Tia Ray
 | This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (November 2021) |
Tia Ray | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 袁娅维 | |||||||
| Born | December 12, 1984 Huaihua, Hunan, China | ||||||
| Nationality | Chinese | ||||||
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter | ||||||
| Chinese name | |||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 袁婭維 | ||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 袁娅维 | ||||||
| |||||||
| Musical career | |||||||
| Genres | C-pop, Neo-Soul | ||||||
| Instruments | Vocals | ||||||
| Labels | Warner Music China | ||||||
Tia Ray (simplified Chinese: 袁娅维; traditional Chinese: 袁婭維; pinyin: Yuán Yàwéi; born 12 December) is a Chinese singer-songwriter from Hunan, China. She is one of the most influential singers in China. Referred to as the “Urban Soul Queen”, she is recognized for her soulful voice and her ability to cross genres - from ballads to EDM, soul, R&B to pop and transition between Chinese and English.
She represents a brand-new generation of Asian artists, who can bridge the sounds of the east and the west, fusing traditional Chinese sounds with contemporary R&B and soul. Her strong vocals and unique musical sense have been recognized internationally, leading to collaborations with artists like Kehlani, Jason Derulo, Gallant, Far East Movement, and others.
Her hit single “Be Apart” ranked No.7 on IFPI's Global Singles chart in 2018,[1] with 1.8 billion streams in just one year. The song currently surpassed 7 billion streams (as of September 2021)
She's gained respect and popularity in China, and recently received CCTV's Most Popular Female Singer of the Year for 2021. Additionally, Tia is regarded as one of the most sought-after feature artists in the Chinese hip-hop scene. Her collaborators include Chinese idol Jackson Wang from popular K-pop group GOT7 to rapper Masiwei from Higher Brothers, a renowned hip hop group in China and internationally.
While singer artists influence the audience, Tia is a singer who influences other singers. Many young, up-and-coming singers in China see Tia as their role model.
Life and career[edit]
Tia was born and raised in the town of Huai Hua, in the South-West province of Hunan. At a young age she developed a keen interest in music. She won her first award in singing at a school competition when she was in grade 7. Like all young people looking to pursue their dreams in China, she left her small hometown and moved to Beijing to study performing arts.
2000 - 2010: career beginnings[edit]
Her interests in western music all started when a musician gave her a Mariah Carey CD. Inspired by the music by musicians like India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Eryka Badu, Jill Scott, she formed her first band - Soulside, with a group of young musicians. Soulside was different from other bands in China at the time. They introduced R&B and soul, to a live music scene that was mostly rock and old-school jazz. Soulside performed at various live houses and music festivals and soon gained a following. A few years later, she started her second band The Knutz. They continued to play at live houses and music festivals to a growing audience. It's her experiences performing with her band that made Tia such a ‘natural’ on stage. She's definitely “The Queen of Live”!
2012 - 2014: Participating in The Voice of China, release of T.I.A Album[edit]
Tia's first big break came in 2012 when she took part in The Voice of China. Her soulful rendition of the Chinese classic song "The Curvy Moon" (弯弯的月亮) made her a household name.
Two years later, she released her debut album T.I.A., writing or co-writing all the songs herself as there were no writers for soul and R&B music in China. Her song "Lost In Traveling", became her first hit.
2017 - 2018 : Collaboration with Kehlani and Will Pan; release of album TIARA[edit]
In 2017, her song "Be Apart" was used as the theme to the hit Chinese movie The Ex-File: The Return of the Exes, ranking No. 7 on IFPI's Global Singles chart. The following year, she released her second album, “TIARA" and held her first solo concert tour. She also joined singer Kehlani on the song "Just My Luck” and Will Pan on his new single “Moonlight”.
2019: Collaboration with Gallant, Derulo, Far East Movement; release of album 1212[edit]
In 2019, she released EP called "1212," featured on Far East Movement's song "Paint the Clouds," collaborated with Gallant on "Trust Myself," and with Jason Derulo on the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup song “Champion."
2020 - Present: Collaboration for video game feature song, and feature in 2021 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics promo song[edit]
In 2020, she released her single “Starfall” featuring Hoyo-Mix, the in-house music team of miHoYo - a video game developer, for the video game Honkai Impact 3rd.
