TIA RAY’s latest self-penned English album NEW DAY stands as a testament that Chinese artists are now poised to shine brightly on the world’s musical platform.
For anyone attuned to the Chinese pop music scene, TIA RAY is undoubtedly a name that commands attention. A singer devoted to fusing Chinese musical sensibilities with Western genres like jazz, R&B and soul, she collaborated with Kehlani as early as seven years ago. She has frequently traveled overseas to work directly with Grammy-winning producers on her projects. Throughout her decadelong career, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of her artistic expression.
While soul and R&B are not China‘s mainstream genres, TIA’s prolific creativity and exceptional vocal talent have garnered an ever-growing fanbase. She has already headlined major arena tours across China, captivating tens of thousands at each show. In 2018, she made history as the first Chinese singer to enter the IFPI Global Top 10 Singles chart, securing the seventh position. She also set an attendance record as the closing act at the Australian SXSW music festival. Rooted in China yet resonating globally, she serves as a vital bridge connecting Chinese music with the international scene.
NEW DAY represents another bold stride in expanding her musical lexicon. As a fully self-composed album, TIA was intimately involved in crafting every track. The involvement of top-tier producers — Antonio Dixon, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Tommy Brown and Warren “Oak” Felder — ensures production quality that rivals leading Western artists. Notably, Khris Riddick-Tynes, a core producer on TIA’s album, just won best R&B song at the 68th Grammy Awards for his work on Kehlani’s “Folded.” Furthermore, TIA’s extraordinary vocal prowess has drawn acclaim from Panos A. Panay, chairman of the Recording Academy, and four-time Grammy winner Luca Bignardi.
Yet, TIA’s multifaceted artistry imbues these tracks with a distinctive character that sets them apart from mainstream Western offerings.
While soul and R&B form the core of her sound, TIA continually experiments by blending these genres with contemporary elements. The opening track “Phone” pairs ’80s-tinged emotive guitar and strings with a modern tale of emotional betrayal. “COLOR BLIND” begins with a Motown-inspired intro before seamlessly evolving into a fresh fusion of soul and electronic elements. “HEART SHAPED HOLE” polishes future bass and intimate spoken-word to a delicate, ethereal finish. In “PRESSURE,” Afrobeats rhythms intertwine with breathy vocals, revealing a unique Eastern sensibility. “BALANCE” fluidly merges Jersey Club and trap, bridging R&B with dance-floor energy.
“BEAUTIFUL DAY” evokes the dreamy sunlight after a night of revelry. “FLOWING LOTUS,” with its natural sounds and distinct Eastern flair, unveils a deeper emotional layer of the album, proving her voice profoundly moving even without complex production. “OLD DAYS” showcases the exquisite nuance of her vocals—her ability to capture subtle emotions is a standout strength, distinguishing her from many R&B peers. Over sparse guitar in “COLD,” her flexible melisma mimics a sudden chill, demonstrating her skill in conveying thoughtful details through voice alone. The mid-tempo “CALL ME” leads to another album highlight, “BORED.” As the lead single, it remains one of the strongest tracks, where retro soul and hip-hop beats create a modern, wild, and effortlessly sensual vibe that TIA owns completely. Finally, “OCEAN OF THE SUN” closes the album with fluid soundscapes and New Age elements, painting a mystical picture reminiscent of Eastern ink wash painting — a richly evocative conclusion.
Perhaps TIA RAY’s music truly transcends East-West dichotomies. In her voice and creations, diverse influences have long been fused into a unique whole, reflecting varied hues from different angles. Her R&B possesses a rare diversity and inclusivity, where tenderness and wildness co-exist in harmony. She is a pride of Asian music and deserves the attention of music lovers worldwide.
