Tamar Berk On the Making Of “That's Not a Lie”
What inspired you to write the lyrics/music for "That's Not a Lie?"
Communicating in a relationship seems to be a big theme with me. The words we use to talk to each other can stay with us and label us and yet, those might be true in one moment might not be true all the time. I'm always ready to admit my faults and say I'm sorry because I always want to move forward in a relationship. Musically, I was really inspired by The Breeders, Weezer and The Beatles for this song. I wanted to make this song feel heavy and dissonant and then light and easy at different times and then eventually coalesce into a beautiful harmonic ending.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for this single to life?
I produced all of my own albums and worked with several musicians to make them come to life. I start everything in my home studio and lay down all the instruments myself. After that step, I always have my drummer Matt Walker (Morissey, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins) replace my programmed drums for real drums so I can start really feeling what else the song might need. On this song, I wanted to replace my bass playing with someone who was more of a busy bass player that can play some cool, unexpected riffs and really pull the classic rock influence, so I called Allen Hunter (The Eels) and he works on it at his home studio and sends me his track. I also called my friend Joe Dilillo to play some additional rhythm guitar. After that I added strings, synth piano and whatever else it called for. Once it’s ready for mixing I had Sean O’Keefe (Beach Bunny) do his magic. I loved the way it turned out!
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
I think my favorite part was when I asked my partner to place the post-its on my face. I thought that was interesting but also….maybe it was therapeutic for both of us!? haha
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I’ve been playing in bands in Chicago, Portland and San Diego since the mid-90s. During those years I was consistently writing, recording & producing hundreds of songs on my own. When I moved to San Diego, I released my first solo album ‘The Restless Dreams of Youth’ with the help of my musical partner and drummer Matt Walker (Morrissey, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins) & mixer Sean O'Keefe (Fall Out Boy, Beach Bunny). The album was nominated for Best Pop Album/Album of the Year in the San Diego Music Awards. Several months after that debut, my father died. While processing this loss, I buried myself in writing and ended up finishing my second album. My album ‘Start at the End’ was released in 2022 and on this album I handled more of the recording and production duties. ‘Start at the End’ was also nominated as Best Pop Album in the SDMA's & garnered rave reviews. In August 2023, I returned w/ my third full-length album, ‘Tiny Injuries’ which reached a larger audience than my 2 prior albums. The first single "if u know, u know" landed in KCRW 5 songs to hear & on FADER's list of top albums of 2023. This past Sept 2024, I released her 4th full length album ‘Good Times for a Change’ which came out with a bang charting on Apple Music, NACC College Radio receiving rave reviews online and in the fall 2024 print edition of CREEM magazine & SHINDIG. I’ve been so excited about what’s been happening with my music…like a slow build!
Are there any upcoming projects or releases that you're particularly excited about?
Yes! I’m working on album 5 right now and already have three songs in the works. I also have a big show on December 8th at the SONO Festival in San Diego with a new drummer!