Toronto-based soul artist Tara Van finds a sweet spot between vintage soul, neo-soul, blues, and jazz on her four-track EP MILES ON IT. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald, alongside contemporary acts such as JUNGLE and Thee Sacred Souls, Van brings a timeless sensibility to her songwriting while giving it a fresh, contemporary flavour. Released on October 16, 2026, the EP explores love, loss, grief, resilience and the importance of appreciating what we have before it’s gone. Recorded at Toronto’s Apt Sea Sound with producer Mark Calderone, the collection also reflects the genuine musical friendships that helped bring it to life.
The title track, “Miles On It,” kicks things off with thumping beats, softly strummed guitars and a spacious, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Van’s gentle yet resonant voice glides effortlessly over the steadily chugging rhythm, bringing an understated warmth to the performance. There’s an easygoing groove that’s tailor-made for a leisurely drive with the windows down. Lyrically, the song uses the image of accumulated miles as a metaphor for the passage of time, relationships and experiences that leave their mark, even when they don’t last forever.
“I’m A Vine” switches things up with punchy horns, hard-hitting drums and shimmering musical flourishes. Featuring Tom Moffett on horns and Alex St Kitts on bass, the track has a lively, infectious character, while Van’s tender, full-bodied vocals bring an engaging, joyful energy. It’s a particularly spirited moment that celebrates the song’s vibrant instrumental interplay.
The closing bonus track, “Take Your Light Down (Live Studio Demo 2026),” takes a more stripped-back approach, pairing slow, weighty beats with softly glistening guitar strums. Van sings with mesmerising tenderness, her smooth, expressive vibrato adding an intimate emotional pull. Recorded in one take with Calderone on guitar and a single microphone capturing the performance, its rawness is very much the point. There’s something refreshing about leaving the imperfections intact and allowing a genuine human moment to speak for itself.
Ultimately, MILES ON IT is a warm, soulful collection that finds beauty in life’s passing moments while encouraging us to keep reaching for the light, even when the road gets rough.
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Review by: Naomi Joan