Hailing from Riverton in the South Island, Tahla has been performing on both sides of the Tasman since the age of seven. A member of the Southland trio, The Dollys, which won the prestigious NZ Gold Guitar Award (Intermediate) in 2023 – Tahla is now set to make waves in her own right. It begins with today’s release of her first solo single ‘Dear Michael’.

Steeped in the sounds of warm country, ‘Dear Michael’ is a deeply personal song. “It was inspired by my first real break-up,” says Tahla. “It talks about the complexity of love, heartbreak, and reflection. I wanted to turn this emotional experience into a universally relatable song,” she adds.

A recent graduate of the Tamworth Country Music Academy – Australia’s premier music program for emerging singers/songwriters/performers – Tahla wrote ‘Dear Michael’ at the academy with Australian singer-songwriter Lyn Bowtell, the recipient of 10 Golden Guitar Awards at the Country Music Awards of Australia.

With striking lead vocals, lush harmonies, heartfelt lyricism, and a story-focused approach, ‘Dear Michael’ showcases the depth of Tahla’s songwriting talents and an emotional honesty which belies her age.

“It comes from a very real place, so I hope when others listen to it, they can connect to the song with their own experiences,” she says.

Tahla is the first of Lil Sister’s Rising Stars – an initiative which aims to shine a spotlight on Aotearoa’s newest and brightest emerging acts. There’s no doubt – she’s one to watch!

Listen to ‘Dear Michael’ HERE