Hailing from West London, Tasha (known as ‘Lucky’ to her nearest and dearest) grew up surrounded by a number of prominent and influential members in the
artistic Asian community, so it is unsurprising that she also chose a creative career path. Her father Vikram Tah was a music mogul in his own right, with a career
that spanned over 30 years and her grandmother was a reputable poet in India. When asked why she pursued singing as opposed to acting or anything else? Tasha described it as, ‘a calling…whatever in life you’ve got more of a leaning towards and whatever you feel like doing from inside is pretty much what you should follow.’

For Tasha, singing and writing songs was something that she did from a very young age. ‘Everyone would always tell me to get up and sing or get up and dance no matter what type of family function we had,’ she says. This early encouragement and support from family as well as Tasha’s desire to always be the centre of attention is made her decide that she was going to be a singer. ‘I’ve been groomed from about six onwards…my Dad knew that it wasn’t an easy industry to break into…he didn’t make it easy for me even though he was in the industry and he wanted me to stand up on my own two feet.’

Tasha’s father was insistent that she got an education and was serious with her studies. But when she was 16, Tasha began recording demos and approaching record labels without success. ‘I was waiting outside studios trying to hand my demo to people, waiting up all night and just trying to get my break.’ Many people would have been bitter or given up but Tasha knew that the music industry was all about persistence and timing so she continued working on her music while furthering her education. She attended Kingston University and got a degree in Finance.

Her big break finally came in 2008 when Tasha met Rishi Rich and auditioned for him. He wanted to sign her up on the spot. It was just the right time for Tasha as she’d finished her degree. Being able to complete her education and go to University was important to Tasha. ‘That’s the beauty about life; you can have as many dreams as you want. One might be stronger than the other but it’s important to have a backup plan in life,’ she says.

Tasha loves singing from ‘the core’ of her being. She describes it as being part of her ‘blueprint’ but encourages every artist to have something to fall back on because she believes it is necessary to have a realistic approach. However, the passionate way Tasha talks about singing leaves you wondering if she truly believes realism is a necessity and if her backup plan was ever going to be needed? Her determination to succeed and relentless pursuit of her dream, realistic or not, is what has gotten her and numerous successful people as far as they are.

When asked to liken her style of music to a shoe, after a brief pause, Tasha chose ‘sexy studded Christian Louboutin’s because studs always stand out, high heels because when I’m making my music I always feel elevated and I’d [choose] peep toe as you don’t want to give too much away!’  As much as Tasha loves being in the studio, she prefers live performance because it’s ‘a different thrill in itself and the most beautiful feeling is when the audience are singing your song back to you.’ Tasha told Rishi when asked what she’d liked to achieve with her music, ‘if I can walk into a club or any event and see people dancing to my song then I know I’ve made it because people only dance when they’re happy.’

Citing Madonna as her biggest musical influence and a constant source of inspiration, it gives you an idea of the sort of artist Tasha would like to be – creative, daring, and controversial. With risqué track titles such as ‘Sexadelic’ and ‘Freak Lady’ on her forthcoming album, it’s a wonder if there’s anything Tasha wouldn’t sing about, particularly given her heritage and the misguided view that some people have of Asian women being 'docile'. But she doesn’t like to censor herself and believes that ‘people will always think what they want and it depends whether you’re ready to move with the times or not’.

By singing about things that actually affect her life and the lives of those around her, Tasha feels as though she is being true to herself. For her, music is an emotion and she’s at a point in her life where she’s young, partying and just having fun which is why this will reflect in her songs. Tasha is aware that people often talk about her sexy image and is frequently asked what her family thinks about her look. Tasha believes that ‘in order to be credible you have to be fearless’ and as long as her brother and sister are behind her (her siblings and her grandmother are all she has now that her parents have passed on), then no one else matters. After all, it’s only a little midriff bearing or leg showing and as she rightly points out ‘we wear less on the
beach on holiday and then put the pictures up on Facebook!’

Tasha’s advice to other girls who’d like to get into the music industry is: ‘don’t stop, don’t give up and you have to take [your career] into your own hands by sending out your demo, going for auditions and networking. Make sure you keep your ears and eyes open and don’t get used by anyone! And finally, just be fearless.’

You can find out more  about Tasha at: www.tashatah.com

After graduating with an LLB (hons) degree and working in a Solicitor’s firm, Assumpta – the self confessed ‘optimistic realist’, turned down her training contract to pursue her passion for all things poetry and prose and study Creative and Professional Writing (MA). She now works as a freelance writer.