Taryn Papa & Jason Scheff Team Up for a Reimagined Version of the 80s hit, “You’re The Inspiration”
Grew up in Connecticut, listening to artists your parents introduced you to — from Dean Martin to Donna Summer, AC/DC to Patsy Cline, Earth Wind and Fire to Chicago the Band. One of the artists that made you fall in love with country music was Martina McBride. What stood out about her songs that made you fall in love with country music?
Martina McBride’s voice has this powerful combination of vulnerability and strength that just draws you in. I love everything she does, from my The Voice audition song, “Anyway,” to a lot of her deeper cuts, like “God’s Will” and “How Far,”! They tell such honest, emotional stories, and they really resonated with me. There was something so real about the way she sang about life, heartache, and hope. I connected to that authenticity and it made me fall in love with country music. It’s the storytelling aspect that hooked me, and her songs have this ability to make you feel every word.
At sixteen, you formed a band performing the music of artists like Pat Benatar and Kelly Clarkson for audiences in the Northeast. Between gigs, you spent hours at your grandfather’s piano; he taught you how to play starting when you were just seven years old. “My grandfather taught me how to play when I was young. He was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and whenever I’d bring him into the room and play piano for him, he’d say, ‘I think I know that song!’ For him, music was so much more than sound. It was a time, a place, and a memory. The experience taught me about music’s ability to transform a moment into something much bigger than itself.” What were some of his favorite artists/songs?
My grandfather loved classic artists like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, especially those timeless crooner hits. He’d hum along to songs like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “That’s Amore.” He also had a soft spot for instrumental music, particularly songs like “Moon River” by Henry Mancini. His love for music shaped my own journey, and playing piano with him taught me how music connects across generations. Those melodies brought us together, even when words couldn’t.
First song you learned on guitar was 4 Non-Blondes’ “What’s Up.” First song you wrote in Nashville, “Persuaded,” was the most honest and vulnerable you had ever been in a writing session. “I’ve put so much of my life into my music and a responsibility to those who didn’t get out of their hometown. I want to succeed for them. I want to share our story through my music.” What is the backstory to your song?
“Persuaded” came from a very raw and personal place in my life. When I moved to Nashville, I was going through a period where I felt so unsure about my path, about relationships, and even about my place in the music world. I wrote it during a writing session where I allowed myself to be completely vulnerable, sharing feelings I had been holding back. It’s about finding the strength to follow your gut and make decisions that might be tough but ultimately lead you to where you’re supposed to be. For me, it was about standing firm in who I am, no matter what life throws at me.
Blending the timeless twang of 1990s country with the modern melodies of 21st century pop, bridging the gap between the classic and the contemporary. Sharpening your vocals playing marathon shows in the Lower Broadway district for years, four nights a week. What advice would you share with new artists wanting to sharpen their vocals?
My advice is simple: sing as often as you can, in as many different situations as possible. Playing marathon shows on Lower Broadway taught me endurance and control because you’re performing for hours on end, and you have to maintain your vocal quality. Never stopping the hustle — that’s what will help you grow.
“Every year seems to bring new challenges, new trends, and new opportunities, pushing me to adapt and evolve constantly. … The music industry is inherently unpredictable, and success often hinges on the ability to pivot quickly in response to shifting landscapes. … Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges that forced me to pivot in my music career. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to discover new passions, refine my craft, and ultimately become a more versatile and dynamic artist.” What has been the hardest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest challenge for me was balancing the unpredictable nature of the music industry with my personal life. There are so many ups and downs, and sometimes the rejections or the detours feel like setbacks, but they’re actually just part of the process. One of the biggest turning points was learning to embrace those moments where things didn’t go as planned and instead pivot, learn, and grow from them. I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to become more versatile and dynamic as an artist.
The Voice/Team Blake, Season 19, 2020. What is one of your favorite memories from appearing on the reality show?
One of my favorite memories was my first performance in front of Blake Shelton. The energy was electric, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through me. Hearing Blake turn his chair was surreal — I had dreamed of that moment for so long. That experience was a whirlwind, but one that pushed me to step up my game and the overwhelming fan support helped me believe in myself even more.
