M u s i c w i t h a m e ss a g e
Opening hearts, inspiring compassion
A D alia T ara I nterview with R Yan Z epp
L
ike all artistic mediums, mu-
sic has the power to bring
about change on a personal
and social scale. It can be a
empathetic hand reaching out to us in
times of need, while also transcend-
ing our individual world towards
that which we share as humans.
It highlights important issues and
holds us accountable to the suffering
around us. Music asks questions. We
reflect and answer.
Singer-songwriter Adalia Tara is
a Sedona local who writes music with
the intention of offering her voice for
social and personal transformation, to
hold space for empathetic refuge, and,
ultimately, to bring forth more peace
in our world. For this issue of Imagine,
I sat down with her to discuss the
peaceful power of music and the role
she’s playing as an artist today.
You’ve described yourself as an artist
that creates music with a message.
What is the message? I think a lot of
the issues I deal with revolve around
simply being human. We share so
much by just existing together on this
planet, but I think oftentimes we fall
victim to focusing on our differences,
to latching on to what separates us,
instead of what is shared. My message
is one of empathy, to stand in each
other’s shoes and recognize our con-
nectedness in the face of all that we
perceive as separating us. My wish is
that people find hope and inspiration
in my music and not feel so discon-
nected and alone.
Was there a moment when you
realized this was going to be the
intention behind your music? When I
became interested in music and singing
around the age of thirteen, my main
interest and focus quickly turned to-
wards songwriting—writing my own
lyrics and sharing what was in my
heart. I realized the power that music
had to affect change and to really move
people. So, even at that young age, I re-
member having a clear understanding
that I wanted to use my voice to bring
about benefit in the world and to be of
service to others through my music. I
know that if I can come from an honest
and authentic place within myself, and
be vulnerable enough to share some-
thing that I’m experiencing, others may
feel similarly and find comfort in that.
It’s about finding common ground—I
try to do that through my music.
“In today’s world, any kind of artform
that can bring people together around a
positive message is incredibly important
and something that we need.”
24 IMAGINE l Spring 2017