Tara, you’re the Club Chart Coordinator at ARIA. Please tell us your story! How did you get to where you are today?
Without sounding too cliché – hard work. Putting in the time and effort, results in payback. You can’t reach your goals without putting in the hard yards. That’s just fact!
How did you get your start in the music industry? Did you choose to work in music or did it choose you?
I had just turned sixteen and left high school to pursue a career as a hairdresser, but nothing was panning out. So, I answered an ad for an office administration traineeship. Little did I know at the time, my dream of going to the ARIAs was about to come true. I went for an interview on a Friday afternoon and started working at ARIA the following Monday. So, I guess you could say the music industry chose me – as I did not know what I was walking into when I went for that interview. I guess it was fate 😉
Do you feel that higher education is a necessary step to enter the music industry?
I guess it helps depending on the role you are seeking, but I don’t think it is beneficial. I left high school in Year 10 and I have enjoyed working in the music industry for the last two decades. Working my way up from office junior, to receptionist and then to my current role as Club Chart Coordinator.
Putting in the time and effort, results in payback.
Who are your role models in the industry be they international or locally-based?
My role model is without a doubt my head boss and mentor, Lynne Small. Lynne was the one that interviewed and hired me back in 1998. I have looked up to her ever since. Lynne is a master wordsmith, a fearless leader and I hope one day I too will have gained just some of her many talented attributes.
What does the rest of 2022 hold for you? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
I am currently 35 weeks pregnant and due August 3rd. This will my first bubba, so I am taking 12 months off to raise my little bambino.
Don’t be afraid to take chances – you never know what door might open for you if you take the leap.
What would your younger self like to remind your current self?
Don’t be afraid to take chances – you never know what door might open for you if you take the leap.
Any tips for a quick ‘pick me up’ if you’re having a shitty day?
Put on your fave Spotify playlist and dance like nobody is watching and sing at the top of your lungs. It helps get all the anxiety out and let all the good energy in – it helps if you’re working from home at the time, but if you’re in the office your colleagues might think you’ve gone mad!
What was a source of inspiration during the pandemic for you?
My husband. Raymond kept his whole crew working through the lockdowns, when most companies were either forced to shutdown or had no work coming in. Keeping his concrete business afloat was no easy task. Plus, music of course – I would listen to about 15 hours of music every single day. It helped me get through the loneliness of the lockdowns
Who are your top 3 artists to watch?
Ah that’s a hard one – so many to pick from Kinder, Rain Radio and Youngr.
What is your go-to Karaoke song?
Believe by Cher or Wonderwall by Oasis.