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“There are no short cuts to any place worth going.”

Tania Zygar originates from France, and is now based in the capital of Canada (Ottawa, Ontario). With extensive vocal and instrumental training, she’s become a hot commodity in the International Electronic Dance circuit . She started playing the piano at a young age under the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has been writing music with her guitar since.

Recently Tania has reprised on the circuit with tyDi with their collaboration of “Half Light” premiering on Markus Schulz’s “Global DJ Broadcast” following an impressive and astounding take on their original track “Vanilla” lead by the Smart Apes remix. She’s since been very busy with collaborations, writing, and teaching voice. A promising artist with so much to offer, Tania Zygar has had a very quick arise within the EDM circuit and is eager to take the rest of the world of music by storm.

www.taniazygar.com

Beatsmedia: You are originally from France but are now based in Ottawa, Canada. When did you make the journey across and what inspired your voyage?

Tania Zygar: I actually spent most of my life growing up in Canada. I moved in 1995 as a young 8 year old girl with my family. The reason we moved was because my mom was marrying my step-father who was based out of Canada. I really love French culture, especially how passionate the people are about the arts. I have a lot of family in Poland, and I love getting to go back there to see them, too!

Beatsmedia: Your musical journey began with learning the piano. Can you share with us what inspired you in those early years to begin learning a musical instrument and why did you choose the piano specifically?

Tania: I’ve loved music since I was very young. I was always playing on my little keyboard and singing on my karaoke machine around the house. Obviously my keyboard with 49 keys limited me a bit much, so it was natural to progress on to the piano. I played the piano publicly for the first time at 9 years old in the 5th grade. I remember wanting to be challenged after that and really wanting to push myself by learning more pieces. From there, I went on to learn music theory and the guitar, which is what I utilize the most when composing my music today.

Beatsmedia: Who have been some of your greatest musical influences through the years?

Tania: Hmm… Britney Spears… Ha ha, I’m kidding! In terms of musicians, the first ones were definitely Jewel & Alanis Morissette. I really familiarized with them and that acoustic-driven genre, which lead me to learn the guitar as well. Imogen Heap is still a strong influence on me, as is Lights. My influences have shifted from a folky, acoustic style to a more electronic yet poppy sound, which is why I am in EDM right now. There are tons of different styles that inspire me. I think only listening to one genre is like only reading a page of an entire book—you won’t get the full story—with music, you won’t get the full perspective. I listen to classical, jazz, folk music, rock, and some really poppy music sometimes, just to see what the sound is like these days. You never know what can move or inspire you!

Beatsmedia: Can you describe the “Tania Zygar” sound for us in 3 words?

Tania: Evolving, ethereal, honest.

RELEASES AND PRODUCTIONS

Beatsmedia: Where do you draw your inspiration from for your music?

Tania: Each song that I’ve written is something I’ve experienced in life. Relationships as a whole and the experiences that come with them are what really inspires me. A lot of my songs can be interpreted to be about love or a lover, but they can also relate to a friendship or the relationship you have with your parents or family member. Specifically, the difficulties that come with these different kinds of relationships is where my inspiration is drawn. Sure, they aren’t always so positive, but I’ve found the best way for me to get past whatever I’m dealing with negatively is to write about it. It’s a therapeutic process for me.

Beatsmedia: Your collaboration “Puzzle Piece” with Space Rockerz has just been released. What is the story behind this track and how did this collaboration come about?

Tania: The Space RockerZ got in touch with me after they remixed “Vanilla,” and asked if I wanted to work on a track with them. They flew me down to LA last October, and I stayed at their house for five days. I worked closely with Austin, and we all worked really well together. We came up with the melody lines first, and then went to a studio to record “Puzzle Piece.” The song is about being into someone who you don’t always agree with. You know they’re not good for you and you want to get them out of your head, but you still really care about them. There are “good parts” about them which you can’t seem to forget. Eventually you’ll part ways, but a piece of them will always be with you. They’re like your missing puzzle piece.

