Marking Tarita’s return to songwriting, ‘The Grand Old Dance of Love and Hate’ represents a welcome milestone for the Chennai-based songstress. Having spent her younger years as a singer all around the world, the talented creative took a whopping 18-year-long hiatus from music. Now, she’s returning to her craft, using it as a tool for self-expression; that’s incredibly evident from how nuanced and meaningful the single is.
Built on elegant stylings and a luscious production, ‘The Grand Old Dance of Love and Hate’ provides the perfect sonic context for Tarita’s nuanced, dynamic vocals, here effortlessly delivering mellow, nostalgic melodies with a touch of blissful energy. Known as a scientist by day, the Indian vocalist has gracefully returned to art-making. Although, one could argue, art never left her in the first place. It was dormant, bubbling in the background and accumulating global inspiration.
Speaking about the single, Tarita explains: “It is a heartfelt reflection on the evolving dynamics of friendship. Inspired by reconnecting with a once-inseparable friend after years apart, the song explores the bittersweet process of drifting away, the tension of conflicting beliefs, and the acceptance of personal growth.”
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with the talented creative to find out more about her artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Tarita, how is it going? Your story is pretty unique, in that you are returning to music (or songwriting, at least) after a whopping 18 years-long hiatus. What inspired you to write lyrics once again?
It’s been quite the journey, and honestly, I think a mix of things pulled me back into songwriting after all these years. The pressures of academia, my crazy work schedule, and the need for a creative outlet all played a role. What started as a way to process emotions—kind of like catharsis—became something I actually wanted to share. I guess I just reached a point where I felt like I needed to do something more than just my academic work. At the end of the day, it’s that pure love of creating something new and different that keeps me going.
Overall, would you consider music (and art in general) as a necessity for you? many artists we speak with cope with reality by expressing themselves. How important is self-expression for you?
Absolutely. Music, and art in general, has become more than just something I want to do—it feels like something I need to do. Academia can be intense, and without a creative outlet, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of stress and routine. Songwriting started as a form of catharsis, but over time, it became a space where I could express emotions, experiences, and perspectives that might not have found their way into my academic work. Self-expression is huge for me. It’s not just about making music but about finding a way to say things that matter—to me, and hopefully, to others as well. Whether it’s personal stories, or reflections on the world, music allows me to bring different perspectives into the conversation. It’s that balance between logic and emotion, structure and freedom, that makes it so important in my life.
You briefly mentioned that you are a professional scientist; was there ever a time when you wanted to be a full-time musician? how did things unfold for you?
In short, no—I’ve always wanted to pursue academia. But I did have this Batman-like dream of juggling both worlds, and so far, I think I’m managing it pretty well. Back in the UK and Poland, we performed every now and then, but moving back to India was a whole different game. There was a lot of asking around, trying to get my foot in the door, and, honestly, having to prove that I was actually good. It’s not easy!
You recently released an incredibly elegant and evocative piece, ‘Grand Old Dance of Love and Hate’. The lyrical concept in it is pretty strong and relatable, delving into the difficulty of keeping friendships alive over long periods of time. Is it inspired by a real-life experience?
Ha! Yeah, it was definitely based on a real-life experience. I was out with a friend and her group, and as the conversations went on, I realized I just couldn’t relate anymore. I had already started feeling that disconnect, but later, an argument pretty much confirmed that things were over between us. At first, it upset me, but eventually, I accepted it and moved on. People change—including me. Our interests, values, and beliefs shift over time, and it’s never going to be the same as it was 18 years ago. And that’s okay.
We love your vocals, by the way, truly cathartic and nuanced. Is there any artist – older or contemporary – you take inspiration from?
Thank you so much! That really means a lot. I take a lot of inspiration from Radiohead—I’m a huge fan, and their ability to create these deeply emotional, atmospheric soundscapes is something I really admire. I also love the ethereal, moody vibe of Portishead and Massive Attack, and I’d love to explore more of that trip-hop influence in my own music. At the end of the day, I’m drawn to artists who make you feel something—whether it’s through haunting melodies, layered textures, or raw, introspective lyrics. I try to bring that same depth and emotion into my own music.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
I write my music on my own, but I’d love to collaborate! My theoretical music knowledge and guitar skills are pretty limited, so that kind of restricts the melodies and ideas I can come up with. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to work with other musicians soon—it’s something I’d really love to explore!
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
The last two years have definitely had their challenges. Moving back to India after living in the UK and Poland meant starting over in a lot of ways—trying to find gigs, networking, and, honestly, convincing people that I was actually good. It hasn’t been easy. On top of that, I’ve had to deal with the pressure of creating the perfect song, the stress of not getting enough likes, shares, or listens, and the self-doubt that creeps in when gigs don’t come through. I also catch myself comparing my journey to other artists, which is a huge mistake—but one that’s hard to avoid. That said, I’ve learned to take things one step at a time. I still have a few more songs I’d love to release, and I’m hoping to perform more and collaborate with other musicians. Despite the challenges, I’m just grateful to be creating and sharing my music.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
Yes! I’ve got a new song in the works. It’s about not wanting to grow up—especially when it comes to men, haha. I’m keeping it super simple, just guitars and vocals, going for a raw, acoustic feel. Hopefully, people enjoy it!
