Today we’d like to introduce you to Ms. (Tamara) Mack.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Perhaps the strangest part of my story is that I did not grow up singing in choir at church or school and that my becoming a musician is nothing short of accidental. Four years ago, a colleague invited me to sing karaoke and I couldn’t refuse an opportunity to meet people AND enjoy five minutes of fame. So much did I enjoy the sense of community, that I immersed myself into the karaoke circuit, attending shows twice/week from that point forward. When John, the KJ (host) of my weekly Sunday show became ill, I offered to learn the software and host in his place until he had recovered. This is when I discovered that I was an entertainer! People would often say, “You should be in a band”, but I never took them very seriously. Following John’s return, I began working part-time as a relief KJ for two local karaoke companies and continued to host intermittently, all the while becoming more confident with singing.
Fast forward to December 2016, a visually impaired student came to my agency with interest in volunteering. In an effort to make sustainable modifications for the student, I reached out to a community rehabilitation center focused on young adults with visual impairment. I worked very closely with the student and job coach for several weeks, in turn, learning that the job coach just happened to be a drummer. I mentioned in passing that I enjoyed singing and encouraged him to let me know of anyone who may be looking for backup vocals. He invited me to a jam session on January 13, 2017 where I met a bassist and guitarist (friends of his). The following day, we met for coffee and decided to start a project. Ms. Mack & the Daddies was born. Four months later we landed at the Skylark Lounge for our second gig and have had a residency since that time.
Please tell us about your art.
Webster’s dictionary defines soul music as having originated in the black American gospel singing, being closely related to rhythm and blues and characterized by intensity of feeling and earthiness. Ms. Mack & the Daddies is focused on the revival of soul music, through the re-imagining of soul classics and the development of funk-laden originals. Today’s music has long been missing the honesty, intimacy and authenticity that the genre delivers and I’m working to change that.
With the support of an incredibly talented community of instrumentalists, I’m able to demonstrate the conflict, unbridled energy, essence and power of the modern-day black woman’s experience, using soul music as a vehicle of expression. My hope is to expose people to the joyful/positive aspects of my existence, refuting the skewed imagery and narratives often depicting black women in the media. Additionally, my wish is that for women that experience the music is that they’d be empowered by my strong sense of personal agency, thereby holding themselves in just as high a regard.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I’d say that success in artistry is marked by the ability to fully enjoy the creation of that art. Having the choice to grow creative partnerships with other artists who are equally passionate is essential to my success.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can catch a live performance on the fourth Friday of each month at The Skylark Lounge in Austin, Texas.
Contact Info:
- Email: ms.mackatx@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackdaddymusic/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mackdaddymusic
Image Credit:
(1) Optical Paragon Photography
(2-3) Aubrey Lethbridge
(4) Your Pace Photography.
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