Don't Change the Channel

Still, all this makes perfect sense; you can’t miss her. She has a presence in a room like a shot of espresso, and if it helps, she also owns a hot pink Mini-Cooper! Tara Yummy (yes, she’s always gone by this), is the internet-crowned ‘life of the party,’ and throws Young Hollywood’s finest get-togethers. A few weeks ago, I attended her birthday party in Hollywood, and she had very simple rules: have fun, be in the moment, and DANCE! 

A time was had, and it is clear she is adored by many, but I started to wonder if the world really knew the journey it took for her to get to where she is. Before Tara was posting on social media, we attended a traditional high school in Los Angeles, where she was often mocked by peers for “being too happy” and “living in LaLa Land.” She recalls one of her drama teachers telling her she’d “never make it.” A confusing time, for sure, she quietly began searching for community online.  

The year she graduated high school, we lost touch. I moved to Chicago, and she stayed in LA. Soon after, she began posting lifestyle vlogs and comedic skits on YouTube. Fast forward, she now has a following of over 14.5 million followers across social media. Talk about a comeback story. It makes sense that her first single, released earlier this year, is titled “B34M,” pronounced ‘beam,’ as she emanates a sense of unrelenting optimism.

TOBI ORISARAYI: Tara… we used to scrape together quarters in our cup holders for slushies. Now you’re headlining shows, and sponsored by Redbull. What is going on?!

TARA YUMMY: Oh my god, I remember those days after student council; we would all get in a car and go to 7/11 to get slurps after school. I think it’s so amazing that it’s been so many years and we still get to have fun, just in new ways!

TO: Time flies! I’m glad we caught up between your shows and fashion week! It was also funny to hang out with you and Ian Smith. He’s hilarious. Is this your typical show day? Just catching up with friends?

TY: Honestly, kind of. I feel like New York is just me kind of running around and seeing everyone I love until someone reminds me I have a job to do. I am always trying to squeeze in coffee or food with a friend before a show to keep the day feeling fun and normal before I have to soundcheck. Ian is one of the most fun and supportive people I know, so it’s always so nice seeing him.

TO: Life was so much fun when we could get away with our scavenger hunts. Now we grab coffee, and people are coming up and asking for photos. When did you first realize, “oh okay, people actually know who I am?” 

TY: It happened so gradually that I don’t think there was ever one moment where I was like, “oh, people know who I am now.” Honestly, it’s really funny seeing your reaction to it because to you I’m still just Tara from school, and I feel like I always will be. My life has changed a lot, but I don’t really feel that different.

TO: No, that makes sense. Well, you’ve been spending a lot of time in the city, these days… What’s been your favorite thing about New York?

TY: I love that you can do a million things in one day. One day feels like three.

TO: And perform at Warsaw! Your openers and guests really showed out. From Zetra and Binx to Madeline Argy, Jake Webber, and Caleb McDaniel— how do you go about selecting people to join you on tour? 

TY: It’s honestly just people I love and people who I think are really cool and talented. I want the night to feel like you’re coming to a party with me. With openers, I love putting people on who are talented and who I genuinely think everyone should be tapping into. When it comes to my friends, it’s basically whoever is in town and whoever is down to be on stage with me for a fun moment. It’s the best excuse to get everyone I love in the same room to have a fun night together.

TO: Love that. What’s been the main focus when it comes to curating your DJ sets? 

TY: I just want everyone to have fun. I never want my sets to feel too serious or to feel like you have to know a certain kind of genre of music to get it. I want there to be something for everyone, and honestly, I just play what I love and what makes me want to dance, and hope and gauge to see if it gets others moving too.

TO: Well, I guess, most people know you from social media and your Stuck in the Car series, so how has it been transitioning into the music industry and reaching newer audiences? Have there been any obstacles? What are you looking forward to?

TY: It’s definitely been a really interesting transition. I have been doing social media for so long; stepping into music has meant being new at something again and having to prove myself in a completely different way, which has been really exciting. Of course, there have been obstacles, and I knew there would be some skepticism coming from both the internet and the music industry, but it has just made me want to work harder and take it even more seriously. Getting to reach people who might have never watched one of my videos but connect with me through dancing, music, and partying has been what I look forward to most.

TO: First of all, your fans are so enthusiastic. They really brought the energy while they waited in line, hyping each other up. It made me hopeful to see that younger generations are still finding ways to be outside and in the moment. How does it feel to have created such a positive “mindset” not only online, but in real life, as well? 

TY: It's genuinely one of my favorite parts of what I do. I think the internet can feel really mean sometimes, so seeing this community that started online turn into something so real and kind is amazing to me. I love seeing people come to shows alone and leave with new friends. I’ve always wanted my corner of the internet to be a place where people can be themselves, have fun, and not take life too seriously. Seeing that exist in real life is really special to me, and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.

TO: I know you’re no stranger to internet trolls. What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

TY: Honestly, I don’t know if I would give her much advice. I think I would just tell her to keep going and not take anything too seriously. At 16, you think everything is the biggest deal in the world, and then you grow up and realize most of it really isn’t. I’ve always been pretty good at letting things roll off my back, and I think I have only gotten better at it with age. You have to decide whose opinions actually hold weight and whose opinions you value, and most of the time, when it’s internet trolls, they don’t hold much. So many times I would just tell her, you’re good; keep being you. 

TO: I went to your last party in the summer and had so much fun. You really know how to set the tone. Everyone’s comfortable. Everyone’s free. Any tips on how to throw a good party?

TY: A good DJ, an open bar, and fun people. I also think people know there is no judgment at my parties. If you know me, you know I couldn't care less what people think of me, and I have never judged someone for letting loose and having fun, so why should anyone else? I think that makes everyone feel more free.

TO: What can your fans expect from you in the future, musically? 

TY: More music, more shows, more reasons to go out and dance— that’s the plan.