After establishing herself with her highly-praised initial offerings 'i am okay', 'Nothing To Lose' and 'Come And GO' in recent months, Vancouver-based Chinese-Canadian artist TiANYU is back once again to deliver her shimmering new single 'REALiTY'.
Capturing more of that rich and adventurous alt-pop energy she is quickly earning a reputation for, 'REALiTY' makes for a wonderfully warm and immersive listen. With her broad and distinctive vocal performance layered across a progressive production throughout, she is cementing herself as one of the more inventive names on the rise with this one.
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 over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Definitely piano.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up learning piano and it became my career as a classical concert pianist so I loved listening to classical music, then gradually started listening to hip hop and rap and r&b and rock sometimes.
What was the first album you remember owning?
This will be classical music: a limited edition of Glenn Gould playing J. S. Bach.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I probably wouldn't want to rewrite any artists' songs. I would probably do a cover instead.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It totally depends on the day honestly. Sometimes a melody can just come through any time of the day so I record it down immediately on my phone... or I wake up around 5 am and finish producing a song by noon... or I could also sit at my piano either write the lyrics and melody smoothly or nothing could come out. It varies. but coffee is a must, and from time to time I like to have a nice wine.. It's pretty simple.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
There are so many tbh. Recently I have been listening to a lot of PARTYNEXTDOOR, Saba, Smino, Post Malone, AUDREY NUNA, Adele, Big Sean, SZA, Kid Ink, 6LACK, Pop Smoke, Yeat. I also listen to classical music.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Post Malone
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I get to be so creative and speak my thoughts, feelings, emotions through my music.. and it is rewarding to hear people who listen to your music can somehow reciprocate to the song and say "this is also what I have/I am going through.". There is the freedom that I cherish to be so innovative and also there is no certain set timeline. I also love learning new things from different artists.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Probably the prelude to preparing myself to sit down in front of my laptop and produce.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Just play, and be yourself.
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TiANYU's new single 'REALiTY' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.