Getting To Know... TIHANE

Following on from a string of impactful offerings these last few years, LA-based artist TIHANE returns to the fold once again to deliver her vibrant new single 'Ain't That A B!tch'.

Lifted from her forthcoming debut album 'The War On Love', which is set to arrive early next year, 'Ain't That A B!tch' continues that broad and innovative aesthetic she has been conjuring lately. With her smooth and supple vocals layered across a shimmering production throughout, she continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.

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 recently.

-

What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

The first instrument I had an almost otherworldly fascination with was the baritone ukulele - it has a deeper, warmer sound than most ukuleles, tuned like a 4-string guitar.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I started with the rhythmic chants of my heritage, then fell in love with my mom’s bluesy jazz, then my dad’s psychedelic vintage rock and finally found my own blend of it all in underground hip hop.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Moondance by Van Morrison on a cassette tape from my dad. Or, Spice Girls, which my mom confiscated from me because of that one sexy song.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

There are so many deeply moving and powerful songs I could say here, but quite frankly I wish I’d written Crazy by Gnarls Barkley, because - everything about it.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

I stay close to nature, dragging my gear out to remote spots by the sea or in the mountains to feel inspired by the elements and play like a little kid until the melodies just pour through.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

My favourite current artists are Kaytranada, Ama Lou, Tems, Kali Uchis and Anderson Paak.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Erykah Badu. Period.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Being part of a universal phenomenon - where alchemising your own experiences through song can somehow help complete strangers to do the same.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Learning to master the everyday, very human things required to keep the phenomenon alive - navigating self-care and mental health in an industry that promotes toxic perspectives - staying flexible and firm enough to bend and not break.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Serve the story and not yourself. By serving the story you serve yourself.

-

TIHANE's new single 'Ain't That A B!tch' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.