Tara Thompson Makes Her Mark on Country Music with Class and Sass

Country newcomer Tara Thompson ain’t your average female. She may have looks that come easy to the eye, but she’s a hardcore woman on a mission to prove that she’s got what it takes.

Breaking onto the scene with her bold single, “Someone To Take Your Place,” Thompson lets it be known that she won’t let anything get in her way, especially a dumb boy or a silly breakup.

“It’s kinda my lighthearted way of saying, ‘If you get dumped, don’t take it too seriously!’ Go find someone to take his place,” she explained as the inspiration behind the hit.

Taking her headstrong persona into place, the rest of Thompson’s anticipated debut album shows off her songwriting talent and her honest perspective when it comes to her life. She doesn’t shy away from the idea of authenticity within music; in fact, she embraces each song as another page in her book of life.

“I will say there’s 11 songs on the album and I co-wrote nine of them. So they’re all based on true stories. They’re all my experiences mixed in with my family’s experiences. You know, we’re hillbillies from East Tennessee, so I have a lot to sing about,” Thompson said.

Raised in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Thompson gains inspiration from Dolly Parton, who hails from the same little town, as well as legend Willie Nelson and the late great Merle Haggard for her music. She’ll take the lead of those iconic country singers as she steps on the Opry stage for her debut at the end of April. Her excitement for the performance, though, makes up for any nerves she may be having to play the world famous venue.

“Oh my God, that’s always been the top of my bucket list, like ever since I was a kid! Now when they told me, I was like, ‘What!’ I’m kinda freakin’ out a little bit. I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to contain myself that day, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Thompson’s rise to the surface didn’t come quite as easily as some. Starting off the old-fashioned way, she used to play honkytonks on Broadway in downtown Nashville such as Tootsie’s and Robert’s Western World. With preparation like that under the neon-lit streets of Music City, Thompson felt the confidence boost while being a part of the CMT Next Women in Country Tour with Jennifer Nettles.

“It’s just showed me what it’s gonna be on the road period. Just being on tour…it’s so cool, too! I get to tour with all women, so my first tour is with three other women. So that’s cool,” she explained.

Girl power is what Thompson is all about. Well, that mixed with true stores and very country vibes, as she puts it. It doesn’t look like she’ll have someone taking her place any time soon.