One of the things I love about songwriting is that it is a never-ending journey. There is always more to learn not only about constructing songs, but also about how to convey your thoughts and feelings in this mishmash of lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm.

Every song has its own path, and below I share a bit about each of my new songs.

Layers of Identity

Tara Novak


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Looking both inward and outward, "Layers of Identity" is a beautiful ode to life's complexity. The album starts with a quirky pop song of love renewed and concludes with an uplifting reminder to live each moment to its fullest, weaving its way through thoughts on poverty, nostalgia, ambition, and kindness in between. Songwriter Tara Novak is

Looking both inward and outward, "Layers of Identity" is a beautiful ode to life's complexity. The album starts with a quirky pop song of love renewed and concludes with an uplifting reminder to live each moment to its fullest, weaving its way through thoughts on poverty, nostalgia, ambition, and kindness in between. Songwriter Tara Novak is inspired by humanity in all its colors, and this album tells a story that is both personal and universal.

1

My Heart Was Jumping 3:56

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2

Just Me And You 4:05

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3

Can I Ever Go Home 3:25

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4

After Tomorrow 4:36

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5

Lost in the Night 3:41

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6

A Thousand Paper Cranes 4:12

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7

Impossible Things 3:07

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8

A Place Called Purpose 5:12

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9

Laconia 4:47

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10

This Is It 3:56

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This Is It

What is the meaning of life? It could be a Monty Python movie or the number 42... But another answer might lie in the James Taylor-inspired song, "This Is It." From its fun musical-theater verses to its sweeping questions leading into the catchy chorus, "This Is It" embodies much of the music that has influenced my life. It's a reminder to live each moment to its fullest, because maybe this is all we have.

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Just Me And You

I was walking when my eyes were caught by those of a girl begging for change. In that instant, we were all that existed.
I often find myself thinking about that moment: what determines our paths in life?
This song is dedicated to that girl on the bridge.

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Impossible Things

Inspired by “Alice in Wonderland”, this song is about imagination and creating the world we want to see. 80s synths and quirky grooves weave together a perfect summer soundscape. You’ll want to grab your dancing shoes and start dreaming up the future!

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After Tomorrow

This is a song for everyone. It is a ballad about the journey towards self-expression. Have you ever felt put in a box by others? Have you ever felt restricted by expectations (others and your own)? This song talks about the pain of those feelings while still believing that you have the ability to truly step into a unique existence. This is a song about the power of being YOU.

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A Place Called Purpose

This song uses atmospheric orchestration and poetic imagery to set the scene for an epic story of a girl and her ship, racing against time to find A Place Called Purpose. Clocks tick and the ambient background sweeps the listener on their own journey.

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My Heart Was Jumping

This track bops along with a quirky playfulness. This is what emerges when a long-time touring violinist pens a song about the ups and downs of a relationship: drinking tequila out of Chinese teacups, travel and doubts, and ultimately the joy of the sun coming out again. It’s a happy pop tune, complete with pizzicato strings, mariachi trumpets and Chinese flutes to help get everyone’s feet and hearts jumping along.

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Laconia

While hiking, I came across an abandoned mental institute. This place and its history haunted me for weeks. One day I sat down at the piano, and this song just poured out. "Laconia" is about the people who might have lived in that building, but more importantly, it is about understanding differences. It is a prayer that we might all learn to be kind.

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1000 Paper Cranes

Back in college, a friend helped me through a very dark period. When I later moved away, we lost touch. I’ve always wished I had a way to find him, to let him know how grateful I was for his support.
This song is that love letter to not only him, but all the people who touch our lives, often without knowing how deeply they mattered in that moment – and still matter.

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Can I ever Go home

I was at an artist residency in my home-state of Nebraska a few years ago. I walked past an old dive bar, and desperately wanted to go in to feel like I was part of that community. However in that moment, I realized I no longer belonged in this place. I could never go "home" again.
This song explores that pull of nostalgia versus the choices we make in our lives, and ultimately, the ability to find “home” within ourselves.

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Layers of Identity

Tara Novak