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Singer-songwriter Tara Van of Toronto is sharing a blend of chamber folk and pop entitled “Things I Wanna Say,” a horn inflected and subtly percussive dance with the vulnerability that can arise when your feelings present themselves before you’re necessarily ready to share or feel certain about them.
Produced by Mark Calderone, “Things I Wanna Say” glides along gently, evoking the feeling of a summer breeze as Van explores the feeling of trying to protect yourself along with the playfulness and competition between partners during the stand off of “who exposes themselves first.”
It is a tough moment in a relationship when you are at the beginning of things and trying to understand your own feelings. Is it infatuation? Is it love? Is it friendship? Is it just comfort?” Van questions as she speaks of the song’s backstory. A little under two years ago, I was seeing someone and the words “love you” slipped out of my mouth at the rock climbing gym when I was saying goodbye. Both of our eyes kinda bulged and I just quickly said “bye” and proceeded to freak out. I went home and wrote this song. – Tara Van
Don’t
Tryin’ to keep these words outta my throat
Breakin’ down my walls I need a moat
Meltin’ me but you don’t gotta gloat
If you could read my mind but you don’t know
