From gracing the stages of lower Broadway to earning a spot on Team Blake to working as a red carpet correspondent for American Songwriter to being an on-air personality for WSMV’s Today In Nashville – the list just goes on and on for Taryn Papa. This year the Connecticut native added yet another note to that list – recording one of the most iconic songs in all of music, and she did so with the original vocalist and bandmember on the classic track!
We recently caught up with Taryn to talk about all those career markers, her inspirations and that new single!
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
TP: Martina McBride has had a profound impact on my music. Her ability to convey emotion and tell stories through her songs inspires me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. Artists like her remind me that music can be a powerful tool for healing and expression.
CN: You learned how to play piano at the age of 7 on your grandfather’s piano, and you would return to play that instrument with your grandfather as he was battling Alzheimer’s. The connection to music and how it can trigger memory in those fighting this disease is incredible. Can you share not only about your relationship with your grandfather and music, but how that bond continued with his Alzheimer’s?
TP: Learning to play on my grandfather’s piano was such a formative experience. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about our relationship. As he faced Alzheimer’s, I found that playing familiar songs helped evoke memories and emotions. It created moments of clarity and joy for both of us, reminding me of the power of music in bridging gaps when words fail.
CN: Last month you released your latest single – and quite the iconic song – “You’re The Inspiration”. But not only that, you worked with Jason Scheff, who was the longtime lead vocalist and bassist Chicago. How did this collaboration come to be?
TP: The opportunity to work with Jason Scheff came about through some amazing connections I have made in the industry. A few years ago, I was on an MTV/POP TV show called “American Supergoup” and Jason was one of the four judges. I’ve always admired Chicago’s music, so being able to reinterpret “You’re The Inspiration” with him felt like a dream. We both brought our own experiences to the song, which made it even more special.
CN: What was it like working with Jason and did you feel any extra pressure to “get it right” since it’s such a classic song and you were working with an original band member on the song?
TP: There was definitely a mix of excitement and pressure when working with Jason. “You’re The Inspiration” is beloved by many, and I wanted to honor that legacy. Jason’s encouragement helped me feel more at ease, and we focused on making it our own while respecting the original.
CN: It’s been about 4 years since your time as a contestant on “The Voice” – What lessons did you take with you after your time on the show? Any specific advice from coach Blake Shelton?
TP: My time on “The Voice” was transformative. I learned the importance of resilience and authenticity. Blake Shelton often emphasized the need to stay true to myself, which has stuck with me. His belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams fearlessly.
CN: Knowing that Martina McBride is such a huge inspiration to you, it made sense that you would pick a song from her catalogue for your blind audition performance. What was it about “Anyway” that you decided “this is the one I’m going to sing”?
TP: I chose “Anyway” for my blind audition because its message resonated deeply with me. The song’s theme of persevering through challenges is something I relate to personally. Martina’s powerful delivery really speaks to the human experience, and I wanted to embody that feeling during my performance.
CN: Is there any advice present-day Taryn Papa would tell The Voice contestant Taryn Papa?
TP: If I could talk to the Taryn from “The Voice,” I’d remind her to embrace her uniqueness and not to be afraid of vulnerability. Each performance is an opportunity to grow, and it’s okay to take risks.
CN: You just collaborated with Jason Scheff. If you had the opportunity to collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
TP: If I could collaborate with any artist, it would definitely be Ed Sheeran. His songwriting is incredibly relatable and masterful. I’d love to explore different sounds and styles together—it would be such a creative journey!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
TP: I’d say “resilient.” Life can throw a lot at you, but I believe in facing challenges head-on and using them as stepping stones to grow. It’s about adapting and finding strength in tough times.
CN: What’s on the horizon as we enter the final months of 2024?
TP: There’s a lot on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to what’s next! Be sure to follow me on all social media networks, sign up for my email list on tarynpapa.com and you won’t miss a thing!