TAVIA – Face My Fears

In March 2020, right before COVID lockdowns began, TAVIA traveled from California to London to create her debut album. Not long after arriving, she realized she would be required to cut her time in London short due to COVID. With lockdowns approaching, she had a total of five days to complete the project before returning home. Talk about PRESSURE! Over those five days she poured her soul into creating, and completed the entire ten track album.

The album flows like a conversation between friends, weaving delicately through emotions and reflective pauses until ending in a cathartic release with the final track, “Face My Fears.” The second song on the record, “Fine*,” is about that little lie we all tell ourselves and everyone around us when we are hiding from how we feel. If you have ever said the phrase ‘I’m fine’ when you are the opposite of fine, then you will relate to this song. “Healing” and “Sails” are proof that track list position matters. There is a seamless transition between these tracks from finding peace within “Healing” to taking your first breath of freedom in “Sails.” When I got to the last track on the record, I cried through it. This album does such an incredible job of including you in its self healing journey that you can’t help but experience that final emotional release with the artist. We all know what it is like to go through something difficult, and the peace felt when you come out stronger on the other side. Whatever you are trying to work through, TAVIA has created an album that will serve as your friend, your guide, and your comforter.

And, as if the music itself was not enough, TAVIA created stunning visuals to accompany each song. That’s right folks, a full visual album will be released soon. Follow TAVIA’s Instagram for updates!

2019 Year End Review

I was unsure if I wanted to do an end of year post for fear of sounding redundant, but I have come across so much music this year that has inspired me that I thought it would be a disservice not to share a couple highlights and a few of my favorites. 

So first, the highlights. I had the opportunity to see The Rocket Summer and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness live this year. I have been following them for over a decade, and being able to see BOTH of them live in the same year left my heart as full as it could possibly get. The music created by both of these artists got me through many ups and many downs over the past decade, and the love I have for every song they write is infinite. 

Another highlight from the year is so simple, yet has been so fulfilling. I started this blog with no intention of starting a social media page. I am glad I went against my better judgement and took Tunes and Tapes to Instagram. It has allowed me to share so much more than posts on a webpage every month. Lyrics are huge for me, but I did not want to make an entire blog post about one line in a song. The Instagram page allows me to do this on a smaller scale. It makes sharing concert experiences and information about artists so much easier. If you have followed, liked, commented, or viewed the Instagram page, THANK YOU SO MUCH. 

Picking a top five this year was less overwhelming than usual because each of these artists have inspired me and are on constant repeat. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have and that you have a wonderful new year. 

  1. Dermot Kennedy: Without Fear 
  2. The Rocket Summer: Sweet Shivers 
  3. Jack Gray: Nights Like This
  4. VÉRITÉ: New Skin
  5. TAVIA: A Walk in the Madness 

TAVIA – A Walk in the Madness

There have been moments in my life that have caused me to feel like I am moving in slow motion. It usually happens when I am experiencing some type of traumatic event, much like the death of a loved one. It is a strange feeling and one that is almost impossible to describe. In those moments of turmoil, I somehow find clarity. My entire world may be spinning out of control, but an odd sense of serenity bubbles around me. When I heard “A Walk in the Madness” by TAVIA I was reminded of this feeling. This song perfectly captures what it is like finding peace when surrounded by chaos. 

I came across the song by way of my Apple New Music Mix playlist. Throughout the songs entirety I kept saying to myself, ‘Wow, this is so good.’ I have had this tune in heavy rotation for a couple weeks along with the single “Dreamer, Dreamer.” TAVIA has a beautiful, soothing voice, and the production of these songs are stunning. 

Give TAVIA a listen and let me know what you think. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this incredible artist. Keep your eyes peeled for her EP, A Walk in the Madness, coming out September 19, 2019!