Tara Van - “Rise”

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Tara Van appears on our blog with her brand new, upbeat and cathartic single, “Rise.”

For those of you who have ever gone through the torment of getting over an ex, the world is full of sad songs to help you wallow in the misery– and that actually tends to be our wheelhouse; however, it’s very refreshing to occasionally come up for air and wrap our ears around something more confident and optimistic. This is where Tara Van comes to the rescue with “Rise.” Right out of the gate, this track beholds a piano-driven rhythm that will instantly put some pep in your broken-hearted step.

Van’s vocal hits every single cheery note as she describes the process of rising like a phoenix from the ashes of a failed relationship. The rhythm never loses momentum and the listener is bound to marvel at the absence of any synthy or midi instruments– “Rise” sounds as though it would translate to a live performance quite wonderfully and easily. But for those seeking some ear candy, the entire song is lined with what appears to be samples of Van’s voice, delicately placed in the background as though songbirds, emphasizing her ability to move on.

If you have ever read our blog, you’ll already know that we are generally more keen on the darker and grittier productions, but Van’s ability to take a similar subject matter and turn it into an upbeat performance– all without sounding gaudy or contrived– is a rare feat that should not be ignored. We hope that “Rise” brings some closure for Van, as well as for those in need of hearing it.

-TM