Irish singer-songwriter Tanya O’ can’t remember a time when music wasn’t a part of her life.

“There was always music in my house, as my dad had a career in the industry,” O’ shares via email with Celtic Life International. “My earliest memories of playing music are all of me making up my own songs on a tiny keyboard and recording them into a toy recording device. The songs were of course terrible, but that didn’t matter – I was obsessed, and it instantly became my passion.”

In time, music grew beyond a simple pastime and into an outlet for her inner thoughts and feelings.

“Writing music for me is quite therapeutic. It is a place where I can be completely honest with myself and my emotions. I feel lucky that I have this safe space where I can process all the ups and downs in life by writing about them – and it is a lot more affordable than therapy!”

O’ has been performing and recording professionally for the past decade, having spent several years in Toronto until recently, when she returned to live in her hometown of Tralee, Co. Kerry. One of her biggest hits is the 2023 single “Run To You,” which she co-wrote with former Walking On Cars frontman Pa Sheehy.

When asked about career highlights, however, her answer is somewhat surprising.

“I have been very lucky the last few years, supporting some amazing acts and working with writers and producers that I would have only dreamed of working with a few years ago. The place that I am in now, however, and the songs that I am putting out, are my biggest highlights to date…”

While music has always come naturally to O’, offering her work up to the scrutiny of others – a necessity for professional musicians – has not.

“There have been a lot of highs, but of course, with highs come lows, and I have had plenty of those, too. I’ve faced a lot of rejection through auditions since I was young. I would be lying if I said it didn’t get to me at times; you are basically being told that you’re not good enough. I never had a thick skin, though I tried to be as stoic as I could about it all. It chipped away at my confidence. Luckily, over time I realized that I am not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. Once I accepted that, I became a lot more comfortable in my own skin. That’s what led me to continue doing what I love, and finding what music felt authentic to me.”

On the flip side, words of gratitude from fans make it all worthwhile.

“When I receive messages, or chat to people after a show, and they tell me how much a song I wrote means to them and how they have connected to it…well, there is simply no feeling in the world like that. Knowing that one of my songs has helped someone through a tough time, or connected to them in any way is special and beyond rewarding.”

Ultimately, however, the only voice that matters most when making music is your own.

“I started out writing as a way of expressing myself, then spent years working with different musicians and record labels. You can get caught up in this world, of trying to write the perfect hit song that everyone will like, and I think that’s where I lost myself a bit. So, I took a step back and focused on developing my craft again as a songwriter and musician. I’ve come full circle, where now I am just writing honest music that I love. It seems to be working out much better.”

The music industry is not for the thin-skinned, O’ warns. But she has some advice for fledgling songsters to prepare them to receive at-times harsh feedback so they can carry on.

“If it’s something that you are passionate about, go for it. It is a tough industry, and it’s brutal at times, so I think it’s important to learn how not to take things too personally. It will be a lot easier if you work hard and develop your craft and musicianship as best you can – that will lead to confidence in what you do.

“And don’t forget to enjoy it, keep your magic, and always trust your gut.”

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