At just 21, Tianna Esperanza knows how to make an impact – whether that be sonically, lyrically, or broadly creatively. Often dubbed as an ‘old soul’ for her love of classic musical icons such as Nina Simone and Eartha Kitt, Tianna’s sound cherry-picks the seductive vocals of eras gone, but updates them with a contemporary flair – evidenced in her counting inspiration from the prevalent Hip Hop artists of today.

We caught up with her to discuss her journey, sound and dream projects – touching on advice for the younger gen, as well as what it takes to bring a project from conception to actualisation. Spoiler – it involves hard work, friendship and a strong, overarching narrative. 

Hey Tianna, let’s launch into it. What does the word ‘Terror’ mean to you?
Terror feels like a word that rains down from the sky. It is threatening and assaulting like thunder and lightning. At the receiving end of the word, to me it means powerlessness. 

 What would be your dream project in the next 5 years?
My dream would be to work with some of my favourite artists: Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Anderson Paak. 

 Who are your creative influences – music or otherwise?
Eartha Kitt and Mae West are two of my favourites. Both were brilliant, clever, and delightfully cheeky women that commanded their field. They were nobody’s fool. Kitt became one of the most desired women in the world despite being so undesired in her early childhood. 

To say West was a force is an understatement. She was no mouthpiece for anybody even for Paramount, rather she accepted her culture’s limitations and made bank out of her bombshell role. Eartha and Mae are so inspiring to me as a writer and as a woman navigating the entertainment industry. 

Your sound has been described as sultry and boundary pushing – but if you had to describe your sound in two sentences, what would these be?
I draw from early American Chanteuses —the classy stuff and the dirty blues as well as raw early rap and early British punk. I like my lyrics to bite and my look to lure. 

 Do you have any advice for emerging artists – something you wish you’d known?
I would say I believe that knowing your worth is a major key to longevity and success in this business. You’ll be more fulfilled as an artist if you do the work honing your craft. I always have self doubt but I have years of performance experience and nuggets of wisdom I learned from mentors to fall back on.