First met your husband, Brett Ehmen, in March 2021 at Redneck Riviera on Broadway. He stopped by the bar while visiting from Nebraska on a business trip. “I saw him the minute he walked in the door. He leaned up against a high-top table near the front of the stage and I lost all focus on my show. I finished the song, told my guitar player to sing something and immediately hopped off stage. I walked right over to Brett and said, ‘I’m supposed to know you.’ It was a powerful feeling that felt sent from above. I am so happy I didn’t let it pass me by! We still laugh to this day because he told me he was winking at me from the table but there was no way I would have been able to see that with the stage lights!” The relationship grew despite being long distance for a year plus. Music played an important role in helping you both feel close to one another while you were apart. “For a little over a year, we had a long-distance relationship. One of the ways we connected and felt close was through music. From the moment we met, Brett would send me sweet songs that reminded him of our love, or how he felt about me.” Which songs would top a playlist if you were to make an anniversary playlist of love songs for Brett for your next anniversary?
I’d definitely start the playlist with anything by Russell Dickerson. A lot of his music perfectly sums up our relationship and is one of Brett’s favorite artists. Another artist Brett likes is Dylan Scott. I would have to throw in some classics, “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis — that was the recessional song that played at our wedding. Music played such a big role in our relationship, so something from these artists would remind us of those special moments!
Self-love and acceptance. First children’s book, Fernella Blooms. Teaches the beauty of blooming where you’re planted. Fernella Blooms is a charming children’s illustrated picture book written in lyrical rhyme. It tells the story of Fernella, a fern in a vibrant garden, who initially feels insecure among the colorful blooms. Faced with the threat of being uprooted by the gardener, she learns to embrace her unique beauty with the encouragement of Ladybug June. In the end, Fernella discovers her own special charm and blossoms in her own way, celebrating her uniqueness. What was the inspiration for writing the book?
The inspiration for Fernella Blooms came from my own journey of self-acceptance and learning to embrace my unique path. Just like Fernella, I’ve often felt like I didn’t quite fit in or was overshadowed by others, especially in a competitive industry like music. But over time, I’ve realized that our differences are what make us special. I wanted to create a story for kids (and really anyone) that reminds them to bloom in their own way and to be proud of who they are. Ladybug June, who encourages Fernella, represents those people in our lives who remind us to keep going.
“You’re The Inspiration,” duet with Chicago’s former lead vocalist and bassist, Jason Scheff. It is their reimagined country roots version of the 80s hit song. Originally released in Oct. 1984. The music video and your first pair of cowboy boots, bought with money earned singing for tips on Broadway in Nashville twelve years ago. You shared, “It was important for us to honor the original while adding some “Taryn” to it!” What was the “Taryn” that was added to it?
When we reimagined “You’re The Inspiration” with Jason Scheff, we wanted to keep the heart of the original song, but add a little more of that country twang and some personal flair. For me, the “Taryn” touch came from the vocals — I wanted to bring a warmth and sincerity that reflected my country roots while staying true to the song’s emotional core. We also incorporated acoustic elements to give it that organic, down-to-earth feel, making it a blend of both Jason’s iconic sound and my Nashville influence.
“Best cheeseburger of my life,” from when you were on tour in Omaha, Nebraska. Besides finding new restaurants to try while on tour, what do you like to do during your free time on the road?
On the road, I love exploring the local culture and spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for a hike, visiting a local museum, trying out the best local restaurants, or just walking around new towns. It’s a great way to recharge and get inspired. There’s something about being in a new place that fuels my creativity, so I often use the quiet moments to reflect and work on new songs.
Making homemade pasta with your Italian father. What are your family’s traditional Thanksgiving dishes?
Thanksgiving in my family is always a blend of classic dishes and some Italian and Lebanese favorites. We do the traditional turkey, stuffing, ham, and mashed potatoes, but we also make lasagna, as a nod to my Italian heritage. My dad is Italian and my mom is Lebanese and Italian. A big pan of grape leaves is always on the stove getting eaten before it has a chance to be served! Thanksgiving is a feast that brings our family together, and I love how it blends all traditions.
What’s ahead in 2025?
2025 is going to be an exciting year! I’m working on new music that blends my love for country with a few other genres I’ve been exploring, so expect some fresh sounds. I’m also planning to go on tour again and connect with fans in even more cities. Plus, I’ve been working on another book, so I’m hoping to dive deeper into that side of my creativity. More than anything, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as an artist and seeing where the journey takes me!