Tia Tamora Delivers Seriously Impressive Debut Single “Picnic”
It’s fairly uncommon to see artists embracing their Aussie roots in a manner that isn't the classic bogan shtick from The Chats, or the dad rock anthems from Men At Work and John Farnham. Fulfilling the gap of a graceful reverence to the homeland, Victorian dream-pop, alternative artist Tia Tamora has released her debut single “Picnic” an enigmatic homage to Australia.
Impressive, mysterious and smokey, “Picnic” is founded on the turn of the century novel ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’, an important element of Australian Gothic folklore delivered as a dream within a dream. Perpetuated further through the track's visual component, the film clip features optics parallel to the film adaptation of ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’, complete with matched scenery, costumes and even Tia looking a close twin to Miranda.
“Writing Picnic was really exciting because I’d just evolved into a new direction musically and lyrically. I very much connected with the story of Picnic at Hanging Rock and wanted to express my own interpretation of it’s themes. Wanting it to sound slightly delirious, lost and off-kilter,” said Tamora. “The verses paint a picture of where the story is set and as the song continues, the lyrics embody the feeling of recognising something larger than life developing among us.”
“I wanted the song to speak to a means of power and to throw people off their guard, ha. Especially when that beat drops in the chorus. I wrote the chorus as a simple, blunt expression to separate the storytelling in the verses and knew within the first half of writing the song it was going to be one of my favourites. I’m really glad it turned out to be my debut single. Picnic really feels like the birth of Tia Tamora and is the right foundation piece for my Australian Gothic vision.”
Sonically, the track embodies the same strong female voice and aura held by Lana Del Rey and Melanie Martinez, with influences from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Sevdaliza and Jonny Greenwood. Though comparable to these musical heroines and heroes it is important to note that Tia Tamora is also in the best way possible, like no other. Best said with her self proclaimed title/genre, Tamora is capturing a new sound - Australian Gothic.
Again, loyal to her roots, you’ll hear soundscapes of the picturesque bushlands Tia adores, capturing field recordings of the Peninsula where Tamora lives. “Picnic” holds guest 'vocals' provided by the local kookaburras, dogs, flies and magpies that literally inhabit the song.
Considering the careful craft, mastership and consideration that Tia Tamora has poured into this one track, she is setting herself up to be one of the most exciting and unique homegrown prizes.
