Tatiana is full of lofty ambitions, and she has the talent to take her where she aspires to go. A singer, songwriter, guitarist and actress, she recently released her debut, self-titled album to rave reviews.
Attending the Berklee School of Music in Boston was an eye opening experience for Tatiana, and put her in the company of many talented individuals. But one thing she is not is shy, so it served her well in helping develop her artistry. “Berklee was an interesting experience for me,” she relates. “When I went in, I was not so sure what I wanted to do. All I knew was that I liked music, but my background was in musical theatre and choirs. I had never been in a rock band. My guy friends wouldn’t let me play with them, sort of like Rudolph! I didn’t know how to ‘jam.’ It was an intimidating environment, there were ratings systems, and it was just weird. I think that’s going to happen at any art/creative school though. I know there has to be some standard, some rhyme and reason, but I also think it can be creatively stifling, and the judging of these fledgling music makers can be scarring and debilitating. I know some people who went there that never wanted to do music again.”
“So I was a little freaked out. I also had a lot of family problems, growing pains, so I spent a lot of college working on who I was. I grew into myself, and along the way I discovered a ton of great music. I listened to Stevie Wonder, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, etc. The most important thing that I took from Berklee was my commitment to music. I could have taken a few different directions after high school, but I chose music and I am very grateful to have made that decision, as I think it’s one of the best art forms out there!”
With airplay on a number of stations, such as WMVY in Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and WAER in Syracuse, NY, Tatiana is starting to make a name for herself. She also has been performing regularly, playing in New York City and she even ventured overseas last summer to perform at Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as Greece and Poland.
The eclectic variety of genres that blend together on Tatiana’s album to form her sound stem from her influences, which range from Jeff Buckley, Ryan Adams, Fiona Apple, Cat Stevens and Carly Simon, to Guns ‘N’ Rose, the Violent Femmes, Radiohead and Nirvana. But what category does she fall into? “No one knows,” she laughs. “I am waiting for someone to tell me. It really is a blend of everything. If I had to choose, I would say it’s singer-songwritery pop, country rock and folk blues. There are a lot of influences. I don’t even know who to say I sound like. I have been compared to all sorts of people: Jewel, Ryan Adams, Rickie Lee Jones, Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor. I have no idea really. I am the original Tatiana, how about that?”
Tatiana’s songs come to her in a variety of ways, but usually they are conceived in a short time. “I don’t write volumes like some songwriters, but when I write, I like to think it’s quality and sincere,” she confides. “When I get the inspiration, I generally write both the lyrics and the melody all at once, and 70 percent of the time I finish the song that night. Sometimes I may have to go back to it and tweak certain parts or lyrics when I have fresh ears. I also have a bunch of random unfinished songs just waiting for me to come back to and finish up. I would love to have a co-writer, because my guitar playing isn’t nearly as good as my singing, but when you work alone for a while, you get used to it. I get a little shy trying to be creative with someone because if I am alone, no one can say what I wrote is corny or stupid. When I am alone, I can write without judgment. That creative environment has to be pure and genuine.”
In a nod to her initial foray into the arts, Tatiana is also returning to her acting roots in a new glam-rockesque musical, titled Europa, playing the part of Eloise, who has “been around the block, but has a heart of gold!”
As far as the future, Tatiana goal is pure and simple. “World domination,” she exclaims. “You think I am kidding? Well I am not! I want to be heard everywhere! I want rose petals strewn where I walk! I want to sell the rose petals I have walked upon, and give the proceeds to charity and solve the world’s problems! Maybe find a country smart enough to make me their queen and royal sovereign. I’m also hoping that this fame will get me a date with Vinny Chase!”
You can get a copy of Tatiana from iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic and Napster, among others. A free download of the song “Castle To Defend” is available at TatianaMoroz.com. For information about Europa, check out europathemusical.com.
