Emerging Montreal alt-pop powerhouse Tatum Quinn had a chat with us about her emphatic sound and what she has planned for the future
We probably pined over the immense potential and talent of emerging Montreal artist Tatum Quinn enough when we spoke about the artist’s latest release ‘Sell Your Soul’ recently, but we actually kind of really like her here at CLOUT so we’re just going to carry on.
The track is an exorcism of sorts for the artist, seeing her lay her demons bare, grappling with self-doubt and disappointment, and weighing up whether she would trade everything for the acclaim and plaudits that she desires. If you ask us though, the artist shouldn’t have to look too far to get them. Her raw-edged, emphatic sound commands any space that you play it in, with her powerhouse vocals and relentless energy making for a sound that feels as impactful as it is melodic. Whether it is the moody darkness of ‘Sell Your Soul’, or the abrasive, uncompromising swagger of ‘You Lost Me’, Tatum Quinn is an artist with a gigantic sound and all of the tools to continue to kick doors down. We had a chat with the artist to find out some more about her journey and what else she has planned.
Who TF is Tatum Quinn?
Tatum Quinn is an emerging Pop/Rock Artist – Singer/Songwriter & Performer from Montreal, Canada, who’s goal is to take over the world through her music, by inspiring people to be unapologetically themselves!
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been writing crappy songs since I was about 8 years old, but started getting serious, working with co-writers since I was 14 & never stopped since! In the past couple years I’ve started writing music without co-writers which has felt really liberating, yet terrifying at the same time! Haha!
Why do you make music?
I make music because there’s nothing on this planet that makes me feel the way music does! I was constantly bullied as a kid due to a learning disability called Dyslexia, & music was the only place I ever felt understood and accepted. I used to listen to songs in hopes of finding something I could relate too; That’s when I came across Eminem. A dyslexic musician, who was constantly bullied & ridiculed. I decided from a young age that I wanted to do for others what Eminem did for me. Give people a voice & a place of belonging! Eminem showed me that I wasn’t alone & that if he could get through his hardships, so could I!
So, I write music for myself & most of my songs are based off of real life experiences, but I also make music in hopes to help others feel understood & less alone!
What are your biggest influences?
I grew up listening to A LOT of Classic Rock music because my parents were constantly exposing us to the music they listen too, & that has definitely influenced my sound a lot; But on the other hand I was also born in the 90’s, giving me a deep love & appreciation for Pop-Punk, Pop-Rock & Mainstream Pop music. I love making all those worlds combine into one chaotic masterpiece!
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
My best moment so far would probably be, playing my first show back after almost 3 years of not performing live! (Thank you Covid) Looking out into a PACKED crowd, seeing them smiling, singing along & dancing was an incredible moment that i’ll cherish forever! We even had some fans come from out of town just to see us play live!! It was definitely my favourite show too date & memory i’ll never forget!!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
This is a really tough question for me to answer, haha! I would say to the people who are unfamiliar with my music, that I like to walk the line between Rock n’ Roll & Pop music. I was heavily influenced by Classic Rock, BUT being a 90’s baby has me taking influence from Pop music as well!
What I can say is… My music is honest, relatable, unapologetic, punchy/edgy & upbeat. I encourage new listeners to take a chance on us independent artists because you might find something you really like!
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
I’d say my dream “I’ve made it” moment will be once I get to tour the world, sell out stadiums & share my music/connect with fans! A huge bucket list goal of mine is to sell out Madison Square Garden one day! & I’d also LOVE to make a sing with Steven Tyler and/or Elton John.
We love your new single ‘Sell Your Soul’, what more can you tell us about it?
Sell Your Soul was inspired by something most of us emerging artists experience at some point or another; disappointment, self-doubt & frustration. The song was written about wanting something so badly, you’d do anything for it, you’d even Sell Your Soul. I felt completely defeated after the constant let downs of the music industry and getting up time and time again when life only wants to keep you down. It just became too much for me.
Funny enough, I wasn’t even planning on releasing Sell Your Soul, because in my head I was done with music! I was SO tired & discouraged that I wanted nothing to do with such a jading industry like this one! But once again, music saved me. In all the chaos I started tapping notes on the piano & after a few hours Sell Your Soul came to life!
What else do you have planned for the near future?
Next up is TONS more music! I’ll be releasing my next single Short Supply with a visualizer, mid July & then at the end of August/ early September, i’ll be releasing another single called Back In Time with an EPIC music video! So my plan is just to continue releasing music & busting my ass! I’m excited to keep growing as a person & musician, while refining my sound & gaining more experience & memories! I can’t wait to share these next songs with you!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
My biggest fan I would have to say is probably my mom! (She’d also kill me if I said anyone else hahaha)! But in all seriousness, my parents & brothers have been my number 1 fans/supporters for my entire life (as well as my harshest critics LOL)! I don’t think that’ll ever change & I’m beyond grateful to have a family as supportive as mine, who constantly cheer me on!