Beatsmedia: One of your most recent productions is “The Wall” with Arty. Where did the inspiration come from for this track and when can we grab our copy?

Tania: The inspiration came from a fight with my boyfriend Simon. I wrote it when I was travelling to Poland, when I had a lot of thinking time. Basically, “the wall” is what you build around you in order to not get hurt, but at the same time you’re not able to let anyone in—especially the people that you care about. I think it’s something a lot of people go through. I’m really excited about the release, because they’re actually releasing it on both digital AND physical format on Enhanced (Music)’s website. It’ll include the Original, Remode, and my Acoustic Version. This will actually be the first physical CD I’ve ever had with my name included on it, which is really special to me! I think having an actual physical CD in your hands to unwrap is a bit more memorable than downloading a file onto your computer, so I’m really pleased! It’s due to finally release on September 26th! (I’m going to give away a few signed copies, as well! :)

Beatsmedia: Your productions on “Shooting Stars” with tyDi were released last week as part of tyDI’s second album release. How are they different from your previous hugely successful track together, “Vanilla”?

Tania: There are two more original songs on tyDi’s album called “Why Do I Care?” and “The Moment It Breaks.” The first track that Tyson and I wrote together was “The Moment It Breaks,” which was actually before “Vanilla.” It’s more of a chill-out track, and has a different sound that I personally really enjoy. “Why Do I Care” is a lot darker than “Vanilla.” We did a lot of layering with the vocals and harmonies. There was a lot more creative freedom to work on these projects with Tyson, as opposed to being given an instrumental track to write on. I had a lot more input, which made it very hands on. In terms of differences, I think “Vanilla” is a straight up club tune, whereas “Why Do I Care?” or “The Moment It Breaks” seem to evoke different feelings. You can listen to them in the car, or just when you’re relaxing at home, or when you’re working out at the gym… You can really experience the versatility of electronic music with these different tracks. Tyson is a true talent and put a lot of work into his album, so I’m thankful to be part of it!

Beatsmedia: You mention on your website that all the songs you have released come from an acoustic song. Can you tell us a little bit about your musical process and how you eventually take these acoustic pieces to an EDM platform?

Tania: I have tons of demos of my own stuff from years before I got into EDM. A lot of times, a producer will send me a track, and after listening, I’ll often think, “Wow, the progression sounds really similar to this acoustic production that I did a while back.” I’ll then take that acoustic production and transpose it onto the instrumental, send it to the producer, and we’ll take it from there. Another way tends to be when a producer asks me to send a vocal track. In this case, if I don’t want to use any of my old content, I’ll just sit with my guitar until I get a chord progression that makes sense, and a hook that inspires me. I’m a perfectionist, so I won’t send a demo just as a demo. I actually don’t show a lot of my process to the producers until I’m very satisfied with it. What I send in is pretty much done, I just have to record it a little bit better, and pay close attention to my breathing and intonation and everything else to make it sound polished. I send the producer the chord progressions, lyrics, and all the things that comprise the skeleton of track that I’ve come up with. From there, the producer will build around it and add all the elements that he feels will take the track to the next level that only EDM can take a listener.

Beatsmedia: You have collaborated with some amazing artists around the world! Can you give us an insight on how you divide the workload with the added challenges of distance, travel and time differences?

Tania: Skype! I think it’s one of the best tools for producers and vocalists to use that are working in different time zones. I have to balance everyday life with making music, so deadlines can cause me to become sleep deprived, which in turn causes stress. That actually drives me and pushes me to work harder, though. The times when I get the opportunity to meet the producers, like I did with tyDi and Space RockerZ, makes the whole experience even better and more personal!

Beatsmedia: Your biggest performance within EDM was opening for Armin Van Buuren at Beach Club in Montreal. Can you share with us what that experience was like for you?

