Tia Wood's talent is best described as electrifying R&B, taking us on rousing voyages with each gorgeous & complex run she sings! The powerful performances displayed by this Cree and Salish songbird have her destined for greatness and stadium scale stages in no time. Hailing from Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Canada), surely her name will soon be known globally, providing pivotal and proper singer/songwriter representation.

Over the last year, we'd been hearing amazing testimonials about Ms. Wood, from the Native/Indigenous community & beyond. When our team saw ads for Tia's headlining L.A. show, we knew this was a must-attend experience and opportunity. Still scurrying to get caught up on zine tasks (post our UK mission) we made it out to Gold Diggers at all costs. Arriving early (to catch Mato Wayuhi's set), we were able to take up front row spaces in an eventually packed-solid & sold-out room.

Tia opened her much anticipated set with an intense acapella prayer song entitled "Grandfather Rock" (which was composed by her father, Earl Wood of Northern Cree). It was extremely fitting that her background visuals were jolting lightning strikes with roaring thunder audio, to compliment her pitch perfect vocal projection. The audience observed in awe, silent and respectful. Everyone knew they were witnessing unique magic, charged by generations of ancestral strengths. She was crowned in a bird-figure hair adornment (created by Lady Soul Fly). We're told the accessory was inspired by Tia's 1st EP, "Pretty Red Bird" (her actual middle name). Pretty indeed, she stood strong in a patchworked camouflage jumper, cinched with a brown leather belt. Her impressive bone & bead earrings hung as long as her two traditional braids. She's absolutely stunning, possessing a genuine star-quality & utilizing theatrically dainty arm & hand gestures (in the manner of ballet port de bras technique). 

Tia is a powerhouse, backed only by a live guitarist & drummer duo (super tight) + pre-recorded tracks. To put it quite simply, this gal can SING with her whole soul & she seems to love doing so. She lured her fans deeper with each song, and they responded with a wide variety of corresponding emotion. There were smiles and dancing alternating with tears and swaying. She's clearly established a dedicated following of adoring enthusiasts who hope to see her promoted to major celebrity status. A highlight was her cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind" which she completely mastered with her own flare to boot!

When she prefaced her final tune with a closing statement, I was actually sad the event was about to end. I really wish there had been an encore. I was too late to grab a set list, as a few fans beat me to the punch. Still, it was a pleasure to be in the presence of this artist and the passionate creativity she radiates. I look forward to seeing her again & again! Thank you for doing what you do & sharing it with us, Tia!

Request - If anyone has gig photos or videos to share, please use #spiralzine or dm @spiral.zine.

Tip - If you want to get a taste of Tia's opening prayer song, we found a YouTube short to peep.

Recommended Reading - Vogue Article / Native Max Spotlight / Nuvo Feature