A Quick Chat with Tegan Clark

Your debut album, SICK OR IN LOVE?, has been seven years in the making. What does it feel like to finally share it with the world?

It’s hard to put into words but there’s obviously a lot of excitement, and heaps of relief as well. I have been working on this project for so long that I think to know it’s finally finished, is a bit surreal. The idea that anyone can listen to my songs now, makes me beyond proud of myself for independently creating such a massive project. I worked and studied full time throughout creating ‘Sick or In Love?’ which has been an overwhelming and demanding experience, though I have learned and grown a lot throughout this process. The difference between creating this album to the process of marketing and organising events makes me feel like a whole new person. I am excited to take these new lessons and life directions to create some new music!

Your music moves between pop, indie and soul. Do you consciously blend those sounds, or does it happen naturally when you write?

I would say it happens naturally. When I’m songwriting, I never think about the genre of the song, only what the song needs to help support what I’m trying to convey.

You draw inspiration from artists like Fleetwood Mac, Olivia Dean and Matt Corby. What’s one thing you’ve taken from your musical heroes?

That a good message, and a good melody, go a long way. Melody has always been what draws me to music, and I love to play and create melodies that are so sonically satisfying that it gets stuck in your head!

The album explores first love, heartbreak and the anxiety of growing up. Which of these themes do you find yourself returning to most often?

I’d say the anxiety around growing up is a reoccurring issue while I continue to navigate through life at this age. It’s a struggle to not compare yourself to others or to view world news and feel secure in where you stand, which is why I have been gravitating towards music as a form of connection through this time. I wrote most of these songs during a time where I felt isolated with these feelings, so I hope they can resonate with people.

You’ve described songwriting as a process of discovering where a song can go. What’s the most unexpected direction one of your songs has taken?

Maybe ‘Wish’. I started all these songs on the piano, and to see this song become a fast paced, guitar lead rock song is exactly what the track deserves. I loved implementing little world building sounds with MattyMadeIt (producer) to this track to make it feel a lot more light-hearted for an innocent confession of jealousy.

You’re celebrating the album’s release with a show at Mo’s Dessert Clubhouse. What can people expect from a Tegan Clark live show?

People can expect to hear all the songs from the album, some personal stories behind the songs meanings, and some fun covers sprinkled in-between. My favourite part is always introducing my amazing band and allowing them all a moment to shine. I want the audience to feel welcomed, relaxed and to fully enjoy the show with some shared singing and dancing.