Photo Credit: tiawood.ca

Hailing from Saddle Lake Cree Nation in central Alberta, a community of around 6,000 people within Treaty 6 territory, Tia’s musical journey began in her own home. Her first performances were with her family, sharing traditional music at powwows, schools, and community events. Although she describes herself as the “shyest kid” among her siblings, Tia credits these early performances and her family’s musical teachings with setting her on the path she follows today, proudly honouring and sharing her people’s songs and dances.

“I just enjoyed singing with my family, especially in front of others,” she says. “It was such a nice way to bond.” Even then, she dreamed of becoming a solo artist. As a teenager, she was drawn to diverse musical influences, from legends like Etta James and Amy Winehouse to contemporary artists like Remi Wolf, Dominick Fike, Leon Bridges, Jesse Reyez, and SZA. In her twenties, Tia built a huge social following as a creator, with many of her videos introducing Indigenous sounds to mainstream audiences, going viral and earning widespread recognition.

Her debut is infused with these influences, blending styles and genres rooted in her Indigenous heritage with smooth R&B and Pop. Her vocals weave everything together, creating a vibrant, modern sound enriched by her background and polished by a luxe production style. “I feel like I dip into a lot of different sounds,” she explains, “but right now, it’s mostly R&B and Pop. Growing up with traditional music, I bring it in when it feels right.”

 

Tia’s debut songs are as rich and varied as young adulthood itself, pairing her sonically rich vocals with instrumentation that ranges from classic piano and guitar to the fresh beats and hooks of modern R&B. Songwriting and honing her skills have been deeply therapeutic, she shares. “It’s helped me open up and dig into my feelings,” Tia says, hoping her journey and music inspire others, especially young Indigenous fans.

“I want to show people they can succeed, no matter where they’re from or the circumstances they face. It’s possible.” Today, Tia has amassed millions of followers on social media, with her popularity skyrocketing when she began “Indigenizing” popular music. But it’s her own music that truly resonates.

 

On September 27th, Tia Wood  released both her debut album “Pretty Red Bird” and the next single “Sky High”.