FVMusicBlog

Photo: Tarita

Singer-songwriter Tarita has always had a knack for weaving personal experiences into deeply emotive songs, and her latest single, “The Grand Old Dance of Love and Hate,” is no exception.

This poignant track dives into the complex emotions that come with evolving relationships, particularly the kind of friendships that once felt unbreakable but have since been reshaped by time and distance.

Inspired by her own journey of reconnecting with a childhood friend after years apart, Tarita masterfully captures the bittersweet nature of growing in different directions. Life took them down separate paths, forming new perspectives, beliefs, and values—differences that gradually widened the emotional gap between them.

Yet, rather than dwelling on the sorrow of what was lost, the song embraces acceptance, recognizing that change is an inevitable part of life.

With her signature heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring delivery, Tarita makes “The Grand Old Dance of Love and Hate” both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The track invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of shifting relationships—those quiet moments of realization when we see how time has transformed the bonds we once thought were permanent.

From the tender lyrics to the raw emotion in her voice, Tarita delivers a song that resonates beyond words. “The Grand Old Dance of Love and Hate” is not just about parting ways; it’s about learning to appreciate what was, while making peace with what is.

For those who have ever felt the sting of a fading friendship or the quiet acceptance of change, this song is sure to strike a chord.

Hi Tarita, how did you first get into music?

Growing up in Tamil Nadu, South India, taking Carnatic (Classical Indian) music lessons was almost a rite of passage. I started my training around the age of 11, but over time, my musical journey took a different turn. Thanks to my father, I was introduced to classic English music—The Beatles, in particular, became a huge influence on me. From that moment on, there was no looking back.

You’re based in Chennai, India; what’s the music scene like there?

Chennai is this amazing blend of tradition and modernity, where centuries-old classical music thrives alongside evolving contemporary sounds. It’s always been a powerhouse for Indian classical music, with legendary festivals and iconic musicians keeping the tradition alive. Of course, we also take pride in being home to musical greats like A.R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja, whose work has left an undeniable mark on generations. For a long time, Chennai’s English music scene revolved around classic rock, especially tribute and cover bands—something the city still loves. But now, the indie scene is slowly carving out its own space, thanks to platforms like The Chennai Scene and House of T, which are pushing for more original music. Beyond music, there’s a strong sense of social awareness here. Just recently, we put together a concert for Gaza—something that hasn’t happened anywhere else in India. It’s proof that Chennai isn’t just about great music; it’s also about standing up and making a difference.

You had an 18-year hiatus from music; what’s it like to be back? And how have things changed?

I was living in the UK and Poland before moving back to India, and honestly, it wasn’t easy settling in—there are so many insanely talented musicians here. On top of that, starting out at 39 isn’t exactly an advantage in the music scene. But I was excited to be back and just decided to roll with it and see where things go. I’m still figuring out how to land gigs where I can showcase my original music, but hopefully, that’ll change soon. Fingers crossed!

Who influenced your brilliant latest release, ‘Grand Old Dance of Love and Hate’?

Thanks! Musically, I was going for more of an ambient, ethereal vibe—it wasn’t so much about specific influences as it was about capturing a certain feel. The lyrics came from a personal place, inspired by the experience of drifting apart from an old friend after a falling out.

You are a scientist by day and a musician by night; what’s it like mixing those two worlds?

I love it. Being an academic means constantly writing and reading research papers, which come with their own rigid language and structure. Work gets intense, and honestly, I’m grateful to have music as an outlet. What started as a way to process emotions has turned into something I can actually share, which feels pretty special. Even though music and academia seem like two separate worlds, I don’t think I’d have been motivated to dive into music if it weren’t for the demands of my academic life pushing me to say, “I need to do something more than just this.”

What motivates you to make music?

My crazy work schedule, the demands of academia, and, at the heart of it all, the pure love of creating something new and different—that’s what keeps me going.

If you could open for any artist/band, who would it be?

Oh, that’s a tough one! Of course, the first band that comes to mind is Radiohead—I’m a huge fan, and I’d like to think their music has influenced mine in some way. I’d also love to explore trip-hop and, in a perfect world, open for Portishead or Massive Attack. But hey, one can dream, right?

What is your biggest mistake in the music industry so far?

Pressuring myself to create that perfect song, stressing over likes, shares, and listens, and doubting myself when gigs don’t come through—it’s a cycle that’s hard to break. I catch myself comparing my journey to other artists in the same boat, and honestly, that’s a huge mistake. It’s something I think we all need to remind ourselves not to do.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Be more open to Indie music!

What sets you apart from other artists?

I think my age (and the so-called wisdom that comes with it—haha) gives me a lot of lived experiences to draw from when writing music. My perspective isn’t just personal but shaped by different aspects of my life, including my academic work and my NGO, Rethinking Refugees, which raises awareness about the realities refugees face. All of this influences my songwriting, allowing me to bring different layers and viewpoints into my music.

What is the best music advice you have ever been given?

“You haven’t reached your pinnacle yet—there’s always more to learn. Keep growing, keep pushing yourself, and never settle for ‘that’s enough, I’m good enough.’ There’s always another level to reach.”

What musical plans do you have for the next two years?

I still have five more songs I’d love to release, so hopefully, I’ll get to that and play more gigs along the way. It might not sound super ambitious, but I like taking things one step at a time—baby steps still move you forward!

https://www.youtube.com/@Tarita-Nila
https://www.instagram.com/taritamusic/

FVMusicBlog February 2025

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