Interview with Experimental Singer-Songwriter Andreya Triana

Interview with Experimental Singer-Songwriter Andreya Triana

Born in London, Andreya Triana’s career began with her singing at the age of seven, using two cassette tape decks to record harmonies as she grew older and her love of music developed. Earning a spot at the Red Bull Music Academy in Australia in 2006 introduced her to an audience and the industry to Triana’s eclectic sound of soul, jazz and acoustic. Signed by Ninja Tune, Triana has gone on to lend her vocal talents to tracks by Flying Lotus and Bonobo and in 2015 she performed at Glastonbury on the BBC Introducing stage. Her debut album Giants was released in 2015 under the direction of Matt Hales, the man behind Paloma Faith and Lianne La Havas.

A: How important is it for an artist to hold on to their own unique style? Is it worth it to retain music credibility, even if it means you might not be able to enjoy the success of the mainstream?
AT: I think it’s so important to retain you uniqueness and integrity – personally I think it’s that unique style that makes someone an artist.

A: Is the direction in which people’s consumption of music is going (towards streaming websites and away from downloading) troubling to you in relation to how it will affect the emergence of new artists?
AT: I think the beauty of the way people consume music nowadays means that it’s even easier for artist to get their music out there and reach out directly to fans. Website such as Bandcamp and Soundcloud give instant access and connection between artist and consumer.

A: Are there any acts that you particularly wish to collaborate with? If so, would you prefer their sound be similar to your own or do enjoy the process of melding two together and seeing if it is successful?
AT: The beauty of collaboration is each artist bring different elements to table and seeing what comes out. It’s a really interesting process and I always learn a lot. Artists that I’d love to collaborate with are Dangermouse, Son Little, Jamie Lidell and Emily King.

A: What is it about Britain that encourages the development of great musicians? What was your own inspiration behind becoming a singer?AT: Britain is so diverse both culturally and musically. There are so many music venues and amazing acts to see every night of the week. London has always been a huge influence on my singing and songwriting, there’s always so much to draw from and inspiration is everywhere.

A: What can we expect from you in the future? Having toured in North America, what do you believe are the fundamental differences between people’s appreciation of music there and here in Britain?
AT: In future I hope to be touring at a really high level and just continuing the make music I love. From touring the world my main feeling is that music is universal and really unites people so a music lover in North America is very much the same.

Learn more about Andreya at www.ninjatune.net.

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Credits
1. Andreya Triana. Courtesy of the artist and Ninja Tune.