The edgy-yet-bubbly new pop act reveals also her creative process.
Photo: Monica Spengler
The dark sweetness of Halsey meets the lyrical depth of SZA in Tina DeCara, an exciting new artist with her own spin on upbeat pop music. I caught up with the industry newcomer to talk about her first hit, new single and stars like Michael Jackson who inspire her.
Derek: “Illusion,” your collaboration with Thoreau, made a big splash. How was the experience of having a song blow up like that?
Tina DeCara: Yes! The experience of this song blowing up was incredible! I was so happy, because that song is different — and I was a little nervous — but the attention and feedback was so dope. I love Trap Nation — and Thoreau, the song’s producer, is bad ass.
D: The new single “Solo” is bubbly and catchy, with a good message. Describe the creation process?
TD: The creation process of this song happened real fast. The Drupes sent me this beat they had created, and I fell in love with the sound. I then drank a bottle of red wine in my room, alone one night, and wrote “Solo”! I am a pretty bubbly person usually, but I wasn’t that night. Writing the song helped me figure out that it’s actually okay to take time for myself and find my strength from within when I’m feeling sad.
You take New York City and Coney Island by storm in the video. Do you have any fun memories from the shoot?
TD: Heck yes I did! One funny memory was that it was like 0 degrees outside, and I was dancing around in a see-through shirt and sequin pants… so cold, but oh so fun. Between takes, we all kept running back to the car to warm up!
D: Who were some of your musical inspirations growing up?
TD: Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Amy Winehouse. I fell in love with jazz music at a very young age.
D: On the flip side, who are some modern day musical artists you enjoy?
TD: Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and SZA!
D: How would you describe your look, and where do you take style inspiration from?
TD: I am inspired by so much! I love thrift shops more than the mall... David Bowie is beyond inspirational, same with 90's grunge... One day it’s Doc Martens, next night it’s [Christian] Louboutins [Laughs]. One day my hair is a short pixie, next day it’s pink and curly!
D: What message do you hope to send with your music?
TD: One message is confidence for sure. It took some time for me to learn how to think for myself, due to assholes in high school. Any kid who may be reading this, please know it does get better.
D: What’s your next big goal?
TD: To get on a tour, and keep making music that will be on the radio.
“Solo” Music Video
Who’s your favorite new artist? DM me! Instagram.com/DerekPlease