Tamar Berk is a talented indie rock musician based in San Diego, known for her dynamic and genre-spanning sound. With roots in the Chicago music scene, Tamar has been influenced by a wide array of artists, from Suzanne Vega and Liz Phair to the Beatles and ELO. Over the last four years, she has released four distinct albums, the latest being Good Times for a Change. Tamar is also a devoted music producer, mastering her craft in her home studio to create meaningful and authentic music.
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode, host Isaac Kuhlman delves into the evolving landscape of rock music, specifically highlighting the surge of female musicians dominating the genre in recent years.
From established names like St. Vincent and Phoebe Bridgers to emerging bands like Wet Leg and Eliza and the Delusionals, Isaac explores the shift from a male-dominated genre to one now enriched by diverse female voices.
This context sets the stage for a deep conversation with indie rock artist Tamar Berk about her musical journey, the challenges women face in the industry, and her latest album, Good Times for a Change, releasing on September 6, 2024. Throughout the episode, Tamar shares her journey into rock music, starting from her early days of self-teaching guitar in Chicago.
Influenced by pioneering female artists from the '80s and '90s, Tamar discusses how she evolved her sound while staying true to her confessional and storytelling roots. The conversation touches on various themes, including the impact of the pandemic on female artists, the role of social media in propelling female musicians forward, and the shifting dynamics of the music industry.
Tamar also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her new album, discussing its themes of grief, change, and the emotional landscape that inspired her latest work.
Intro Music: Birds Love Filters "Colorado" - https://youtu.be/dqD_jMhZGqU
Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc
Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - https://poweredbyrock.com
Indie Musicians - check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99
You can also learn more at https://diyrockcareer.com/
Key Takeaways:
Evolution of Female Rock Musicians: Tamar discusses how female artists have gradually taken the forefront in rock, citing influences like Liz Phair and Alanis Morissette.
Challenges and Triumphs in Music Production: Insights into Tamar’s experiences navigating the often male-dominated music industry and how she overcame challenges to produce her own music.
Impact of the Pandemic and Social Media: How the pandemic has contributed to the rise of female artists and the role social media plays in building and maintaining a fan base.
Themes of the New Album: Exploration of Tamar's latest album, Good Times for a Change, revealing her personal struggles with grief and change, and her journey towards living in the present.
Future of Rock Music: Tamar’s perspective on where rock music is headed, particularly for female artists, and her hopes for more authentic artist development.
Resources:
Timeline:
00:00 - Episode Summary
01:31 - Tamar Berk's Perspective on the Diversification of Rock Music
27:30 - Female Rock Stars Can Cross Genres & Boundaries
38:49 - Good Times For A Change - The New Album from Tamar Berk
46:20 - "Good Impression" music video from Tamar Berk
49:16 - What Does Tamar Having Coming Up?
51:57 - What Tamar Hopes Will Happen for Female Rock Musicians