Tariq Talks Music, Love, and His Most Personal Song Yet
Tariq’s music is a blend of folk, soul, and raw emotion, drawing inspiration from his life experiences, places he’s lived, and the people who shaped him.
With his latest single, Hold Your Ghost, he’s taking listeners deeper into his world than ever before.
The Moment It All Clicked
For Tariq, the path to pursuing music wasn’t always straightforward. While he loved playing guitar and singing as a kid, making it a career felt like a distant dream. That changed when he won his university talent show.
“That was the first time I truly felt confidence behind the energy of a large crowd, and it was intoxicating. Now every time I play live shows, it feels like I am where I am supposed to be.”
His Sound: A Mix of Folk, Pop, and Island Vibes
Tariq’s influences are as diverse as his sound. He grew up on a mix of boy bands like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, then shifted toward artists like John Mayer when he started playing guitar. Now, he’s deeply inspired by Noah Kahan and the folk singer-songwriter movement.
“I try to take all those different styles I grew up a fan of and blend them with different musical elements and inspirations from the places I’ve lived. A hint of western and folk from the American West that raised me, and some upbeat island-like melodies I learned in Hawai’i.”
The Story Behind Hold Your Ghost
Hold Your Ghost is deeply personal, inspired by the loss of his partner Jeanee Crane-Mauzy’s sister, Amy.
“For anyone that has experienced profound loss, we all face the sadness of holding onto the memories of loved ones as time pulls us further away. With this song, I wanted to tell Jeanee that even if something were to happen, she would always be held close to me.”
But the sentiment of the song runs deeper for Tariq.
“I lost my father over seven years ago, and there isn’t a day where I don’t deeply ‘hold’ on to his ghost and his memories. It’s important to always hold a place in your life for those who have played instrumental roles in it.”
A Love That Fuels His Music
This Valentine’s Day is special for Tariq—it’s his first one with Jeanee. Their relationship has unlocked a new depth in his songwriting.
“It’s really hard to write a pure, authentic love song if you don’t have real personal experiences to draw from. She’s been that inspiration for me, and it brings something genuine to my songs.”
What to Expect from His Upcoming EP
With three singles down, Tariq is preparing for the release of his full EP, which promises a variety of sounds.
“This single is different from my first two—it’s slower, less upbeat, and builds gradually. I don’t want any two songs on the EP to be too similar. Expect a journey—traditional folk, love songs, even some Hawaiian island inspiration.”
Salt Lake City’s Underrated Music Scene
Based in Salt Lake City, Tariq gives credit to the city’s thriving, but underrated music scene.
“One venue that has been huge for me is Lake Effect. It’s an amazing bar downtown that does live music every night. They’ve given me a stage to grow as a live artist, and I love performing there.”
He also credits the band The Proper Way from Ogden, Utah, for helping him take the next step as a recording artist.
What’s Next?
For 2025, Tariq is laser-focused on finishing his EP and getting his music out into the world. But beyond that?
“Once it’s finished, I truly hope I can springboard into a nationwide tour where I can share my music with people outside of Utah in a live setting!”
With his authentic storytelling, raw emotion, and diverse influences, Tariq is carving out a unique space in the folk and singer-songwriter world. If Hold Your Ghost is any indication, this is just the beginning.
Listen to Tariq’s latest music and stay updated on his journey—this is an artist you don’t want to miss.
Mia Brooks dives deep into the beats and rhythms of the music industry, covering everything from chart-topping albums to underground artists. With a passion for discovering new talent and exploring the stories behind the songs, Mia keeps readers updated on all things music.
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