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Google PlayTia Wood’s rise has played out like destiny. Her first viral video, originally made purely for fun, snowballed into two years of continued triumphs. With 2.3 million followers on TikTok, a Vogue feature, and an album now in development, she’s certainly making her mark. Through music, dance, and videos featuring her family, Wood’s creative expression is a celebration of her life. She gives her fans a look into her Cree and Salish cultures, including the beautiful artistry and sacred traditions that have shaped who she is today.
Prior to making the move to Los Angeles last year, Wood grew up in Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta. While life looks different on the golden coast, she has remained firmly aligned with her roots. “Sometimes when I’m in the middle of doing a show or [making] something, I think about my humble beginnings,” she says. “Cruising in a minivan that’s packed with all of my family, our regalia, our drum, on our way to a powwow or gig.”
“[In the mainstream] you hardly ever hear music from people who grew up in places like I did and experienced the lifestyle that I have. But I decided to turn my mindset around and see it as a strength instead.”
Since developing a massive following, she shares that she’s had moments where she’s felt the pressures and unwarranted negativity that come with being in the public eye: “Sometimes it almost feels like there’s no room for mistakes even though I’m still figuring out myself as a 22 year old.” Still, she has remained steadfast and resilient, and thankful for the blessings that have come her way, “Without the Internet I probably would’ve never moved to L.A.,” she says. “I probably would’ve never made that jump to make music. It has brought so many amazing opportunities.”
She names her family as the biggest inspiration behind her music. ”I grew up around a very musical family. Both of my parents are singers. All my aunties, uncles and even my grandparents. It goes way back in the lineage. I always knew it was something I wanted to do but I [also] knew I wanted to bring modern day music into the picture. Having such a strong background with Indigenous music, I knew it had to intertwine somehow.”
The new album is in motion, and it’s clear that Tia Wood is building something great with hard work, dedication, and breaking away from doubt. “[At first] I found it difficult to pour my emotions out in front of people when I would write and lay down vocals,” she says. “But thankfully, [I got] comfortable with it once I realized what it is we’re all there for: the pure love of music.”
Inspired by Indigenous drum groups, traditional artists, and modern day Indigenous artists before her, she’s creating an album honouring her life and her culture. “When I left from my reserve and hopped onto a plane to Nashville over a year ago, I had no idea what I was going to write about,” she says. “[In the mainstream] you hardly ever hear music from people who grew up in places like I did and experienced the lifestyle that I have. But I decided to turn my mindset around and see it as a strength instead.”
