After spending the last few months building and cultivating her sound, Worcestershire-based newcomer Tanya Tanya is now ready to introduce herself to the wider world with her vibrant debut single 'Through The Fire'.
Adopting a fresh and shimmering dance-pop aesthetic for her initial offering, 'Through The Fire' makes for a wonderfully bright and immersive introduction to her direction so far. With its rich and mesmerising textures, soaring production, and electrifying vocals layered throughout, she is kicking things off with a wildly enjoyable opening number here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I remember the first time I laid eyes on the black and white keys - it was love at first sight! I learnt to play Guitar and Clarinet also, but Piano will always be my go-to when it comes to writing/performing. I just love how it can sound equally as good stripped-back on a ballad as it does stacked-up on a house track, it’s just so versatile.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I’ve always been drawn to vocalists with distinctive voices like Lauryn Hill, Chaka Khan, Faith Evans, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey. There was always music playing! I grew up listening to my parents’ music: Luther Vandross, Diana Ross to Prince and Michael Jackson.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning was the Aaliyah album with songs such as “We Need A Resolution” “More Than A Woman” and “Rock The Boat”. The multiple-part harmonies and the super slick Timberland Missy production was ahead of its time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
As a songwriter you always strive to write something iconic and timeless, one of those ‘evergreen’ tracks, that is the goal. I wished I could have written ‘I Will Always Love You’ but I also some of the less known club tracks such as ‘Thinking About You’ La Forrest Cope/Michael Jones, it has that laid-back 80’s-club groove which I love, I have a copy of it on vinyl in my studio.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I burn some incense, hang my disco ball and I light some candles! I surround myself with anything that makes me feel good. The whole thing stems out of “this is fun, this feels good,” I like to write a full song in a day. I think there’s something about writing in the moment. It’s those moments that are captured that make it special!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m always excited about new music from Frank Ocean and Erykah Badu to name a few. I tend to listen to a lot of older music, like Earth Wind & Fire, Fleetwood Mac, Carol King, Dionne Warwick, all these records that I just put on because they make me feel good. I always think it would be cool if more of this was music [today].
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would like to open-up for a fashion brand in a unique location or a monumental landmark. I think that would be so surreal…that would be the dream!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
It’s the ‘energy’ you get from writing, being creative and performing! From putting pen to paper to releasing your song into the wild. I love to see people coming together and having a good time, that feeling you get from the crowd - it feels right, like this is what you’re supposed to be doing!
And what is the most frustrating part?
The industry can be difficult to navigate these days, especially for new artists but when it comes to releasing new music, artists have more freedom than ever to put out ‘what’ they want, ‘when’ they want.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Be authentic, be yourself, follow your dreams and don’t give up! It’s time to shine!”.
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Tanya Tanya's debut single 'Through The Fire' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.