Tianna: Bristol’s new rising star of neo-soul

Bristol born, Tianna is a neo-soul singer-songwriter, influenced by the likes of Joy Crookes, Pip Millet and Greentea Peng.

Her eloquent songwriting alongside her beautiful soft and sweet vocals is what makes her such an interesting rising star on the Bristol music scene.

After joining Go Getter Records in 2020, she has since garnered recognition from the likes of BBC Music Introducing and BBC 1Xtra.

The release of her debut EP, Morning Conversations, was released on September 15. Bristol24/7 caught up with Tianna to see what’s next.

Where in Bristol are you based?

I lived in Montpelier until I was five and then moved to Brislington.

After attending University of Bristol, I now live in Horfield with my five housemates.

How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as meaningful, intentional and emotive. I want people to feel something when they listen to my music!

What influences your music?

I grew up with my mum who loved jazz, soul and funk. She’s an amazing singer and once played with James Brown’s saxophonist, Pee Wee Ellis. My middle name is actually Simone after her favourite singer Nina Simone! I think I take a lot of that influence in my music and sound.

I couldn’t be without my beautiful horn section in my band, my friends Abbey Neave on Trumpet and Maria Garcia on saxophone! My dad is lead singer and bassist in Talisman – a legendary Bristol reggae band.

My parents are a massive influence for me! Growing up in Bristol I also love my bass music, some jungle vibes are definitely coming.

What’s your favourite memory of your career so far?

On September 28, I supported Hak Baker at SWX in Bristol. He had followed me and messaged me on Instagram out of nowhere which was crazy!

He’d said a friend of his had recommended me to him (I don’t know who!) and it was the biggest crowd I’d ever performed in front of. The audience were so engaging and it’s definitely the best me and my band have played – a huge moment for me!

What’s the response been to the music/art you’ve put out there so far?

It’s been so positive and warm, I couldn’t really ask for a better response. My single Talk To Me got made BBC1Xtra track of the week which was mental.

I  try not to put any pressure on anything I do, I want to keep as authentic as possible and keep the enjoyment, but it all looks to be going forward on a really exciting path!

How have you found breaking into the music industry for grassroots artists?

Music is slow, art is slow, but I think you’ve just got to appreciate the journey. As I’ve said, I think I’ve definitely faced a lot of luck with a lot of love from the industry, but also there is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes from my manager, the small team at the label (Go Getter Records), myself and my band that I feel like all the amazing opportunities I’ve had so far are largely down to that.

I also think Bristol’s musical community has really pushed me as a grassroots artist – the jam scene was where my performing began and the support from friends and other musicians in the community is a real testament to the city.

Where’s your favourite place to perform and attend a gig in Bristol?

I’ve spent a lot of my time at the legendary Gallimaufry over the last two years! They have a great jam night every Sunday called Family Business which was one of the first I ever went to!

I’ve spent a lot of time there, watching musician friends of mine, who are all insanely talented, and had my first headline gig there in September which was so much fun!

It’s a bit harder for me to go to the jams now as I work in a special educational needs secondary school as a learning support assistant and youth mentor, so my evenings are mostly getting prepared to wake up at 6am.

Who’s your dream artist to work with?

What a hard question! There’s so many artists I love and would kill to do some music with – Ezra Collective and The Silhouettes Project are definitely up there with people I’d like to work with.

Doing something with Joy Crookes would be amazing, she’s a big inspiration for me.

Who have you got your eye on at the moment?

I have so many friends in Bristol that are insanely talented musicians.

My guitarist Dom Richardson and bass player Will Rogers run a sick jam collective called SpaceJams – they put on these amazing nights at Lost Horizon called Analogue Lounge alongside DJ’s from the Brakery collective and I definitely think they are ones to watch.

Are there any artists you think deserve more appreciation/acknowledgement?

Again, I have so many talented mates and artists at Go Getter Records that already get love but deserve more – it’s hard to condense it.

My ever talented housemate Implicit, my good friend Danny Chaska and Frankie Allan – people I create with really closely and think could go so far.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a fresh EP and debut single, releasing before the end of the year with my friend Frankie Allan, who’s an amazing producer, rapper and singer.

I’ve also got a fun project with a longtime friend of mine Callum Mulholland (resident Amity DJ and founder) out in December. I’ve also got lots more gigs booked before the year is out, busy, busy!

Main photo: Go Getter Management

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