TIA RAY’s latest English-language project, NEW DAY, marks a pivotal moment in the global music landscape, signaling that Chinese artists are no longer just participants but innovators on the world stage. Completely self-penned, the album serves as a definitive statement of her artistry and international ambition.
In the world of C-pop, TIA RAY is a powerhouse known for her sophisticated blend of traditional Chinese sensibilities and Western genres like jazz, soul, and R&B. Her global trajectory began years ago, highlighted by a collaboration with Kehlani in 2017 and frequent recording sessions abroad with Grammy-caliber talent. Throughout her decade-long career, she has remained committed to pushing the envelope of her creative expression.
While R&B and soul are often considered niche markets in China, TIA’s relentless work ethic and vocal mastery have earned her a massive following, evidenced by sold-out arena tours. Her career is decorated with milestones: in 2018, she became the first Chinese singer to break into the IFPI Global Top 10 Singles chart, ranking seventh. She also holds attendance records for her performances at international festivals like SXSW Australia. Deeply rooted in her heritage yet globally minded, she has become an essential conduit between the Chinese and international music scenes.
NEW DAY represents a significant evolution of her sonic palette. As a fully self-composed body of work, TIA maintained creative control over every melody and lyric. To bring her vision to life, she teamed up with elite producers including Antonio Dixon, Tommy Brown, Warren “Oak” Felder, and Khris Riddick-Tynes—the latter recently taking home Best R&B Song at the 68th Grammy Awards. Her technical skill has also drawn high praise from industry titans like Recording Academy Chairman Panos A. Panay and four-time Grammy winner Luca Bignardi.
What distinguishes the album, however, is TIA’s ability to infuse these tracks with a unique cultural identity that avoids the tropes of mainstream Western pop. While soul remains her foundation, she experiments with contemporary textures to create something entirely new.
The record opens with “Phone,” where ’80s-inspired guitar riffs and lush strings provide the backdrop for a story of modern heartbreak. “COLOR BLIND” transitions from a classic Motown introduction into a futuristic soul-electronic hybrid. In “HEART SHAPED HOLE,” TIA explores ethereal future bass with intimate spoken-word passages. “PRESSURE” sees her adapting Afrobeats rhythms through an Eastern lens, while “BALANCE” injects the high-octane energy of Jersey Club and trap into her R&B roots.
Other highlights include “BEAUTIFUL DAY,” which captures a dreamy, morning-after atmosphere, and “FLOWING LOTUS,” a track that utilizes natural soundscapes and Eastern flourishes to showcase her raw emotional power. “OLD DAYS” and “COLD” highlight her vocal precision, specifically her ability to use complex melisma to convey subtle shifts in mood. The lead single “BORED” remains a standout, blending retro-soul aesthetics with hip-hop beats to create an effortlessly cool and sensual vibe. The journey concludes with “OCEAN OF THE SUN,” a New Age soundscape that evokes the mystical imagery of traditional Eastern ink-wash paintings.
Ultimately, TIA RAY’s music transcends the traditional East-meets-West dichotomy. Her work is a seamless fusion of diverse influences, where tenderness and raw power exist in perfect equilibrium. She stands as a pillar of Asian musical excellence, offering a sound that is as inclusive as it is distinct—demanding the attention of listeners worldwide.
