Toronto’s Tara Van Shares Dreamy and Contemplative Chamber Folk Track

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Tara Van is bringing a captivating blend of chamber folk and pop with her latest track, "Things I Wanna Say." A horn-inflected, subtly percussive song, it is a delicate dance between vulnerability and uncertainty, evoking the feelings that arise when emotions surface before we’re ready to share them with others. Produced by Mark Calderone, "Things I Wanna Say" is a gentle, reflective track that glides along like a summer breeze, allowing Van to explore the complexities of intimacy and self-protection in the face of love.

The song captures the tension and playfulness that often occur in relationships, particularly when both partners are navigating the delicate stand-off of who will open up first. Van reflects on the inspiration behind the track: “A little under two years ago, I was seeing someone and the words ‘love you’ slipped out of my mouth at the rock climbing gym when I was saying goodbye. Both of our eyes kinda bulged and I just quickly said ‘bye’ and proceeded to freak out. I went home and wrote this song.” In these early moments of a relationship, there’s often a mix of excitement and trepidation, as feelings become tangled in a complex web of uncertainty. Van explores that space between infatuation, love, and comfort, wondering, “Is it love? Is it infatuation? Is it friendship?” The lyrics capture that disorienting moment when our hearts speak before our minds are ready to understand what’s happening.

Listen to "Things I Wanna Say" [HERE]. Watch the official music video [HERE].

The song itself is an emotional balancing act, capturing the tension between wanting to protect oneself and the pull to be open and vulnerable. Van’s voice, with its smooth and tender delivery, is the central force of the song, accompanied by light, airy instrumentation. The horns add a layer of warmth and playfulness, while the subtle percussion creates a rhythmic movement that mirrors the emotional back-and-forth of the relationship she describes. “Things I Wanna Say” has a dreamy, almost whimsical quality, reflecting the internal tug-of-war that happens when emotions grow stronger but are still unspoken. The music moves with a soft cadence, as though caught between hesitation and release, allowing the listener to feel both the tension and the potential for connection.

The song’s lyrics provide a window into the internal conflict Van experiences as she tries to make sense of her feelings. In the opening lines, she sings:

"Don’t

Tryin’ to keep these words outta my throat

Breakin’ down my walls I need a moat

Meltin’ me but you don’t gotta gloat

If you could read my mind but you don’t know"

These lines convey a sense of vulnerability and self-protection. The imagery of breaking down walls and needing a moat suggests the emotional armor we build when we’re afraid to expose ourselves. Van’s words reflect the struggle of wanting to be open but being unsure if the timing is right, or if the feelings are reciprocated. The balance between holding back and letting go is a central theme in "Things I Wanna Say," and the song captures the delicate tension of that moment perfectly.

For Van, songwriting is more than just a creative outlet—it is her love language. Whether she’s performing solo, collaborating with her band, or in the studio, the music flows through her, and she embraces every opportunity to express herself. Her writing is often deeply personal, reflecting both her heartache and her search for understanding. As she puts it, she writes her heartbreak “to settle the score with myself, and for all those whose daydreams have been clouded by hurt.” Through her music, Van seeks to connect with others who may be experiencing similar emotions, offering them a sense of solidarity and validation.

The magical thinking that first set her apart as an artist remains at the core of her songwriting. Guided by the poetic cycles of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming, Van’s music explores themes of growth and renewal. This approach was fully realized in her debut studio album RISE, which was released in 2023. That album marked a pivotal moment in her career, but Van’s creative journey has only just begun. Her love for Bubblegum Rock and Dream Pop continues to fuel her evolving studio productions, shaping the next phase of her musical path.

Tara Van’s music is an invitation to explore the complexities of human emotion, offering both reflection and release in equal measure. With "Things I Wanna Say," she provides listeners with a song that speaks to the heart of uncertainty in relationships, capturing the quiet moments of self-doubt and the hope for connection that follow. Whether you are navigating the early stages of love or simply reflecting on your own emotional growth, Van’s music offers a place of understanding and catharsis.

Listen to "Things I Wanna Say" now, and experience the emotion, vulnerability, and beauty in Tara Van’s unique blend of chamber folk and pop.