TIA RAY Is Back with a Unique English Album, ‘NEW DAY’
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TIA RAY’s newest album, NEW DAY, underscores the rising prominence of Chinese artists in the global music landscape.
Recognized within the Chinese pop music scene, TIA RAY is a notable figure known for her blend of Chinese musical styles with Western genres such as jazz, R&B, and soul. Her collaboration with Kehlani dates back seven years, highlighting her commitment to international artistry. Over the course of her ten-year career, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of her craft through extensive collaborations with Grammy-winning producers and international tours.
Though soul and R&B are not mainstream genres in China, TIA RAY has cultivated a dedicated following. She has headlined large-scale arena tours, drawing tens of thousands of fans at each show. In 2018, she achieved a milestone as the first Chinese singer to enter the IFPI Global Top 10 Singles chart, securing the seventh position. Additionally, her performance at the Australian SXSW music festival set an attendance record, further establishing her role as a bridge between Chinese music and the international sphere.
NEW DAY marks a significant expansion of her musical repertoire. This entirely self-composed album features contributions from top-tier producers including Antonio Dixon, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Tommy Brown, and Warren “Oak” Felder, ensuring high production quality akin to leading Western artists. Riddick-Tynes, a key figure in the album’s production, recently won the Grammy Award for best R&B song for his work on Kehlani’s “Folded.” TIA’s impressive vocal talents have earned her acclaim from industry leaders, including Panos A. Panay, chairman of the Recording Academy, and four-time Grammy winner Luca Bignardi.
Yet TIA’s multifaceted artistry gives her music a unique flair that diverges from mainstream Western offerings.
While soul and R&B serve as the foundation of her sound, TIA continuously experiments by incorporating contemporary elements. The opening track, “Phone,” features ’80s-inspired emotive guitar and strings alongside a modern narrative of emotional betrayal. “COLOR BLIND” introduces a Motown-esque beginning before seamlessly transitioning into a blend of soul and electronic influences. “HEART SHAPED HOLE” combines future bass with intimate spoken-word elements for an ethereal finish. “PRESSURE” weaves Afrobeats rhythms with breathy vocals, reflecting a distinct Eastern sensibility. “BALANCE” merges Jersey Club and trap to energize R&B with dance-floor appeal.
