No stranger to the music industry, 25 year old Tanya Lacey has not only been working on her own material, but has been working with an array of stars and artists giving her credits including co-writer on the massive will.i.am and JLO hit 'T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)'.
FemaleFirst got the opportunity to put some questions to Tanya about how she found herself in the music industry, what the experience was like of working on a new single with Matrix & Futurebound and more in an exclusive interview.
Tanya LaceyWhen did you realise you had a voice?
When I was around 13/14 years old, I would enter local singing competitions and my confidence with singing/songwriting started to grow when people in my community started to take notice.
What did family and friends think of you chasing a career in music?
I'm very lucky, My family have always supported my dream and never stopped believing in me, they tell me they feel like they're on this rollercoaster with me as they've seen the ups and downs and just how much work is required. I think it would be near impossible for me to have come this far without their support along with the support over the years from close friends and my manager.
You need a team of people around you who have got your back.
Would you say it's a difficult industry to break into?
Yeah, I don't think its easy for anyone, but anything in life worthwhile or worth having never falls into your lap, you have to work hard for it, it’s a hustle.
What is it about music that you love?
I love everything there is to love about music!, I love that it has the power to lift my mood, the escapism factor, the energy it gives me, I honestly don't know who or where I would be without it.
Where do you draw inspiration from as an artist?
Life experiences mainly but also people in general, friends, strangers I’ve had with conversations with, books, films.
Inspiration is everywhere if you allow yourself to be open to it.
What is it about 'Don't Look Back' that made you want to get involved?
I'm a fan of Matrix and Futurebound's sound and I always feel lucky to have had opportunities to collaborate with Artists/producers who I respect musically.
When I heard the demo recording I thought it was really well written, I like that it reinforces a positive outlook and I felt like it was a very apt song for me to deliver because it reflects where I’m at now and how I feel which makes it authentic.
How was the experience of working with Matrix & Futurebound?
They're great guys to work with, they're both really easy to get on with and they're focussed, they know what they want.
You've co-written for will.i.am and JLO in the past, who would you like to work with going forward?
I would love to write a hook for Eminem, something dark and moody and out of my comfort zone.
I've always dreamed of co-writing with Lauren Hill.
What should we expect from you in the coming months?
I have a feature with Bondax 'All I See' which will be dropping soon so I’m excited about that, I’m also working on my solo stuff due for later release.
Finally, do you have a definitive aim?
I just want to keep making quality music and get it out there, I miss being on stage so I’m definitely looking forward to doing more live stuff.
Tanya Lacey'Don't Look Back' is released Sunday, July 6.