Kambrya College student Tara Leigh Dowler may be the next performer to be signed by Universal Music. 26642 Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Kelly Yates
ROCK singer-songwriter Tara Leigh Dowler may be on her way to the top after catching the attention of an international record label.
Representatives of Universal Music heard some of the 16-year-old’s tunes after she took part in the statewide Kool Skools recording and multimedia competition last year.
Singers including Delta Goodrem, Anthony Callea and Missy Higgins are some of the Australian talent who competed in the competition before launching their music careers.
The Kool Skools competition attracted 500 song entries from across Victoria and NSW.
The Year 11 Kambrya College student walked away with a song-writing award and had her song Altitude featured on the official CD.
Tara told The News the interest coming from the international record label gave her encouragement that all her hard work might pay off eventually.
“It’s a rare opportunity that I’m so thankful for,” she said.
She said her light indy-rock style of music attracted listeners of all ages, with much of her inspiration coming from bands including Grinspoon, The Living End and My Chemical Romance.
“It was Green Day’s songs that first sparked my interest in music,” she said.
“I find I learn a lot from listening to good artists.”
Tara is also in discussions with Prahran record company Byrneside Records over a possible national tour as a support act for a major Australian act.
She will also take part in an artist training and development program offered by the record company. Tara has performed at many City of Casey events including the Relay for Life, the Berwick Show, Casey Kids’ Carnival and a variety of mayoral functions and arts dinners and is a member of the Casey Youth Ambassadors.