Her most recent project is featuring in Beijing Olympics and Paralympics promotional song “A Better Future Together” (一起向未来) with Chinese singer, William Chan.
Musical style[edit]
Tia represents the new generation of Chinese artists who can crossover between traditional and contemporary. She leads the Chinese contemporary music scene, with her ability to continuously innovate and redefine C-pop.
Music critics described Tia and her music as being able to “transcend national boundaries and language”; that her music is “tea to the east and wine to the west”.
Discography[edit]
Studio albums[edit]
- Tia (2014)
- TIARA (2018)
- 1212 (2019)
- Once Upon A Moon (2021)
Singles[edit]
- "You Know I Love You" (2004)
- "Because of Love" (2004)
- "Stage Sisters" (2008)
- "Love Passes Love" (2008)
- "Tacit Understanding of Love" (2008)
- "Sweet Things" (2009)
- "Blossom" (2015)
- "Uncle Long Legs" (2016)
- "Love Herby" (2016)
- "Be Apart" (2018)
- "Starfall: Impressions" (2020)
- “TIVA000” (2021)
Collaborations[edit]
- "Just My Luck" (featuring Kehlani) on her TIARA album
- "Lucky Rain" (featuring Jackson Wang) (2018) on her TIARA album
- "Moonlight" (Will Pan featuring Tia Ray) (2018)
- "Paint the Clouds" (Far East Movement featuring Tia Ray) (2019)
- "Trust Myself" (featuring Gallant) (2019)
- "Champion (Official song of the FIBA Basketball World Cup China 2019)" (Jason Derulo featuring Tia Ray) (2019)
Achievements[edit]
| Year | Name of Award | Organizer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ranked #1 Song 《Little Too Much》 | TME Wave Chart | WON |
| 2021 | The Most Popular Female Singer | CCTV Global Chinese Music Top 10 Awards | WON |
| 2020 | Top 10 Golden Song for song 《不亏不欠》 | 27th Chinese Top Ten Music Awards (东方风云榜) | WON |
| 2020 | Most Popular Female Singer | 27th Chinese Top Ten Music Awards (东方风云榜) | WON |
| 2019 | Female Singer of the Year | 2019 Chinese Songs and Music Festival | WON |
| 2018 | Most Popular Female Singer | 12th Migu Music Awards | WON |
| 2018 | Top 10 Songs of the Year for song 《说散就散》 | 12th Migu Music Awards | WON |
| 2018 | Female Singer of the Year Recommended by all Media | Beijing Pop Music Awards | WON |
| 2017 | Media Recommended Song Award 《流花 Love Herby》 | 21st China Music Awards | WON |
| 2017 | Singer Composer Award | 17th Annual Music Awards | WON |
| 2015 | Outstanding Young Singer Award for album T.I.A | CNTV Chinese Music Awards | WON |
| 2015 | The Best Performance Award for album T.I.A | CNTV Chinese Music Awards | WON |
| 2015 | Jury Recommendation Award for album T.I.A | 16th Chinese Music Awards | Nominated |
| 2015 | Best Soul/R&B Album of the Year for album T.I.A | Chinese Jazz General | WON |
| 2012 | Hottest Musician Award | BQ Weekly Awards | WON |
I Am a Singer performances[edit]
Singer 2017[edit]
Ray first appeared in the I Am a Singer series as one of eight "Initial singers" for the season. After Ray narrowly avoid elimination for the first two shows (on the first week however, she was declared safe due to a contestant's withdrawal from the competition), she was eliminated on the third week. Ray later advanced to the semi-finals after reinstating her in the Breakout rounds, and finished in 7th place.