Tania: I was very nervous, because I only had a few days to prepare for the performance. When I arrived to the sound check, they told me that I was opening up right before Armin, and that I’d be introducing him to the audience. (Of course I didn’t know any of this beforehand.) He had supported my tracks in the past, so I was really excited to meet him. There are so many different technical things that can go wrong during a live performance that you need to be aware of, so it was very intimidating with all of the pressure to do well. I arrived at ten in the morning, and I was scheduled to perform in the late afternoon. I just wandered around the venue all day trying to not feel overwhelmed, but I felt sick up until ten minutes prior to going on stage! When I finally stood up there, Armin came over, and it just kind of left me. It was really mind-blowing when I saw the amount of people there, and felt that overwhelming sense of love and support that exists within EDM! I sang three tracks, and the sound was amazing! I could actually hear myself, the crowd was engaged, they were jumping around, they knew the songs—so it was amazing! It felt like nothing I’ve ever experienced; it was such a rush! It was awesome to get to meet the fans and take pictures and sign my first few autographs! I’m really grateful for that moment, and I can’t wait to do big shows like that again.

Beatsmedia: Is live performance something you would like to develop further into the future?

Tania: Definitely! That’s something we’re working on right now. We’re in the midst of a whole “branding & image” make-over, so within the next three months I’ll be ready to start performing and touring. Live performing is my main goal at the moment. Being that it can be challenging to reap any earnings from projects within EDM, touring is really the only way to see any profits from the songs you worked so hard to create. The fan experience is a lot better, too. They get to know who you are instead of just sitting behind a release and seeing pictures of you. I really can’t wait to get out there and meet more people!

Beatsmedia: What is the greatest obstacle in the EDM scene you have learnt to overcome as a vocalist?

Tania: I think the business side of music is something I have had to learn and discuss with my peers. There’s publishing, and contracts, and all these different politics involved. I’m a very artsy person; I’ve always considered singing something I love to do. Once you bring business and politics into it, I feel it sometimes kills inspiration. I’m working on being more business savvy, and keeping that inspiration and creativity alive.

DOWNTIME

Beatsmedia: Can you tell us a little bit about the Tania Zygar outside of music? What are some of your favourite hobbies and pastimes?

Tania: When I have the time, I like to work out and do yoga to keep in shape. I think it’s great for your mind and overall well-being. I see my friends as much as I can, and play with my two cats, but music is really my life right now! I just love sitting down with the guitar or jamming out on the piano for fun. There’s no pressure on writing that “hit track” when I’m there just enjoying the music. Most people don’t know that I actually also manage a non-profit organization.

Beatsmedia: Who are some of your favourite musicians outside of EDM?

Tania: Ellie Goulding, Lights, Adele, Jessie J, Beirut, Crystal Castles, Rat-Tat-Tat… those are just a few off the top of my head!

Beatsmedia: Where are we most likely to find you on a Saturday night?

Tania: Either in the studio working on a track, or out to the pub enjoying time with friends!

Beatsmedia: Your ultimate place for a holiday?

Tania: Somewhere really warm and sunny with a nice beach! I’d love to go somewhere beautiful in Thailand. Anywhere there’s a bar and an ocean with beautiful sand, really. I’ve always lived inland, so it’s always really special to me when I’m on the coast line. I love LA, Vancouver, Cuba—those are my favourites!

Beatsmedia: Finally, what are your goals, personally and professionally, for 2012?

Tania: There are a few things in the works which I’m waiting to hear back from. If the decision is a “yes,” then 2012 is going to be a very good year for me—musically. Another goal of mine is to tour a lot more, to have a bigger fan outreach, and to even do acoustic shows. Personally, I really want to work on time management. I always feel like I’m very busy and on-the-go; I want to be able to finish my tasks effectively and become a more balanced person. “Balance” is the goal for 2012!

http://www.taniazygar.com
http://www.facebook.com/TaniaZygarOfficial
http://www.twitter.com/taniazygar

Arty feat. Tania Zygar – The Wall
RELEASE DATE : 10th October 2011 (26th September at Beatport)
More information can be found here along with remixes

Posted in: Featured, Interviews | Posted on September 23, 2011 by Beatsmedia