Tamar Kaprelian -- About to Pop

By Ashley Iasimone Posted Jun 17th 2010 02:56PM

Who: Tamar Kaprelian
Single: 'New Day'
Hails From: Los Angeles, Calif.
For Fans Of: Sara Bareilles, Michelle Branch

Why She's About to Pop: Growing up surrounded by her father's records, Tamar Kaprelian has had music in her since she was a child. As a one-year-old, she sang 'Happy Birthday' to herself -- before she could talk. By the time she was 14, she was writing songs of her own, soon picking up piano by ear. And right before she was about to head off to college at age 18, she landed a major label record deal.

While things didn't pick up for her music immediately, she found opportunity elsewhere, thanks to OneRepublic and YouTube. The singer-songwriter posted a video of herself covering the tune 'Apologize,' only to find out that the band was actually hosting a cover song contest -- and she was the winner. Interscope Records then scooped her up, and she's now readying the release of her debut album.

"Ryan [Tedder] actually did give me a great piece of advice," Kaprelian tells PopEater of her time working with the OneRepublic frontman. "He encouraged me not to be afraid to explore an edgier side to my music and my personality."

Below, check out Kaprelian's first single, 'New Day,' plus a behind-the-scenes video of one of her recent photo shoots and an exclusive interview with PopEater.

Watch the 'New Day' Video

Watch a Behind-the-Scenes Photo Shoot Clip

Six Questions With Tamar Kaprelian:

Your dad's music taste had a big impact on you growing up. What is one of your earliest musical memories?

Every night when I was around the age of two or three, my dad would sing me to sleep singing Billy Joel's 'Lullaby.' I think that's why, early on, I was so drawn to his music and his songwriting.

You started writing songs when you were 14. Do you remember the first song you wrote?

The first song I wrote was called 'Hey-Ya,' and it was a huge hit for OutKast. Actually, I'm just kidding. One of my first tunes was called 'Perfect.' It's a song about being comfortable with self-imperfections.

Your song 'New Day' was featured on 'The Hills.' What was it like to hear one of your songs on such a popular TV show?

I wrote 'New Day' on the piano a year ago, and it was incredible to see something that began so simply and organically be exposed to such a wide audience. It's cool to see how something that contains so much of my raw emotions [is] interpreted by other people.

Which song from your upcoming album is your favorite, and why?

See, that's a tough one! It's almost like asking which child is your favorite. But if I had to chose one for today, I would say 'March Mornings.' It's very Beatles-influenced, and it was important for me to write/record a song for the album that really showcased my voice. 'March Mornings' also might be one of my favorite lyrics on the record. The theme of the song has evolved for me over the past year or so. I didn't intend to write it about love, but now, it has taken on that meaning.

What's playing on your iPod right now?

Aside from the classic Billy Joel, Sir Paul McCartney, Sting? I'm currently loving La Roux's 'Bulletproof.' There is another amazing band called the Sleepy Rebels. Their song 'Unbelievable' is very fun.

After your album is released, what else is in the works for you?

After the record is out, I'll be concentrating on promoting it, touring and just really getting the music out there for all of you to connect with!

Download Tamar Kaprelian Songs

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Comments

(1)

Friday 18 June

By Truth

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People who think "New Day" is an original song should listen to Joy William's song "Say Goodbye." The choruses are very similar, and Joy's song came out a few years ago. Tamar is a hack, ripping off other artists. She should be sued.

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