Meet Tara Obregon, the 25 year old artist, musician and writer from Ventura County, California. Since she was a little girl she has been creating art of many mediums whilst drawing her inspirations from old films, melancholia, dreamy masterpieces and haunting melodies. Her debut album “Love and the Sea Spell” will be released in June of 2021.

How did you get into music in the first place?

My mom showed me the Partridge Family at a young age, and that really led me to falling in love with music. (And teen throbs from the 70s!). I liked alternative music of the early 2000s but I never felt a connection like I did with music from the 60s and 70s.

What are the key inspirations behind your music?

Whatever state my heart is in motivates me to write music. I have a song on my upcoming album called “On My Mind” which was written after a breakup with someone I loved very, very much. Then I have another song about finding new love amidst the pandemic. I’ve always felt like my heart has so much to give and it has always come out in my music. Another way I gather inspiration is from Pre-Raphaelite era paintings. I feel that it helps give me the melancholic image for my sound.

Aside from music, what other passions do you have?

I write poetry, I do pyrography (wood burning), I have my own shop called Love Bloom Lily, and I am an aspiring florist! I am so grateful that I was born with an infinite amount of passion, and that I have the ability to create art using that passion.

Who are your biggest fashion icons?

I love seeing women who have a 70s desert/prairie style. More specifically though. Anita Pallenberg, Jean Shrimpton, Stevie Nicks, Lee Radziwill, Gloria Steinem, and I’m sure I’m missing more but those are my main icons.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I would love to live in the desert playing music and maybe have my own flower shop. I also hope to have at least three albums finished within five years. There are some days I see myself living in Europe so who knows where I’ll be!

Which book do you always come back to?

Hmm.. this one is tough. I’d have to say Night by Elie Wiesel, or the Diary of Anne Frank. I tend to complain over small things and often I take things for granted as we all do. Every time I read these books, it helps me take a step back and realize how incredibly fortunate I am, and it really puts everything in perspective for me. I feel much more grateful to be alive. On a lighter note, I also love re-reading Anne of Green Gables!

Dream partner, to share a stage with?

In a perfect world I would share the stage with George Harrison. But since that’s not possible, I’d choose Andrew Bird. I have always felt like my music would flow wonderfully together with his.

Karaoke song that never disappoints?

I’ve never gone out on the town to do karaoke before! But in my mind I imagine myself singing Baby I’m Yours, the Cass Elliot version.

Your work and persona have so many inspirations from the past, but do you find yourself inspired by anything contemporary?

In recent years I have tried to pull away from just listening to older music. I have such talented friends that never fail to inspire me with their songs. I like the modern baroque style that someone like Jacco Gardner is inspired by. I am also inspired by Andrew Bird and the cozy, nostalgic melancholy that his melodies bring.

Once concerts are back, what artist would you like to see first?

I have a list of bands I still have yet to see! But above all those would be my friends’ bands. (Soundchild, Golden Animals, Reflective Detectives, Sunn Days Cult, Thee Mvps, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Lucas Aaron, the Knee Hi’s, Windows, and many more!!) I miss going out for drinks and going to my friends’ shows. I hope we’ll be able to go to shows again soon!

What are your professional plans for the upcoming months?

I have plans to release my debut album “Love and the Sea Spell” by June. I’ve also been working on a third poetry book. Aside from that, I have Love Bloom Lily where I sell vintage clothes and make jewelry and wood burning art. Regarding my career, I have plans to become a floral arranger and am currently a floral assistant.

Check out Tara here ♡