Bristol’s underground scene ignites with Tlya X An‘s electrifying new single ‘Camel’s Back’. With haunting vocals and innovative production colliding in a mesmerising soundscape, Tlya continues to push boundaries with her latest offering, exploring life-altering moments that reveal truth. The accompanying music video, a collaboration with visionary Phoebe Ashford, is a surreal journey through nature’s transformative power. Part of “The Sunset People” documentary, it offers a spellbinding glimpse into Bristol’s pulsating creative underbelly. DMCWORLD dives in…
The VLURE remix of “Mi Mind Unknown” takes your track into 150bpm club territory. What was your initial reaction when you heard how Conor Goldie had reinterpreted your work?
Blew me away! Absolutely loved hearing how he reworked the track and made it into a rave anthem while still paying homage to the original. I’ve been a fan of VLURE for a while myself, so it’s been special having Goldie working on this remix. Fire!
Your approach to music is described as “multidisciplinary and genre-fluid.” How does this philosophy influence your decisions when choosing collaboration partners like VLURE?
I never wanted and never will put my music in a box, so I try to stay away from labeling my sound and I love experimenting with different genres, bpm and sounds, music should be fluid. I always say, for as cliche as it might sound, ‘expect the unexpected’. I grew up listening to so many different genres and artists, and I still do, so I am not surprised that this reflects in my music too, let it be fun and free. Loads of the collaborations I’ve done this year explore different mediums and moods. It’s about the art first and foremost, we give it a name after it’s made.
Both you and VLURE seem to share an appreciation for rave culture, though expressed differently. What aspects of the remix do you feel best capture both of your artistic identities?
The remix is an unusual mix of genres that celebrates so many aspects of the original track, which is also an unusual mix of genres. The original track can be described as an intense journey that keeps evolving. The remix is doing the same thing but in an even more intense way. I feel like Goldie managed to keep the essence of my energy while intensifying the track in a way that only VLURE would do, blending hyper pop with techno and psytrance.
This remix follows the success of “Camel’s Back” and “Ninja.” How do you feel your sound has evolved since your debut EP ‘TXN’ last year?
I can only really say how I feel my process has evolved, embracing simplicity, using my voice even more and sampling it, using more self-made samples and sounds including live instruments and the natural evolution that happens with practice and working on my production and songwriting skills constantly. I can say that I feel like my sound has more order in its chaos now compared to ‘TXN’.
You’re known for your striking stage presence. Having supported diverse acts like yeule and Grove, how do you adapt your performance style for different audiences and venues?
It really depends on where I’m playing, type of show, crowd etc. Playing festivals is always a fun challenge as the crowd is so varied, you never know what to expect. That’s where I focus on bringing the energy, being one with the crowd and baring my souls which opens a path of connection with the audience. With more intimate gigs or support shows, I adapt my set list depending on the event or headliner, I bring my dancers along and VJ if suitable and as I have a varied catalog of genres myself, I can curate around what I feel would work best for that specific night. But in the end, I focus on trusting what I want to show and perform at that moment in time, as I believe that would bring the best of me to the stage and that’s my priority.
Being a producer as well as a vocalist gives you unique creative control. How does this influence your approach when working with other producers on remixes?
When I love a producer’s work and we decide to work together, I let go. With trust and respect I look forward to hearing what they bring to the table. it’s always exciting and intriguing to see how other artists rework my productions.
Earmilk described you as “a visionary talent who fearlessly pushes boundaries.” What boundaries are you most interested in pushing in your current work?
Stereotypes, what’s expected/not expected from an artist, having to fit in a box. I try to avoid labels and I reiterate this with my music and productions where I don’t like sticking to one genre, I follow my instinct when it comes to my art. I think I may be pushing a boundary by just being myself unapologetically. We live in a society that promotes the narrative that one is not good enough as they are, but life is too short, we owe it to ourselves to explore our truths with all its darkness and light. I do my best to bring my truth to everything I do, even if it doesn’t always make sense to me. It’s always with pure intentions.
The press has noted both the intimacy and provocation in your craft. How do you balance these seemingly opposing elements in your music?
I love contradictions, our world is full of them, and it happens to be that I am both. Both intimacy and provocation are human traits, and we know that nothing is just black or white. That’s also one of the main messages I want to push with my music. May we find peace in our chaos.
Your work spans visual art, production, and vocal performance. How do these different creative outlets inform each other in your artistic process?
Sometimes it’s all at once, sometimes in order. But mostly by letting whatever comes first lead the way. It’s like my own personal game. I have a lot of fun being able to play with different mediums.
Having worked with various festivals and brands like Simple Things and Dot To Dot, what do you look for in potential collaborations or partnerships?
Uniqueness and integrity, I love working with grassroots brands or at least brands that support local talent. I also look for innovative and immersive experiences that could bring something special to the stage.
Your work has garnered support from BBC Radio 1 to Crack Magazine. How do you maintain your artistic vision while reaching such diverse audiences?
I think my music and the themes I like to address are relatable for people of different ages, backgrounds, etc. I write about how I see and feel the world, the human experience. The only way for me to maintain my vision is by continuing to live as openly as I can and translating it into my art as best I can in hopes that it brings joy to my listeners. I am grateful wherever it ends up.
The name Tlya X An has an interesting pronunciation (Talia X N). What’s the story behind choosing this artistic identity?
‘Talia’ is my name, I added the ‘X An’ because it felt/sounded to me like a superhero/villain/main character name. Then I twisted the ‘Tlya’ for fun. Essensity, I came up with a twisted name as I felt it was only right with my twisted personality!