Tiara Jade: "Reflection" (Exclusive Interview)
When did you first realize your ability to sing?
I gradually realized my singing ability over the course of many years. Even though I sang in numerous school choirs throughout my life, I used to get picked on by a classmate for my singing. Sometimes she would shake her head while other times she would point and laugh. It was because of this constant teasing that I assumed I didn't have a good singing ability. However, thanks to the constant encouragement from my family and friends, I finally realized that I shouldn't let this individual get me down. It was after this moment of realization that I discovered my singing talent.
What is your music and message all about?
My message is all about staying positive and looking on the bright side of life. Everyone at some point in their life experiences disheartening times. When people listen to my music, I want to give them something to relate to. I want listeners to feel the emotions in my music and realize that there is always something to hope for and something to look forward to. If I can make others happy while pursuing something I love, then there is nothing else I would rather be doing.
How would you describe your vocal style?
I would describe my vocal style as a strong mezzo-soprano with a sultry, deep, and full sounding low-range, accompanied with a sweet and clear high-range. My vocal style and my inner voice are one in the same. Having tonal control over my vocal style emphasizes the overall message of a song or highlights a dramatic mood change. When singing various parts of my music, I like to connect with listeners by changing my vocal style for certain lines to bring out these powerful emotions.
What was the hardest part of making this song?
The hardest part of making this song was writing the lyrics. I found it challenging to translate my original idea into a poetic-like form while still making sure I was getting my message across. So many different elements must be taken into consideration when coming up with the perfect lyrics. When writing "Reflection", I wanted the lyrics to come from a point-of-view that every listener would be able to relate to. I wanted others to be able to connect to their own individual experiences rather than just listening to mine. Even writing my lyrics in third person wouldn't quite resonate with listeners the way I wanted, so I had to think outside the box.
What was the most enjoyable part of making this song?
For "Reflection", the most enjoyable part was meeting and working with such talented musicians and recording vocals in the studio. I always find every song's writing process enjoyable, so it is challenging to pick a favorite part. However, I absolutely loved listening to the rough mixes. My song turned out even better than I envisioned and I loved the overall studio experience. It never really hit me until studio recording day just how real my dream has become.
What is one feeling you want to leave listeners with?
One feeling I want to leave listeners with is a feeling of confidence and self-love. Everywhere I go, I see people comparing themselves to others while trying to meet an unrealistic standard. At the mall, when looking at magazines, and even walking down the street I notice this comparison behavior. I have also caught myself striving for unattainable perfection from time to time. What hurts more than anything is watching people I care about self-destruct while trying to achieve these outrageous goals. I want my friends, family and fans to love themselves for who they are and be confident in their appearance.
How do you prepare for your live performances?
Before a live performance, I start with about an hour of vocal warmups. My favorite vocal warmup is the lip-trills because it is a great way to train yourself to use a steady stream of air when singing. After that, I'll run through each song that I'll be singing at the live performance. I'll practice several times to fix any possible problem areas or to add vocal ornamentation. Hydration is super important when singing, so I drink lots of water during practice. I want to make sure every live performance runs smoothly, so I always practice before each one.
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