in a darker direction. Did making that song change how you approached 'Tallest Businessman'?

I don’t think so. I listen to what the song needs and how to translate that to the audience the best I can. Both songs carry a different feeling, and I like leaning into different sides of myself to express what each song needs.

Your debut album 'Sick or in Love' is coming in October. What are you most excited for people to hear?

I can’t say one song over the other, it’s like choosing your favourite child! I’d say I’m mostly excited for people to hear the growth. I love every song on this album because it shares glimpses of each stage of my life from the ages of 16 to 21. The experiences range drastically with so many different feelings and situations that happen between those fundamental years that I know people can relate to.

You studied Contemporary Music at Southern Cross University. How much has that shaped the artist you are today?

A huge amount. When I started the course, I was fresh out of high school, a baby. I got thrown into complex music theory (that made me question my life choices) as well as collaborating with other inspiring musicians that pushed out of my comfort zone. I majored in songwriting, so I also learned a lot about the method of creating music and how to best serve the song. Finally being able to apply the theory I learnt has made my songwriting a lot more expressive.