Debra Tala
A Biography
Travel down the road to the intersection where rock, jazz and pop meet and you will find an engaging artist named Debra Tala. Her forthcoming CD will fit nicely alongside your recordings of Sarah McLachlan, Paula Cole and Dido, yet she sounds fresh and unique. Debra’s ability to eloquently capture the emotion of a given subject is evident in her powerful songs.
Her full-length debut entitled Deep Colors Bleed is a mixture of songs regarding the human condition. Debra is co-producing this CD with her band, comprised of some of LA’s finest musicians. They are also performing around Los Angeles in preparation for upcoming dates in support of the CD release.
Debra has established herself as an accomplished songwriter and performer. With Elektra recording artist Sara Hickman, she co-wrote the song “I Couldn’t Help Myself” which was a chart topping hit (#3 Gavin and #14 Billboard Adult Contemporary charts). Performing as a keyboardist and backing vocalist for Sara, Debra appeared on several national TV and radio shows, including The Tonight Show and Austin City Limits. During that tour, they opened for Eric Johnson in the U.S. and Billy Bragg in England. Along with her compelling abilities as a vocalist and pianist, Debra also plays flute, clarinet and accordion.
Back at home in Los Angeles, Debra’s songwriting talents were further acknowledged when she was asked to participate in the ASCAP Lester Sills Award Workshop, which is strictly by invitation only. She was also selected from among hundreds of artists to have her song “Dancing Shoes” included on the Sapphire Records compilation CD, 2623 Main Street.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Debra began her musical training at the age of six with classical piano lessons. She wrote her first song when she was only eight years old. Throughout her college years attending the University of North Texas, she honed her skills performing in several projects ranging from jazz and funk to rock. During this time she continued to develop her own style as a writer.
According to Debra, “When I’m writing, I ask myself if I’m being honest. Sometimes that question takes me somewhere I didn’t expect to go, but if it’s honest, I know it’s right.” Debra Tala’s musical journey continues with the welcomed upcoming release of Deep Colors Bleed.