Navigating the music business today presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges for artists like Heidi Tann. With a rich history of performances across the globe, including a memorable event for the Prince of Malaysia in Hong Kong and an impactful debut in America alongside top Filipino talents of the late 90s, Heidi’s journey is a testament to her resilience and versatility.
Heidi’s Filipino American heritage plays a significant role in her music, infusing it with a blend of influences and styles. Growing up surrounded by musically inclined family members, she was inspired by her Uncle Romy, who taught her to sing standards, and her mother, who played vinyl albums like Frank Sinatra. These early experiences instilled a deep love for jazz, R&B, and other genres, shaping her unique musical identity. “Filipinos are very talented people,” Heidi says. “I was always around people who listened to jazz and R&B, which greatly influenced my music.”
The current landscape demands adaptability, and Heidi has embraced this with her latest album, “Here is Where We Meet.” Guided by Grammy and Emmy-nominated producer Rex Salas, the album blends jazz, ballads, R&B, and funk, reflecting Heidi’s multicultural influences and personal authenticity. Salas emphasized the importance of humility, coachability, and hard work, advising that reputation in the music industry is paramount and that authenticity is key. The creative process was organic, evolving from the single “Missing You” into a full-fledged album that resonates with diverse audiences. “Rex told me to be humble, coachable, and hardworking,” Heidi recalls. “At the end of the day, he said your music is about your expression, so just be yourself and just be authentic.”
Heidi’s approach to music, rooted in instinct and extensive research, has helped her maintain a cohesive sound while exploring various genres. “When you travel, you adapt to the culture’s music taste while injecting your own authentic approach to every performance,” she explains. This philosophy has allowed her to connect with audiences around the world, bringing a unique flavor to every performance. “You learn the music from each culture while bringing in your own flavor,” she says.
Staying motivated and inspired is crucial for any artist, and for Heidi, it’s her deep passion for music that keeps her creativity flowing. “Your creativity won’t always come to you naturally, but work ethic is important in working through those blocks,” she says. This dedication is evident in her willingness to experiment with different genres and collaborate with other artists, such as Nils and Grammy-winning producer Pete Tokar on her cover of “Baby Come Back.”
Fan feedback has been particularly touching for Heidi, especially when people share how her music has helped them through personal struggles. “A lot of people tell me that they’re going through personal struggles like depression, but when they learn about my story, they feel inspired,” she shares. This connection with her audience underscores the power of music to heal and unite. Her advice to aspiring musicians reflects her own journey: “Never give up on what you love, and music heals the soul and connects people together regardless of our differences.”
This summer, Heidi Tann will be performing at the Summer Smooth Jazz & R&B Night on August 25, 2024, at the View Music Bar in Torrance, California. The event features international Billboard smooth jazz artist NILS, UK and US chart-topper Joe Leavy, award-winning songwriter and guitarist Michael Garvin, and Heidi Tann herself. This concert, produced by Ruby Lou Production in collaboration with Artists Network, promises an evening of smooth jazz and R&B that will captivate the audience.
For tickets and more information, visit tinyurl.com/Summersmoothjazz, allevents.in/torrance, or Heidi’s official website at www.heiditannmusic.com. This concert is set to be a highlight of the summer, offering an unparalleled musical experience.
