ME JUNE CELEBRITY Q&A
WITH TARA SLONE
 

Heres a gnarled but handy homespun metaphor to best study the surface of something, you must sweep aside all the stuff on top. It holds true in life and it holds true when considering the deeply personal, fiercely rocking new release from singer/songwriter Tara Slone, Just Look Pretty and Sing.

With a career jammed with achievements and accolades, its easy to be distracted from the story at hand. To better focus on the new record, which Slone describes as My baby...something that means the world to me, lets address a few things straight off and move on:

Yes, the Montreal-born, Halifax-bred, classically trained, Buddhist was the commanding voice of critically acclaimed pop/rock combo Joydrop. Theyre not together anymore (record label woes, not bad blood) but the experience was defining and exalting.

Yes, Slone was that dynamo, Sabbath-and-Bowie-belting chick (a finalist, actually) on Rock Star: INXS. She didnt win but shes fine with that. Really.

Yes, the albums title was inspired by a true-life comment made to Slone by someone she thought she knew. It hurt like hell but it got her reflecting and songwriting. And no, she doesnt want to talk about it.

Almost three years in the making and built on a bedrock foundation of words and music by Slone and Jordon Zadorozny, Just Look Pretty and Sing pits sheer rock ballast against knowing lyrical nuance, abiding melodic sensibilities against ferocious guitar squalls.

That alone would make for a righteous rock record. But add to the mix Slone's sometimes gritty, sometimes angelic classically honed voice an instrument of dazzling power and elasticity and the result is nirvana.

Q & A with Tara Slone

Wildest dream: I would have said to sing the National Anthem at a Leafs/Habs game, but since I already got to do that I guess my second wildest dream would be to become a sommelier. Id want to travel the world learning about wine. I would grow old in the French countryside eating delicious food and drinking wine in sweet obscurity.

Inspiration: The beauty and magic of the ordinary world.

I cant live without: Lessons learned, an open mind, hugs and kisses, the New Yorker magazine, poutine, hockey, tears, red wine and love.

Motto: Not afraid to be a fool.

Fashion fetish: Boots, baby! Black boots and push-up bras.

Favourite scent: Fresh cilantro (not on me!). Roses.

When things get crazy: I meditate.

Life in the music industry: Is never boring and seldom what it seems.

Pet peeve: People who talk with their mouths full and chew with their mouths open. That and the word anyways, which is not a word!!

On friends and family: I am so filled with gratitude for the support I get from my friends and family. In fact, I am blown away by the kindness and basic goodness of people in general. It makes me want to cry.

Want more Tara? Visit www.taraslone.com

PHOTO BY: Ryan Fujiki