Singer 2017 Performance List for Tia Ray
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| Episode | Round | Broadcast Date | Song Title | Original Singer | Song Introduction | Ranking | Percentages of Votes | Remarks |
| 1 | 1st Qualifying Round | January 21, 2017 | "阿楚姑娘" (Mandarin) | Frankie Liang | Lyrics: Meng Ye Composer: Frankie Liang Arranger: Zhao Zhao |
7 | 3.74% | Singer voting in 3rd place |
| 2 | 1st Knockout Round | January 28, 2017 | "Love On Top" (English) | Beyoncé | Lyrics／Composer: Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Youngdell Nash, Shea Taylor Arranger: Ni Ke |
6 | 9.24% | Singer voting in 2nd place Overall ranking is 6th (6.49% of votes) |
| 3 | 1st Challenge Round | February 4, 2017 | "蒙娜丽莎的眼泪" (Mandarin) | Terry Lin | Lyrics／Composer: Zheng Huajuan Arranger: Kubert Leung |
8 | 8.50% | Eliminated (finished last) |
| 4 | 2nd Knockout Round | February 11, 2017 | "Golden" (English) | Jill Scott | Lyrics: Jill Scott Composer: Anthony Bell Arranger: Fergus Chow |
Non-ranked performance (Return Performance) | ||
| 11 | Breakout Round | April 1, 2017 | "开往春天的地铁" (Mandarin) | Yu Quan | Lyrics: Wu Xiangfei Composer: Zhang Yadong Arranger: Michael Ning, Phil Wen |
6 | 8.22% | Breakout Success |
| "Kiss from a Rose" (English) | Seal | Lyrics／Composer: Seal Arranger: Michael Ning, Phil Wen | ||||||
| 12 | Semi-Finals | April 8, 2017 | "Sex Machine" (English) | James Brown | Lyrics／Composer: James Brown, Bobby Byrd, Ron Lenhoff Arranger: Nick Pyo |
7 | 8.84% | Advanced |
| "爱是怀疑" (Mandarin) | Eason Chan | Lyrics／Composer: Hanjin Tan Arranger: Nick Pyo | ||||||
| 13 | Finals | April 15, 2017 | "奋不顾身" (Mandarin) | Liu Huan, Summer | Lyrics／Composer: Liu Huan Arranger: Zhao Zhao, Meng Ke |
8 | 6.39% | Overall ranking is 7th (7.61% of votes) Assisted by guest singer Liu Huan |
| "凤凰于飞" (Mandarin) | Liu Huan | Lyrics／Composer: Liu Huan Arranger: Zhao Zhao, Meng Ke | ||||||
| 14 | 2017 Biennial Concert | April 22, 2017 | "Misty" (English) | Johnny Mathis | Lyrics: Johnny Burke Composer: Erroll Garner Arranger: Chang Shilei |
Non-ranked performance Assisted by guest singer Chang Shilei | ||
| "来日方长" (Mandarin) | Isabelle Huang, Joker Xue | Lyrics: Chang Shilei Composer: Tia Ray, Chang Shilei Arranger: Chang Shilei | ||||||
Singer 2018[edit]
Ray was invited as one of the four guest singers from the 2017 season during the season's biennial concert along with a guest Victor Ma. That season was currently the latest season to feature a concert airing after the finals held a week prior. The 2018 season also featured runner-up Hua Chenyu, who would also later compete along with Ray and two other singers two years later, and Hua gone on to win the season.[2]
Singer 2019 Performance List for Tia Ray
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| Episode | Round | Broadcast Date | Song Title | Original Singer | Song Introduction | Ranking | Percentages of Votes | Remarks |
| 14 | 2018 Biennial Concert | April 20, 2018 | "下个，路口，见" | Li Yuchun | Lyrics/Composer: Li Yuchun Arrangement: Chen Hanwen Chang Shilei |
Non-ranked performance (as Guest Performer) | ||
Singer 2019[edit]
Ray was again invited as a guest singer on the seventh season to accompany with Liu Huan (the eventual winner for that season) once more during the semi-finals.
