It’s been nine years since Tima Reece released an album, however, after taking some time off and doing some work under her real name, Tia Herman, the star is ready to step back into the limelight. This week, we chat to the star about her new SAMA-nominated album, her new single ‘9’, and what she has been doing over the past nine years.
You’ve just dropped your first album in nine years! Why the wait?
I had to pick up the pieces of my shattered dreams when the record label I was signed to in New York went belly-up. No one prepared me for the possible failures of the music industry and as an eighteen year old, I had no idea how to deal with the disappointment of my career coming to an abrupt end. I stepped out of the limelight and continued as a backing vocalist and session singer. Now, after nine years, I’m finally ready to pick up where I left off. It’s been a challenging process but I’m back and back for good this time.
The music market has changed drastically since your previous release. How different has the promotion of this album been?
I’ve got an incredible team of people behind the promo of this album and you’re only as strong as your team. From the album launch to radio and video plugging, it’s very important to partner with the right people who believe in the project. I’m an independent artist who is not signed to a label, so I have to do everything myself. Social media is also fundamental this time around. Back when I started out, we never had platforms like Instagram; Twitter and Facebook. It’s an invaluable tool to get your music heard and seen.
Your new single, and title track, ‘9’, is magnificent. What inspired the song?
My team and I were deciding what sound to go with for this album. I wanted something current; slightly more edgy. “9” was birthed out of that decision. It explores a darker sound to my usual Pop/R&B music. What the song talks about is a relationship that’s run its course and both parties need to be honest with each other. “If it feels like we’re hitting the ceiling, say it…”
Why do you think the song is the perfect comeback single for you?
It’s a new sound for me. I love trying out new things and “9” happened to be that sound. I’ve never delved into hip hop or trap before so having this song as single one just made musical sense to me. To reintroduce myself as the Pop/R&B singer I’ve grown into.
The album explores a variety of relationship dynamics. Talk to us a bit about the diversity of songs on the record.
I can relate to all sorts of relationship issues that we face as women. From heartbreak to love; from deception to honesty; from butterflies to losing a loved one. This album is about these dynamics and every song is relatable to someone. I try to keep the messages of each song as honest to my life as I can. With a few exceptions, most of them I have had personal experience with.
What has been the most intimidating thing about returning to the spotlight?
Reintroducing myself to a market who has no idea who Tima Reece is, is intimidating. There are many fans who remember me from the early 2000’s and have been begging me for new material, but there is a whole new generation of people who don’t know who I am.
What does 2017 have in store for you?
The sky is the limit. Reach for the moon and pick up stars along the way. I’m looking forward to grinding and working hard to get this album out there. I am hoping for an international release and would love to travel overseas too. Let’s aim high and hope for the best!
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