This selected repertoire of bold synths and sonic expression is a beautiful homage to their immeasurable growth as an artist.  Similar to inspirations James Blake and FKA Twigs, Tiiva shows how the abstract pop world, in all its melodic madness and virtuoso, just gets better and better. Although the single ‘Fireflies’ was released earlier this year, Tiiva’s EP also includes new songs ‘Lost You, Found Myself’, ‘Problems’ and ‘Sparks’. Tiiva still retains their folk pop influence, yet the EDM influence is unmistakable and exciting. This week, TNAM had the pleasure to speak to Tiiva about mixing genre production, a new direction for their music, and what to look forward to in 2024.

At what point did you decide to start producing music, as an independent artist?

In lockdown 2020 i had time and space to think about what i wanted, to work properly on my production skills and i was lucky to have pro tools, synths and the capacity to make work. I also had the inspiration of meeting other producers and engineers like nghtblind, james rand, katie tavini, ary and andy stone who helped me loads by mixing/mastering my first tracks- that gave me a lot of confidence to work harder and to start producing myself.

If your music was a Tinder profile, what would the bio be?

 LOL, i love this question. Erm… complicated and mixed genre, loves mountains and synths and always trying to make camp(ing) frequencies happen.

So, tell us a little bit about your new song, ‘Lost You, Found Myself’

i wrote this about how loss and grief can be intersectional with new discovery and the euphoria of finding peace with both things. I wrote three tracks from the ep in two days and this was the first one, i wanted to make something empowering and the production is a little more aggressive that some music i’ve made in the past, i used a ton of foley samples and EDM drums, impacts and vocally i knew i wanted to express in a more direct way, making this track was a real release of emotion and one of the more cathartic writing times i’ve had.

It means allowing yourself to feel good, allowing yourself to let go and for that to be empowering and directive, to choose your own way and take your steps into a place that is scary as hell but freeing and so worthwhile.

In a world full of so many artists putting their music out there, how do you think your music remains original and innovative?

This is such a good question! I think no one sounds exactly the same and no one is totally unique, we’re all a product of the past and present– I like to think that the combination of sounds i use are bit different and that makes a sound that i can hold as my own, the hyper pop sound is something i love and lean into but i also want to tell stories cause i come from a folk music background, so maybe that sits a bit differently. As someone who isn’t inside it you probably have a better answer to this than me though.

What advice would you give to those trying to start their musical career?

Say thank you to the people who help you, don’t let your ego overshadow what you’re making and be prepared to work ten times harder than you thought, allow yourself time and space and always work with people who are kind.

And in your experience, have there been any pivotal inspirations or mentors in your music career?

 The people i just mentioned, Alex, Katie, James, Andy, Ary, 2% rising who support women and gender minority producers, Isobel who has worked on my press and who continually uplifts me and helps me make sense of what i’m doing, Dan who drums with me has helped me loads, and my other friends who are really inspiring with who they are.

What would be your dream collaboration?

 I’ve already had some this year with music i’m excited to release next year. My dream collab would be with someone who makes totally different music to me, cause I think that would be really interesting. I recently worked with a dance company and would love to make more music for movement, to finish the ep i’ve been making with Roseau and to work with more hyperpop producers and artists too.

Describe the best gig you’ve done to date, and why it stuck with you.

The London gig that we sold out on the same day i got played on radio 1 was amazing, we had all our friends down, my friends Wordcolour, Herberta and Kerai played and it was a room filled with lovely people

If you had to describe ‘Fireflies’ how do you think it compares to the rest of your music? What’s new? 

 I went a lot more directional with the production, I used a lot more impactive and harsher sounds, musically it feels like more settling into where I want to go next, and feeling more confident in my identity as a producer and a person

What most excites you about releasing this EP?

 Honestly it being released is exciting, making something in a short space of time that felt really instantaneously expressive and honest and releasing it into the sonic world, the sounds i made and knowing every bit of production and music in this has been autonomous and free. I am proud of this body of work because it’s a product of a lot of pain and to hold this at the end of all that feels so good.

Looking back on 2023, are there any big moments that have stuck out to you?

Going to the USA to produce with an artist there was amazing, being played on BBC, performing in a boathouse in the lakes, writing in London with some really talented people, making some great new friends and working on the music in Manchester was an incredible experience

Do you have anything new you’re working on that you can tell us about, for 2024?

The music i wrote for the dance company is something i’m excited to develop further, an ep i made with Roseau, a track with Luan Luan, a remix i made for a boss artist and a song i co wrote with an incredible singer, as well as more music i’ve started working on, lots of things. Alongside that I’m excited to keep working on my product and evolving that more.