After establishing herself with a string of vibrant offerings throughout this past year, Greek artist Semeli Tagara is now looking to cement her dynamic legacy to date with the release of her riveting debut album 'InsaneSane'.
Featuring the previously shared outings 'The One' and '1,2,3', this ten-track collection makes for an incredibly rich and moving listening experience. With its broad and emotive textures, sweeping atmosphere, and her own mesmerising vocals at the helm, 'InsaneSane' is a wondrous progression to her journey of late.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano. I was fascinated by the way it could carry both melody and harmony, creating an entire world of sound on its own. It felt like an orchestra at my fingertips.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
A mix of many things. From old jazz records and blues to the raw energy of rock and the cinematic feel of trip-hop. I’ve always been drawn to music that creates atmosphere and tells a story.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Enlightenment by Van Morrison. Or maybe something completely different that I’m now forgetting. But I remember both making a huge impact on me. The mood, the textures—it felt like stepping into another dimension.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
That’s a tough one! To be honest, I’ve never really thought about it that way—I’ve always just enjoyed my favorite tunes for what they are. But if I had to pick, two songs that truly stand out in my heart are Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack and Dream Brother by Jeff Buckley.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t follow a strict formula, but I do need to create a certain atmosphere. Dim lighting, solitude, maybe a loop playing in the background of my mind or walking in the woods. I like to let a song reveal itself organically rather than force it into existence.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately, I’ve been diving into a lot of different sounds—some old, some new. I love discovering underground artists with fresh perspectives. If I named one or two it would be Nilufer Yanya , Benjamin Booker, Makaya McCraven, Little Simz.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
That’s a hard one because it would have to be someone whose audience would genuinely connect with my music. Maybe Fionna Apple, David Byrne, or Melanie Di Biasio—people who create immersive, emotional experiences.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When a song connects with someone on a deep level. When someone tells me that my music made them feel something real, or helped them through a moment in their life—that’s everything.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The noise. The pressure to constantly put out content rather than focus on creating something meaningful. The insecurity. I prefer quality over quantity, but the speed of our times often pushes the opposite. Staying calm is a rebellious act.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
"Stay true to your own voice, even when it feels like no one is listening." Authenticity always finds its way to the right people.
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Semeli Tagara's debut album 'InsaneSane' is available to stream now. Listen to it in the player below.