Ted Tarling

Ever wondered what music your favourite band listens to? What songs inspire the best songwriters?

In this feature, we’ll speak to some of HOT VOX’s favourite new artists on the gigging scene and find out what songs shaped them to be the musicians and artists they are today and what’s on their Spotify Playlist.

Today’s playlist is curated by Ted Tarling

21-year-old Ted Tarling is a London based Pop artist, singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Derbyshire, UK, his music and visuals reflect the duality of his rural and urban upbringing. With a playful and nostalgic sound similar to the likes of Sir Elton John and Alfie Templeman, Ted says he wants his music to ‘distract people from the everyday, smile, get up and dance’.

Since starting to perform at local venues from the age of 17, Ted has gone from strength to strength, collaborating with Austrian Producer Ninski on their track ‘Orbit’ which has amassed over 240,000 streams to date, alongside working with TIMEA on their celebrated summer anthem ‘Call me, Catch me’.

08 Oct

MY PLAYLIST

Ted Tarling

Who is Ted Tarling?

I am a songwriter, a singer and someone who has jumped at any opportunity to perform since I was very young (often wearing a tutu). I was born and raised in Derbyshire before moving to London at 18 to pursue music full time. I try not to take songwriting too seriously and it has always been my aim to have fun with my music –focusing more on the way it makes you feel than anything else. For me, music is an escape, it is like life’s condiment; something to make it taste a little better.

Playlist Songs

Song from the first album you ever bought/listened to?

Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Bublé

It was the first album I remember loving and wanting to play on the CD player in the living room, I would always skip to track 5 first and then jump around.

A song you wish you had written?

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

I remember discovering this song watching ‘Madagascar’ as a child and deciding it was the best song ever written, also the saddest (probably because of sad montage where a crocodile eats a duck)

A song that inspires you?

Cucurucu – Nick Mulvey

This song is a masterpiece, I have never listened to it and not been caught up in it completely. It is my favourite example of poetry put to song, the best.

Last song you purchased?

Salty – Ted Tarling

Yes, the last song I bought on iTunes was my own, but you’ve gotta support yourself and each 99p adds up.

A song that makes you feel nostalgic?

Girl from Ipanema – Antônio Carlos Jobim

My Dad would rinse this song in the car when we would drive down to Cornwall in the Summer. I never heard it in any other scenario for so long that now whenever it comes on I am aggressively dragged back to an early 2000’s beach holiday.

Your favourite sing-along song in the shower?

Love On Top – Beyoncé

My favourite part about this is trying and failing to sing along with every key change, Beyoncé is just too good.

A song that confirmed your love for music?

Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai

Jamiroqai were one of first bands I ever saw live and I remember 12 year old me discovering this song and deciding ‘old music is actually good!’

A song you put on when getting ready for a big night out?

Don’t Start Now – Purple Disco Machine Remix, Dua Lipa

This should be self-explanatory, also a good Uber song.

The song you put on repeat if you’ve just had your heart broken?

Alone Again – Gilbert O’Sullivan

I’m not sure I have or would actually listen to this when heartbroken but whenever I hear it, it makes me want to pretend because it’s so sad.

Your worst guilty pleasure song?

Gypsy Woman – Crystal Waters

I don’t think I should be made to feel guilty for this but whenever I hear it, no matter how many times, (it can be overplayed) it will always get me in the vibes.