Local singer Tara a radio and internet hit

Tara Hoy sent in her tunes to BBC presenter Gerry Anderson and he was so impressed that he asked her to sing on his morning radio show.

Tara’s well-received performance was then put on the BBC website’s iplayer to be watched across the world.

Tara has only been playing the guitar for three years and her appearance gave her a wonderful platform to showcase her musical talents.

It came about after Tara posted her tracks to Gerry to see what the charismatic radio host would think of them.

She had recorded her acoustic songs on her home computer and they certainly struck a chord with Gerry.

He played three of them on air for a couple of weeks and told his listeners that he had to get Tara on the show.

When Tara was told of this she emailed him saying “I heard you say you would like me on the show”.

Gerry then got her into his BBC studio where she delivered her captivating performance.

Tara said: “Within a week he invited me on. It was all very unexpected. I’ve always liked him and wondered what would he think of it.

“Gerry gave me great backing and it was brilliant to see the video of me playing my songs up on iplayer.”

Tara appeared on the show on Friday 28 October and sang top tracks Tick Tick Tock and When Love Found Her.

The publicity has given the 25-year-old personal fitness trainer a real boost in her musical career.

She has played a number of gigs in pubs, cafes and churches – and a prison!

Tara describes her style as simple acoustic and doesn’t know which artist to whom she could be compared.

But one artist she has similarities is Johnny Cash and his Folsom Prison Blues after Tara also treated inmates to a stunning performance.

Tara, from Armoy but who now lives in Coleraine, played a concert at Magilligan Prison which was organised through a church group.

Recalling the performance two years to male prisoners, she said: “They were really receptive, mannerly and nice.”

When she spoke to the Times Tara was on her on way to a recording studio for professional tips and advice.

Of her future career in the music business, the former Dalriada High School pupil said: “I’ve no real goals, I’m just enjoying each step. It’s early days. It’s all very good and very positive.”

Tara’s performance can be found with an internet search on google.