TARYN PAPA Q&A

Having established her footing on the country music scene with last year’s AWAKE EP, Taryn Papa brightly showcased a snapshot of who she is through well-received songs “Changed,” “Persuaded,” and “No One’s Gonna Love You (Like I Do).” Now with her cover of Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” making another tremendous career mark for her, we had the chance to check in with Taryn and chat about covering the song and making it her own, working with longtime lead vocalist of the band Chicago, Jason Scheff, her recently released children’s book Fernella Blooms, and much much more! 

1) Your cover of Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” is out now! Tell us a little bit about your version of the song.

I’m so excited that this is finally out—it's something I'm truly proud of. I've been holding onto it since we recorded it back in March, so getting to share it with the world now is incredibly exciting. We worked hard to keep the timeless feel of the original, while also making it my own with subtle changes, like starting the song with the chorus. It’s been a fun journey finding ways to put my own spin on it.

2) What type of challenges did you face with taking a smash hit that everyone recognizes and working to give it your own fresh appeal while still retaining its original flare?

One of the challenges was just trying to stick to the original version and pay homage to David Foster, Peter Cetera, and everyone that played a hand in the original recording of the song while still adding what I thought made it “Taryn”; giving it my own voice, a little country flare! I also wanted to make this song sound like something that could have come out today by bringing a modern edge to it. I really think that my producer Ryan Rossebo did an awesome job with that.

3) In line with that last question, one of the ways the original flare was kept in line was that you brought in longtime lead vocalist of the band Chicago, Jason Scheff, to be part of the song. How did that connection come together to get him on the song with you?

A couple of years ago I was on a show called American Supergroup that was based out Nashville and aired on Pop TV and MTV. There were four judges on the show, Aloe Black, Elle King, Jennifer Nettles, and Jason Scheff. Of course, I freaked out seeing all the judges who are all amazing in their own right, but Jason in particular was somebody I had admired and listened to for so long. He was the longtime lead vocalist/bassist for the band Chicago, roughly 30 years he contributed to the band, so for me to meet him; I was definitely surprised and excited! Will Doughty was the keyboardist in my band on the show, who also experienced a full circle moment working with Jason to create our version of this song!

4) What does it mean to you that he’s on it with you, and essentially, gave your version his blessing?

Collaborating with Jason was incredible. His voice is so recognizable, especially to fans of Chicago and his solo work. Having him on the song added a completely unexpected element. For me, it’s validation as an artist. I took a chance, sent a random email, and asked him to be part of such a timeless and iconic song—and he said yes! That’s an amazing feeling.

But honestly, this project is more than just validation or success. It’s a soul project. It’s not about the views or streams—it’s about achieving something I never thought possible: singing with one of my heroes. It feels amazing to have that dream come true.

5) You worked not only with Jason, but also with Will Doughty. What did Will bring to the arrangement of your version that really elevated it to what we hear today?

Will Doughty is an incredible talent—a brilliant artist, music director, arranger—he really does it all. He’s played with everyone from Poison to Brandy Clark, even performing right here in the living room of my house. He brought a flavor to this project that really added the “Taryn” touch. I’ve worked with him for 12-ish years and deeply respect his talent. He knows my range, my voice, and my vision for a song even before I explain it to him.

When Jason emailed back saying “Yes,” I immediately called Will and said, “I absolutely can’t do this song without you. You have to help me figure this arrangement out.” I had the idea of starting with the chorus, but wasn’t sure how to make the rest of the song flow while still honoring the original version.

Will said, “Give me a night,” and the next day, he sent me voice memos with how he heard it. It all came together so perfectly. I’m so honored and grateful that he took the time to be part of this song.

6) This release is the follow-up to last year’s “Gold Mine,” and your first of 2024. Why did now feel like the perfect timing for this song?

Wow! That’s a great question.

Early in your career, it's easy to want to sound like everyone else or write songs like other successful artists. You try to reinvent the wheel, thinking, “If I wear this or sound like that, maybe I’ll get on the radio like they did.”

But after being on The Voice and performing on Broadway in Nashville for 12 years, I’ve realized that everything I’ve done has brought me back to figuring out who I am as an artist. It’s about reconnecting with the person who fell in love with music in the first place. I started asking myself, “Who were those artists and bands that inspired me?” It’s easy to lose your way, but I went back to listening to the artists that first made me think, “I want to sound like that!” For me, it was wanting a record like Pat Benatar’s, loving the horns and melodies in Chicago’s music, or being moved by the songwriting of Martina McBride.

When “You’re the Inspiration” came out, it marked the beginning of what I hope is a bigger project that’s more about who I truly am as an artist, rather than trying to fit into what others expect. This is me fully embracing my own style as a singer and songwriter.

7) Obviously, now was the right time for sure! The song is getting added to playlists left and right and is really blowing up quickly for you. Were you expecting that type of response to it?

Honestly, I wasn’t sure. I had high hopes of course but with Chicago in the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame, I didn’t know how receptive the country music world was going to be. It’s been fun watching the playlist adds, I’m so grateful. It showed me that there is a space for this style of music, that people enjoy a new take on a classic. It’s also reassurance for me to keep pushing my music in the direction that I really feel in my heart. 

8) Switching gears for one quick question to another exciting career milestone that happened earlier this year, your debut children’s book Fernella Blooms. Tell us a little bit more about the book and where parents, teachers, etc. can grab a copy or 10.

Oh wow! That’s so sweet! I didn’t expect to be asked about “Fernella Blooms”! This book is incredibly special to me because in so many ways, I am Fernella. I actually found my original notes for the idea on my iPad from 2011!

Fernella is a lush green fern in a beautiful garden, which is based on one of my childhood homes in Middlebury, CT. Unlike the other plants with big, colorful blooms, Fernella feels like she doesn’t quite fit in—she’s not tall like a sunflower or bright like a rose. When the gardener comes to weed the garden, Fernella worries she won’t stand out enough to be spared.

That’s when Ladybug June appears and reassures Fernella that her unique beauty matters, even if she blooms differently. This journey mirrors my own as an artist. Moving from Connecticut to Nashville, I went from being a big fish in a small pond to feeling like a minnow among incredibly talented people! It’s tough to wonder, "How do I measure up?"

But after 12 years in the industry, I’ve come to realize that I do bloom in my own way, and that uniqueness is what sets me apart. I wrote “Fernella Blooms” to help others—especially children—discover that truth early on. You don’t need to look or sound like anyone else to be special. Your uniqueness is your strength.

“Fernella Blooms” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, and more. You can even request it at your local libraries! I hope it brings joy to everyone who reads it and reminds them how wonderfully unique they are.

I also just released a 3d video read-along on YouTube where fans can step into the magical world of  “Fernella Blooms” and watch her and garden friends come to life!

9) We have so many aspiring songwriters and artists that read our website, so we always like to end by asking this…what is the best piece of advice you can offer?

The best advice for upcoming singers and songwriters is to stay true to your unique voice and story. Consistency is key—keep writing, performing, and honing your craft, even when things get tough. Remember that persistence and passion will set you apart!

(Interview by: Jeffrey Kurtis)