Tanaya Harper‘s debut album, They Have Become Me marks a significant moment in her career while showcasing her ability to explore life’s complexities with grace and artistry. With songs like “Cleo” and “Night Terrors” leading the charge, the Boorloo-based artist effortlessly combines alt-folk-pop and shoegaze into a sound that feels intimate yet expansive.
What makes They Have Become Me stand out is Tanaya’s knack for blending personal growth with sonic diversity. Written during a retreat away from home, “Cleo” is a reflection on relationships, attachment, and that lingering presence of a past partner. In a refreshing departure from typical post-breakup anthems, Tanaya avoids placing blame and instead acknowledges the lessons to be learned from the experience. Her honest lyrics, combined with upbeat rhythms, offer a sense of optimism and resilience. The track’s namesake, a cat that shared her company during the retreat, lends a touch of whimsy to the story, making “Cleo” feel grounded in both reflection and playfulness.
The album dives further into themes of personal responsibility with Tanaya emphasising moments of self-realisation rather than righteous indignation. Tracks like “Young Leo” and “Role Models” reveal her depth as a songwriter who can balance humour, heart, and insight. Collaborating with composer Jared Yapp, Tanaya brings a lush world of strings and indie rock flair that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Produced by Andrew Lawson and mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty, the album’s sonic landscape is nothing short of mesmerising. The interplay of Tanaya’s delicate vocals, guitar work, and the addition of bass and drums from her bandmates creates a seamless experience that’s as emotionally rich as it is engaging. Whether you’re drawn to the hypnotic shoegaze moments or the thoughtful lyricism, They Have Become Me is an album that invites you to listen deeply and, perhaps, reflect on your own journey in the process.
With the release of They Have Become Me, Tanaya Harper delivers a piece of work that speaks to anyone navigating the highs and lows of relationships, self-awareness, and finding balance.The album is a reminder that there’s beauty in growth, and that sometimes, we have to fall apart to come back stronger.
