Pop-country group, Blackbyrd, has just released their latest music video, From the Bottom of My Heart. The trio debuted the video, a collaboration with Craig Hinds from Watershed, on the Expresso Breakfast Show this morning. The single is from their album, Strong, which was released late last year. The group, which is made up of Capetonians, Tarryn Lamb, Samantha Heldsinger and Tamsyn Maker, were nominated for four awards at SAMAs. They walked away empty handed, but their producer Mark Beling won best Engineer for his work on Strong. Despite receiving flack from critics, Tarryn Lamb says the group is determined to prove themselves in the industry. Tarryn says they're excited about their fans seeing the video.

"We shot it about it about a month ago in Joburg. It's such a cool song about two people confessing their love for each other and admitting that things are tough sometimes but they still love each other," she says.

It's been a tough few years for the band, who've had to defend their music after critics labelled them three pretty girls who aren't very talented. Tarryn says they take it all in their stride and continue to work tirelessly towards their goals.

"The critics are so mean. They've said mean things about us and said we should just give up. We have a mission and people can say whatever they want but it's for us to push through that and keep going.

"We're inspired by our fans and the support we get so that's just something that drives us everyday.  At the end of the day you can't please everybody; if you believe in your product you have to push it and work your butt off to keep and sustain your brand but it's very challenging," she says.

Tarryn says before the album, she'd never written any of her own songs or really played the guitar. She says writing songs with the guitar inspired her to create their pop-country music.

"I sat with the girls and asked them about how they feel about learning to play the guitar. At that stage I could barely even play. They were just so keen and up for any challenge. It was literally a case of us getting to grips with playing the guitar, being comfortable and confident enough to play it on stage. It was a challenge but we all love music," she says. 

The group is always stylishly dressed and well put together where ever they go. During the SAMA weekend they had three costume changes at a function on Friday including black and gold sequined outfits, designed by Durban brand Your Highness, for their performance. Tarryn says maintaining their image is not as easy as it looks. 

"I am always on diet," she laughs. "It's very tough because we have to maintain a certain look. There's an expectation for us to look our best so it's very stressful." 

Tarryn says all the negative energy has brought them closer as a band. She says they'll continue to dream big no matter what.

"I would love our music to go international. The reason why we do pop-country is because it's the kind of music that can cross over. . We would love to have out music in Nashville, Tennessee, the home of country music. Anything can happen in this industry, so we just staying positive and working hard. Watch this space, that's all I can say," she says. 

Tamlyn Canham
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