Artist Name: Tamara Stewart
What project(s) are you currently working on?
New Single and New album are imminent. I’m excited about those finally happening. I also am in the process of recording a new podcast series that kicks off in a few weeks called “Heal My Story’ . It’s a deep dive into the ways Creativity can be utilized for healing and it’s an absolute combination of my favorite subjects- Creativity and Personal Growth.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Mum says from when I was about two, my grandmother would say “she’s going to be an entertainer this one!” and she was right. I was always writing poems or singing songs and trying to make people laugh or cry with music. I started writing songs at 10 and hit the stage for the first time at 11.
The tornado really kicked off for me at 10 when I heard Dolly Parton on the radio and I had no idea who it was but I remember the way her voice and songs struck me in that instant- I wanted to do or be or go whatever and wherever THAT was coming from. Now I live in Nashville and write and sing songs for a living.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
Painting. I’d be an artist, I think. I deeply love it and still do paint on the side, or maybe move into the mental health world, I’m passionate about that too, but Art is definitely my second love.
I’ve only recently re-introduced it into my life and have my own art studio to work in, in Nashville and trying to keep it in my weekly schedule.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I love paddle-boarding and spending time with my fave people. I am also extremely happy in my own company, and love to sit in the solitude of my life and zone out on the couch. I’m also an avid walker and do ridiculous amounts of steps each week. The gym is a passion, especially when I’m in the groove if it.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Ha! I’m not sure about that. I think Harry Styles is an incredible human. I am a sucker for an English or Irish Accent too, so that helps.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Geelong Cats! Australian Rules Football. Nashville has an Aussie Rules team called “Nashville Kangaroos” I need to get on board with those guys and go to some games. And I am about to sign up to the Nashville Predators for Hockey and I think I’m going full-fledged Titans fan now too. (American Football)
What is the last movie that you watched?
Oh my. I went to the cinema and saw “The Whale”. It is still with me. Achingly beautiful and deeply touched by it. Brendan Frazer is beyond Oscar worthy for his role in that.
What is the last album you listened to?
I can’t get enough of Taylor Swift‘s most recent new albums. Midnights, Evermore and Folklore are masterpieces. I also have just discovered “Ren” and he has a song out called “Hi Ren” that is a stroke of human genius.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Yikes. Don’t make me do it. That question is too hard. Something James Taylor-esque.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
“This Shirt” by Mary Chapin Carpenter. And also one million others that are slapping me in the face for not choosing them. “Picasso and Me” by Gretchen Peters… so many.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Hmm. I adore London. I think I lived there in another life. Nashville, of course, then eventually made it my home. I love Boise, Idaho and I played a songwriters Festival a few times in Key West, Florida that is an absolutely gorgeous part of the world. Too many to mention but those come to mind.
What is your favorite meal?
When I’m indulging, a good Indian Curry! I don’t eat meat, but Pescatarian so Seafood is on the menu. Anything with Prawns/Shrimp or I can get just as excited about a kick ass salad with fried tofu. I am an avid Whole30 compliant gal, so I love clean eating.
Who is your dream duet partner?
I’d love to sing with Wynonna Judd or one of my childhood hero’s. But in today’s climate, I think for me dream collaborations are more about writing songs and I’d give my last plectrum away to write with Lori McKenna. Like me, she writes a lot on her own and I’m curious what we would come together and trust each other to say in song.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Lori Mc Kenna, Brandy Carlisle – if it was the 3 of us on one show I would explode into a ball of glitter every night. I think it’s fair to end that sentence with “Literally!”
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
At this point, after being blessed by a career of music for over 20 years, just to be able to keep doing it in a way that feels authentic and inspiring. The longer I am in this business the deeper my gratitude runs for staying ppen to wherever this darn journey takes me!