TIA RAY’s ‘NEW DAY’ Signals Rising Global Presence of Chinese Artists
Chinese singer-songwriter TIA RAY recently surprised fans with a pop-up performance at UCLA, previewing her new English-language album, NEW DAY. The album, released globally, marks a significant step in her decade-long career and highlights the growing international recognition of Chinese musicians.
A Fusion of East and West
TIA RAY has consistently blended Chinese musical sensibilities with Western genres like jazz, R&B and soul. She previously collaborated with Kehlani seven years ago and has worked with Grammy-winning producers throughout her career. Her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim within China, including headlining major arena tours.
Breaking Barriers and Achieving International Recognition
In 2018, TIA RAY became the first Chinese singer to enter the IFPI Global Top 10 Singles chart, reaching the seventh position. She as well set an attendance record at the Australian SXSW music festival. NEW DAY builds on this momentum, representing a bold artistic evolution and a commitment to exploring new musical directions.
Crafting ‘NEW DAY’
The album was crafted over three years, with TIA RAY traveling between Shanghai, Beijing, and Los Angeles to record. She collaborated with producers Antonio Dixon, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Tommy Brown, and Warren “Oak” Felder. According to Billboard China, Riddick-Tynes’s strict approach initially proved stressful, but ultimately led to a fresh and exciting sound.
A Message of Hope and Inspiration
TIA RAY explained that NEW DAY is about exploring possibilities and inspiring listeners to overcome challenges. “I wanted to continue exploring my own possibilities in different ways; the challenges actually sparked more creativity,” she said. “I also want to inspire people through this album — no matter what you’re going through, when you get through it, it’s a completely new day.”
A Bridge Between Cultures
TIA RAY’s success is seen as a testament to the growing prominence of Chinese artists on the global music stage. She serves as a vital link between Chinese music and the international scene, paving the way for greater cross-cultural collaboration, and recognition.
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