Singer 2019 Performance List for Tia Ray
| ||||||||
| Episode | Round | Broadcast Date | Song Title | Original Singer | Song Introduction | Ranking | Percentages of Votes | Remarks |
| 13 | Semi-Finals | April 5, 2019 | "City of Stars"(English) | Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone | Lyrics: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Composer: Justin Hurwitz |
Non-ranked performance (as Guest Performer) | ||
Singer 2020[edit]
Ray later returned for her second season in 2020, entitled Year of the Hits, as one of the four returning singers from seasons four to six (including Lala Hsu, Jam Hsiao and season's winner Hua Chenyu). Ray was again eliminated after week eight (and unlike previous seasons, Ray was not entitled to Returning Performances the following week due to safety concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak at the time), but she was reinstated upon her success in the Breakouts and went on to clinch as the season's runner-up, making her the best-performing previously eliminated singer in the series.[3][4]
Singer 2020 Performance List for Tia Ray
| ||||||||
| Episode | Round | Broadcast Date | Song Title | Original Singer | Song Introduction | Ranking | Percentages of Votes | Remarks |
| 1 | 1st Qualifier Round | February 7, 2020 | "我爱" | Tia Ray | Lyrics: Malay, Trey Cambell, Tia Ray, Li Cong Composer: Malay, Trey Cambell, Tia Ray Arranged: Michael Ning, Julian Waterfall Pollack |
6 | 6.55% | Won "Surprise Challenge" against Jeryl Lee (247-232) |
| 2 | 1st Knockout Round | February 14, 2020 | "不亏不欠" | Tia Ray | Lyrics: Cheung Cho Kiu Composer: Khris Riddick-Tynes, Leon Thomas III, Debbie Aramide Arranged: Huang Yun Xun, Zhang Yiyu |
3 | 14.36% | Overall placement is 6th (10.455% of votes) |
| 3 | 2nd Qualifier Round | February 21, 2020 | "有一种悲伤" | A-Lin | Lyrics: Gavin Lin Composer: Alex Chang Jien |
5 | 10.67% | |
| 4 | 2nd Knockout Round | February 28, 2020 | "Love Can Fly" | Tia Ray | Lyrics: Tia Ray Composer: Chang Shilei |
4 | 15.92% | Overall placement is 5th (13.295% of votes) |
| 5 | 3rd Qualifier Round | March 6, 2020 | "凄美地" | Guo Ding | Lyrics/Composer: Guo Ding | 4 | 15.15% | Lost "Surprise Challenge" against Jike Junyi (212-274) |
| 6 | 3rd Knockout Round | March 13, 2020 | "月牙湾" | F.I.R. | Lyrics: Kevin Yi, Xie Youhui Composer: Real Huang |
2 | 17.13% | Overall placement is 3rd (16.145% of votes) |
| 7 | 4th Qualifier Round | March 20, 2020 | "存·不存在" | Tia Ray | Lyrics: Yu Hong Long, Ape Kao Composer: Yu Hong Long |
5 | 14.23% | |
| 8 | 4th Knockout Round | March 27, 2020 | "我想" | Yu Jiayun | Lyrics/Composer: Yu Jiayun | 7 | 7.78% | Eliminated/Overall placement is 7th (11.005% of votes) |
| "I Love You 3000 II" | Jackson Wang | Lyrics/Composer: Jackson Wang, Stephanie Poetri | ||||||
| 11 | Breakout Round | April 17, 2020 | "盛夏光年" | Mayday | Lyrics/Composer: Ashin | 1 | 38.04% | Breakout Success Won Duel against Super-Vocal (328-157) |
| 12 | Grand Finals | April 24, 2020 | "2020 So Crazy" medley | 2 | N/A | Round 1 performance - Guest singer is Victor Ma Won Duel against Misia (312-173) | ||
| "So Crazy" | Coco Lee | Lyrics: Hanjin Tan, Coco Lee Composer: Coco Lee | ||||||
| "Lover Boy 88" | Higher Brothers Phum Viphurit |
Lyrics: Higher Brothers Composer: Higher Brothers, Phum Viphurit | ||||||
| "Young Prince" | Victor Ma Rainbow |
Lyrics/Composer: Victor Ma | ||||||
| "Starfall" | Tia Ray | Lyrics: TetraCalyx Composer: Zoe Tsai |
30.68% | Round 2 performance | ||||
References[edit]
- ^ "IFPI's 2018 singles chart is heavy on tracks from 2017 - Music Ally". Retrieved 2021-11-09.
- ^ "Jessie J wins China's equivalent of The X Factor". The Telegraph. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
- ^ ""歌王之战"即将打响，李宇春联袂华晨宇成最大看点".
- ^ "《歌手》总决赛剧本痕迹太重·华晨宇夺冠唱功遭恶评". sinchew.com.my. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
