A Chat with Tiki Black (17.02.22)
Described by Glasswerk as creating songs that “…tug at the heartstrings without ever giving the impression they were written purely to do so”, UK-based Tiki Black is a musical enigma in a kaleidoscopic sonic blanket. We speak with the talented indie artist about her album The Sound of the Broken Wand, early memories, inspiration and future plans.
OSR: What drew you to music?
Tiki Black: The language of music is so universal, creative and speaks so directly both to the heart, the body and the mind. I particularly find solace in the singing and songwriting process.
OSR: Who or what inspires you to make music?
Tiki Black: I drew inspiration from the performing songwriters who shared some of my experiences and expressed the emotions, the lessons, thereby making me feel less alone. From Chopin to Dolly Parton via Alanis Morissette and Eboa Lotin. Life is the untimely subject.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Tiki Black: I hope, like the giants on whose shoulders I stand, that people can feel less alone when they hear my songs and more than anything that they are reminded of their power, their strength, and their amazing capacities.
OSR: What is the backstory to your new album The Sound of the Broken Wand?
Tiki Black: The Sound of the Broken Wand is multiple stories of emancipation. The wand is like this intercessor in our lives. When it breaks, we are finally empowered to do things for ourselves and drow to believe we can. From emotional and financial debuts to toxic relationships, we can cut the cord.
OSR: DId you face any challenges when writing and recording the album?
Tiki Black: Oh dear, yes! But who doesn’t? I lost my voice, didn’t have the required finances, Covid, and the fact that I am fussy and will work over and over on the project until I am happy it is ready.
OSR: If you could change one thing about The Sound of the Broken Wand, what would it be and why?
Tiki Black: I probably wouldn’t change anything as it is. Some of the changes we made on tracks were to ensure they make up a cohesive collection. I will release singles to showcase the songs’ greater individuality.
OSR: How would you describe your music?
Tiki Black: Well, it is not primarily for entertainment but to reconcile people with themselves and each other. I use any music and words that best express my point, so maybe a type of indie-folk fusion? I love classical, jazz, folk, romantic, opera, so-called world, soul, fusion and more.
OSR: If you could perform with any musician, who would it be and why?
Tiki Black: Oh, I’d rather not dream that high…
OSR: What is your earliest memory?
Tiki Black: Of music? Singing with my grandmother at church and having song explanations from my mum.
OSR: What are your future plans as a musician?
Tiki Black: I want to do more festivals, more collaborations, and definitely more albums and I am actually completing the composition and writing of my third album. Looking forward to having it produced.
Many thanks to Tiki Black for speaking with us. For more from Tiki Black check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
