The North American scene has had a massive resurgence, and Tara Brooks has cemented her place at the forefront. Having become one of the new breed of iconic DJs, she inhabits that musical place where dark, and light intertwine, finding a niche where she can express herself creatively.
From being announced as Desert Hearts, and Subtract Music’s newest resident, to playing at festivals like Rainbow Serpent in Australia, and Envision in Costa Rica, the California-native’s sound is finding favour in all corners of the globe. Her music is signed to the some of the world’s best labels, with everyone from Bedrock, to Get Physical, to Katermukke signing her productions.
If you are into deep grooves, hypnotic rhythms, and haunting melodies, then you are in for treat, Tara’s Balance Selections mix is a perfect document of an artist in full control.
Balance Selections Q+A
Name: Tara Brooks
Location: Los Angeles Ca., U.S.A.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarabrooksofficial
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tarabrooksmusic
Alias/Producer name: Tara Brooks
Labels affiliated with: Bedrock, Balance Music, Get Physical, Kattermukke, Akbal, Kindisch, Desert Hearts
My last 3 releases
Miyagi – Voyager (Tara Brooks Remix) Kattermukke
Tara Brooks – Eunoia EP Bedrock
Ossaim – When you Say My name (Tara Brooks remix) [Get Physical]
What music did you listen too as a child?
I grew up to my Mom’s classic rock, indie & folk records, Broadway, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, & Peter, Paul, & Mary to name a few. Music runs through my blood. My Mom sings, plays piano, & the harp, & my dad sings, & plays guitar. I’ve gone through many phases of music because I moved around a lot, & was exposed to many sounds. 90’s rock, classic rock, old school hip hop, to reggae influenced beachy sounds… Haha.
When was the first time that you realized that you liked electronic music?
Excuse my memory, but I recall going to Southern California raves, & underground parties (& lets be real, being introduced to ecstasy… LOL) (sorry if this is inappropriate)… I was exposed to all sorts of electronic music, from house, psychedelic techno, drum & bass, progressive, & trance.
When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
I lived in Houston Texas on & off, & remember a club called Rich’s which had the most amazing gay night with house DJ’s from all over. I was under-age, & blown away by the positive energy, the free spirited vibes, & this music that made us dance, happy, & feel love .
Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
I’ve always loved Pearl Jam, Stp, Nirvana, The Beatles, The Postal Service, The Prodigy, Sublime, Tori Amos. Producers – DJ Tennis, Dorisburg, John Digweed, Circle of Live, DJ Harvey, DJ Nobu, & Aleksi Perala. I love, and I’m moved by sounds that draw emotion, & promote healing, as well as experimental, trippy & interesting textured sounds. Appreciate the artists that have that special ability to touch, & connect with you in a deep meaningful style!
What was the last album that you downloaded/bought?
Aleksi Perälä – Simulation (CBS024) my good friend Reagan from Dance Spirit (who is absolutely genius), was playing him, so dove in, & discovered beautiful, emotional, fascinating, unique sounds & creativity.
What is your current production and DJ set up like?
Studio is nothing fancy but does the trick. Yamaha HS8’s, Apollo twin interface, Novation ultranova, Roland hpd-20 handsonic, Roland TB-03 Bass line, Dave Smith Mopho, and just diving into my new bass line. Get ready for acid 🙂 I just got my hands on a friends beautiful Prophet 6. I use Logic and I’m a sucker for plugins but continuously experimenting. I learned on vinyl & still have, and love my 1210 Technics. I use CDJs and USB to DJ, 3 decks when longer sets for more interesting layering of live loops. I Enjoy experimenting, and plan to add more live elements to my sets.
What releases do you have on the horizon?
As I just had a few releases on Bedrock, Kattermukke, & Get Physical, I am back in heavy tour, & production mode. I have a ton of new tunes in the pipeline, & I’m excited to be signing music for the first time on 2 special labels, as well as another EP in the process for a massive label I’ve been deeply connected to, as well as its owner, (hint hint) I’ll share the love soon enough.
Where can we hear you perform?
I have a packed tour schedule for summer including highlights of City Fox NY, Public Works SF, Do Not Sit on The Furniture Miami, co hosting my own boat party in NYC for Ebb + Flow, & Europe is in the works for September. I am a resident for Desert Hearts, Subtract Music, & Ebb + Flow.
Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
I use Ableton for DJ mixes/podcasts because in order for me to play, & record live, I need my crowd & all the environmental factors to play a part in the musical journey.
DJ Tennis – Amorose (unreleased) is a very special track, It draws emotion, whilst taking a journey through all the elements I love, hitting you in that special sweet spot that gives you the feels :-). This mix was a real journey for me because of this experimental transitional stage I’m in. I find myself constantly growing & evolving, exploring new sounds, & pushing boundaries to keep myself excited, stimulated, & inspired. This mix covers my many sounds, styles, feelings, moods, trippy & experimental elements that really just are created in the moment. Excited to share this unique adventure from my heart to your ears.
My Recommendations
The top track in my DJ wallet currently is:
DJ Tennis – Gordon (Original mix) [Running Back]
If I could recommend only one of my tracks for you to listen to it would be
Tara Brooks – Deeper into Eunoia [Bedrock]
If I could recommend only one track for you to listen to it would be
Mathew Jonson – The World Will Come Around
My favourite Balance compilation is
James Holden – Balance 005
The last movie I watched that I really liked
Bohemian Rhapsody
My favourite TV show
Don’t watch TV
Tracklisting
1. 2 Pisceans – Didn’t Take Long (Original Mix)
2. Artefakt – Levity (Original Mix)
3. Janeret – Singularity (Original Mix)
4. Fort Romeau – Eye of Re (Original Mix)
5. Aril Brikha – Pattern Recognition (Original Mix)
6. Chaim – Toriaz (Original Mix)
7. Unreleased (TBA)
8. Etapp Kyle – Axiom (Original Mix)
9. Eitan Reiter – Fade Away (Guy J Remix)
10. Lauren Lane – Edge Of Sideways Feat. Jaw (Chaim Remix)
11. Namatjira – Marimbas & Angels (Nicolas Rada Remix)
12. DJ Tennis – Amorose
13. Lou Karsh – Infrared (Original Mix)
