Tiaryn Falling Interview

For Fans of Ngaiire, Kimbra, Little Dragon, Ainslie Wills…

Combing feel-good vibes and rich harmony, Falling is the new single from Tiaryn's upcoming EP. Falling expresses the evolution from initial infatuation to the discovery of true connection. "It's being in that thrilling but nervous limbo when you have to trust in this feeling enough to leap without really knowing".

Created over a span of ten months, the song was a collaborative effort with Melbourne producer, Lewis Moody. Driving claps and a popcorn guitar riff kick off the tune, as the soaring vocal hooks and lush synths take centre stage. Falling is a subtle balance of organic and electronic colours, a simultaneously lulling and propelling force that will be spinning around your mind's turntable for days.

From as early as she can remember, Tiaryn has been deeply connected to the emotional release of singing. At the tender age of eleven, Tiaryn began writing songs at her family piano, and has remained transfixed with daring self-expression and creativity ever since.

In 2008 Tiaryn furthered her musical growth, studying jazz piano at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Since moving to Melbourne, Tiaryn has performed with numerous artists, including Sex On Toast, Sampa The Great and 30/70, tirelessly exploring avenues of music, while cultivating her own sound.

With a graceful blend of pop and alternative soul, Tiaryn's band flaunts unique synths, lush harmonies, sampled soundscapes and compelling stories. There's an effortless confidence yet vulnerability that commands your attention when Tiaryn is on stage. Her honest, diary-inspired lyrics, and soaring voice make for a captivating experience.

Interview with Tiaryn

Question: How would you describe your music?

Tiaryn: My music is soulful, layered with warm instrumentation and vocals. It has typical pop structures but I like to sneakily throw in weird harmonic ideas. I've always had a relatively soft, sweet voice, but I get bored with that so there's a bit of spicy feisty that comes out too.


Question: What inspired Falling?

Tiaryn: I usually write at the piano, but I felt like producing on my computer that day. I love playing with drum sounds so I came up with the beat first then went digging for weird synth sounds. It took me awhile before I realised I wanted to sing about infatuation and falling in love.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Tiaryn: This song off my upcoming EP, The One. It has these two wildly different sections, one is swollen and lulling with electronic sounds and the other has these punchy, blunt band hits. It's pretty fun to anticipate an audience's reactions to that live.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Tiaryn: I'm fascinated by Rick Rubin, an amazing producer who's worked with the best of best in so many genres. I'd adore working with him so if he was at my gig I'd be a little puppy dog just gushing over him, and attempting to convince him to work with me.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Tiaryn: Oh god that's a tough one. Both can be incredibly rewarding and scary at times. I think it depends on the song... and the gig. I'm having a lot of fun exploring production at the moment so probably recording.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Tiaryn: Already having something to write about, a strong feeling or experience makes writing much more motivating. But sometimes I have to just show up to the piano and fiddle until something comes out. If I can't stop singing an idea then I know I'm on to something and I have to keep going.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Tiaryn: Moses Sumney, Aromanticism, it's a stunning cohesive sonic world to go into. Also Moses Hightower, a band from Iceland that a friend showed me. I'm really into their bold arrangements. Maybe there's something about the name, Moses!

Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Tiaryn: I was given my first CD, Celine Dion's 'Falling Into You', by a woman at church. I listened to it over and over until I knew every word and vocal lick. It taught me that singing could be this extremely powerful and finessed expression. But I think my life-changing moment was when I wrote my first song. After experiencing my own expression really freely I felt compelled to keep looking for that. I was 11 and I thought it was magic.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Tiaryn: If I could collaborate with ANYONE it would be Frank Ocean. His album 'Channel Orange' is endlessly inspiring to me. It's like he took my favourite parts of music and all my influences and made an album I could only dream to make. Plus anytime he collaborates with anyone it arguably ends up being the best track on that artist's album.

However, I am really looking forward to collaborating with my good friend Angus Leslie of Sex On Toast on one of my songs in the next few months!


Interview by Brooke Hunter