Tara Beier, Image:Supplied
Fitness comes in many forms, with physical health and mental wellness being major factors. But the combination of the two creates a holistically well-rounded person, and it’s essential to be in touch with all elements of our health.
We are also at our best when we exude endorphins, which make us happy and amplify our overall quality of life. Enter Canadian-American singer Tara Beier, who radiates love in lockdown, has found light in the darkest of times, and has stayed creative, empowered, and centered despite the trying times we are living through.
The talented artist, who has been praised as the next Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, has stayed strong mentally and physically by grounding herself in health and wellness - values that reflect in her new music.
When selecting the next single to premiere off of her new album “Super Bloom,” Tara wanted to create a music video that aligned with the message she wants to send her fans. She believes that music and mental health are intertwined, as songs can be therapeutic and can help us through very challenging times.
Tara’s hit track “Hopeless Romantic” brings this idea to life, and connects her fans through the power of music. The song explores themes of gratitude, nostalgia, and true bliss.
The music video, which GLAMOUR South Africa exclusively premieres, sends fans into a whimsical world of wellness, inner-peace, and sense of serene energy, all important aspects to cling onto these days. In addition to emulating mental health through the video, Tara also hones in on her active side through horseback riding.
She trained extensively for scenes in the video that depict her equestrian skills, and she effortlessly showcased her physicality in the video.
Tara spoke exclusively to GLAMOUR about how she mentally and physically prepared for the video, how music and wellness go hand-in-hand, how she stays strong, nutritious and fit during the lockdown, and her go-to tricks for keeping up her confidence.
GLAMOUR: What is your typical workout regimen weekly, and how has it evolved amid the pandemic?
Tara Beier (TB):
I’ve been working out with Tracy Anderson lessons for years. I love dancing and moving organically instead of the typical gym work out routine. After my morning coffee, I force myself to get up and jump into a 40 min Tracy Anderson dance cardio and body sculpting. Afterwards I have breakfast and walk my dog to start my day! I also try to fit in some relaxed yin yoga once a week.
GLAMOUR: What goes into training for a music video - how far in advance do you start preparing?
TB:
Typically it takes one to two-three weeks to prepare and an exciting, creative process! I think about the song, the message and feeling I want to give to the audience. Then I rehearse with my guitar and work-out to keep focus. The general story and concept is developed by my amazing director, Hana Haley. We discuss concept, color palettes, the location, hair, make up and do a wardrobe fitting. I am there to support and go with her vision. It’s a very collaborative process, I love it!
GLAMOUR: The video involves horseback riding, which often receives criticism for not being a type of workout. How does horseback riding keep you active and healthy? Why is it a great form of fitness?
TB:
It’s funny and understandable people think so. Yes, it’s absolutely a work out in every way! It starts with having to tack up the horse, grooming, and putting on the equipment, like the saddle and bridle. Firstly, getting up on the horse takes a certain level of flexibility and inner core. While riding you are basically working your thighs, abs, butt and calves at all times to control and direct the horse.
Tara Beier, Image:Supplied
You also need to maintain good posture and position on the horse. It also depends on what exactly you're doing. Just walking on a horse you won’t break a sweat, but if you’re trotting, cantering, jumping or dressage, you will definitely break a sweat and working out your body! And if you’re on a more green or difficult horse that acts up, you have even more to handle!
GLAMOUR: What part of your body are you most confident with / do you love to emphasize in outfits, and how do you strengthen it / why do you love it?
TB:
Interesting question! I would say my legs. I feel good showing them off in a casual everyday jeans short or a sexy gown! It takes body sculpting by Tracy Anderson and lots of dog hikes!
GLAMOUR: As an artist, you inevitably open your life up to criticism. How do you not let those remarks way you down? If / when they do, what do you do to maintain your mental health?
TB:
Criticism definitely comes up and you do feel like a target sometimes. As an artist, you are sharing your vulnerabilities and art to the public and there are people judging you for sure! What keeps me going is focusing on my purpose and message to share as a songwriter.
Understanding it’s not about you but the art. You also have to accept that you can’t be everybody’s darling! Focus on the people that are rooting for your success not the haters. In maintaining my mental health, I am so lucky to have a spiritual support family in Los Angeles. I also like to journal and talk to close friends and colleagues about how I’m feeling if something is up. If something is bothering you or if you feel down, it’s important to recognize and talk it out, then it’s released from weighing you down.
Tara Beier, Image:Supplied
GLAMOUR: This video emphasizes the great outdoors - what are some of your favorite outdoor workouts?
TB:
I love to hike in the mountains. I’ve also taken the hobby of roller-skating in Venice on the boardwalk and watching my husband surf. Lastly, equestrian horseback-riding, which is near and dear to my heart, since I’ve been riding since my early teens.
GLAMOUR: What inspired the nature feel behind this shoot?
TB:
Being outdoors makes me feel good. It makes me feel healthy. Being from Canada, I was lucky to grow up with the mountains, forests and ocean. Nature is a part of my psyche. It’s expressed a lot in the lyrics of my music in the connection between life and earth elements.
For “Hopeless Romantic” the song is about love and gratitude to the past. The song is about being in the present but remembering and reminiscing the moments in memories. In the music video I wanted to give a touch of California country mixed with glam!
GLAMOUR: A lot of people have been missing their favorite self-care rituals during the lockdown. What have you been doing at home to make up for this?
TB:
Having to work from home forces us to really look at ourselves, to develop further and become happier! One of my favorite things to do is take a salt bath with essential oils! I have also been cutting out sugar and on a Keto diet, which has been hard.
What has helped the quarantine slump is baking! My favorite to bake is low carb and no sugar marble cake and coconut cheesecake. But writing songs is essential to my self-care. I work on myself through my songs as a lot of my topics are rooted in self-growth. It is a cathartic experience. I also like connecting with higher power through prayer and mediation.
GLAMOUR: What projects are you working on right now, and what can we look forward to seeing from you this year?
TB:
I just released my album “SUPER BLOOM” out on Manimal Records. The album is about blossoming into your true beauty! We are on a “Covid-quarantine tour” promoting the album right now. Happy to share this music video with Glamour magazine, directed by Hana Haley shot in the Mojave desert in California. I’m also in the beginning stages of writing my next album “Lady Liberty” inspired by the black lives matter movement, the fight for equality, self love, higher power and life after death.
GLAMOUR: Has any aspect of the lockdown inspired you musically?
TB:
Covid 19 has really pushed us to really dig deep to overcome and keep moving forward. Super Bloom album is about overcoming negativity and rising above. Continuing to evolve and be happy in a difficult climate. Thank you.
