Interview: Tara Mcdonald

Skiddle caught up with songwriter and vocalist Tara McDonald ahead of her appearance at The Twisted Disco later this month.

The  English songwriter and vocalist is widely recognised for a string of crossover hits, both internationally and in the UK. She achieved success working with Armand Van Helden and co-writing with Axwell on the chart hits ‘My, My. My’ and ‘Feel The Vibe’ – both of which debuted at  Number 1 in the club charts. She has also collaborated with Todd Terry, with whom she co-wrote ‘Get Down’, and with David Guetta – with whom she co-wrote ‘Delirious’ and ‘You Are Not Alone’.

Your next Hed Kandi event is at brand new London residency Ministry of Sound. Is this a venue you’ve performed at many times?

Yeah, I have performed at MOS a few times over the years and it’s actually one of my favourite venues in the world, as I feel like I grew up there.  I swear I have had some of the best nights of my life in this club!

What have been your greatest Ministry of Sound memories? It seems everyone has at least one.

It was performing with Kenny Dope and Todd Terry when I was promoting our single ‘Get Down’ together.  It’s a really special memory for me - working with some of the pioneers of house music in front of a crazy crowd.

What do you have planned for the event?

Now that would be telling. You’ll just have to come on down and see for yourself!

Another exciting Ibiza season is around the corner, with Hed Kandi at brand new venue Es Paradis. What do you think of the new venue?

I can’t wait to see it, it will actually be my first time to Es Paradis.

This year HK fans will be lucky enough to have you in Ibiza every week. What plans do you have for your performances?

This year I’m planning a bigger and better set than ever, fabulous costumes and props to go alongside some of my new records - plus all the other tunes fans know and love. I’m super excited for the season to begin!

Any big Summer tracks you think we should look out for?

Well hopefully my first solo record will be out this Summer, so keep your eyes peeled for that one.  I've been writing with a lot of amazing producer/DJ's around the world too and have some new collaborations coming out with TV Rock and Laidback Luke as well!

You’ve been working on an album. Can you tell us a little more about this?

Well this is a really exciting time for me as this is my first debut solo record.  The style is really cool and vibrant. Wicked drum loops and bass lines with brass and catchy songs with pop sensibilities and a slightly retro jazzy 40’s feel.  I can’t wait to perform the tracks live, I want to make everyone in the club feel happy, I want to put a smile on everyone’s faces!

Any other exciting activity for you at the moment?

There's been loads going on lately.  I have been performing to raise money for the children's charity Dance Aid, which I'm really excited to be involved with. I'm touring all over the world still, and go to South America for the first time in two weeks to perform there.   Next week I'll be in Morocco to film a video clip for my new single with French DJ/producer David Vendetta called 'I'm Your Goddess’. It has a really Arabic feel and I'll be dressed like Cleopatra, so I'm really excited about that too.

We saw your French Playboy feature, where you looked absolutely amazing. How did this come about?

The opportunity came through my French booking agent. I was in Germany on tour, recording that weekend and the “unexpected” telephone call came asking if I would pose for French Playboy.  After pacing the room and calling a few of my good friends and family I decided to do it.  It was a special music edition and they wanted to do a 14 page feature on me, all very tastefully done of course with an amazing team and they wanted to follow the theme of my solo project so I couldn’t say no!  I was styled as Betty Page - meets Andy Warhol pop art. As soon as they told me that I was like "yes"!

Was it scary posing for the pics?

The idea of posing naked was actually much scarier than actually doing it.  I couldn’t sleep at all the night before as I was so terrified but on the day of the shoot I just felt really relaxed.  I think because the team were so professional.  I don’t think I have felt that comfortable being naked since I was a little child.

Would you do it again?

Hell yeah!

Catch Tara McDonald at The Twisted Disco -  the second instalment of the legendary Hed Kandi bank holiday Sunday spectaculars at the Ministry of Sound, London on May 30th.

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