Italy’s Tying Tiffany pairs abrasive, postmodern electronic sounds with an abrasive, politically postmodern take on recent history and life itself (inspired by things like Dadaism, feminist studies, and explorations of occultism). She’s shared stages with the likes of Iggy Pop and the Buzzcocks and collaborated with people like Nic Endo (Atari Teenage Riot) and electronic composer Lorenzo Montana. She’s pretty much the perfect anti-chanteuse and she’s been at it for nearly a decade. Earlier this year she released One, a four-song EP, which would seem to combine her love of post-punk with her penchant for uplifting dance music. She also performed her first US dates, including a slew of shows at SXSW. I got a chance to chat with her about all of this and more. I have to admit, on paper and in speakers, she’s quite intimidating, but she actually came off as quite charming… Hopefully she’s okay with that.
Izzy: Are there any contemporary artists or scenes that you find to be especially intriguing? You’ve collaborated with and played with an impressive collection of recent music history’s greatest acts.
Tiff: I’ve always liked to collect vinyl and cassettes. I grew up listening to a lot of different kind of music, from post-punk to electro, techno, ambient. I like to discover new music from all over the world. I don’t follow any particular scene at the moment. I like to collaborate with other musicians. It’s an exciting way for me to experiment with new stuff, different from my sound. And this helps me to grow a lot, musically.
Izzy: Your music has been placed in quite a few prominent media outlets. Do you have any favorite popular placements of your work and is there any place you dream of your music winding up… whether entirely realistic or not?
Tiff: I don’t have any specific goal. I like to make music without asking to myself how it will be used, or how it will be diffused. The biggest satisfaction is when people understand my personality and love my music, without having any expectation or prejudice.
[youtube http://youtu.be/nvOvBdBS8V8]
Izzy: You recently played a handful of US shows. What were the highlights, whether in regards to venues, audiences, or just general experiences?
Tiff: I’ve never been able to come to play in the US before, even though it was something I’ve always wanted to do. This was my first tour in the States and I loved it! I have a very nice following in the States through my social networks, but I never had the chance to meet my fans in-person, so I really enjoyed SXSW. It was awesome to play there. It was very nice to find so such a welcoming and warm audience and I really liked the spirit of the festival. It ‘s been exciting to start from Austin, with the launch of my new EP!
Izzy: What were the biggest influences and inspirations behind your recent EP, One, whether musical or not?
Tiff: The One EP, for me, it’s like a new beginning… My last two albums (Peoples Temple and Dark Days White Night) were very intimate and introspective, driven by the most goth-wave and dark side of my soul. Now I’m going through a different phase of my life and I had the need to express myself with a more open and direct sound. My music is often inspired by major events that shaped my emotions. Every song is a different story, a picture of a moment. One is four different stories that I could see and feel like they were belonging to me… my own stories.
[youtube http://youtu.be/YQ79uJ1LGfU]
Izzy: Your sartorial style and the cinematic style of your music videos are both quite cool. What do they draw inspiration from? Do you have any particular favorite “style-makers” or visual artists?
Tiff: When I make a video I try to follow my visions and my instinct… and, in general, this is my artistic approach. I think that every event in our everyday life becomes a reflection of the society we live in. And I like to bring this reality imagery into my music thru the visuals.
Izzy: What are you most excited about in 2013? What are your biggest plans and hopes for the year?
Tiff: Unfortunately, 2013 is not one of the best years, since the whole world is going through a heavy crisis, socially, politically, economically… and it seems that everything is falling apart. But, despite all this, I’m definitely excited about my new artistic breakthrough that includes my personal growth… I’m feeling good with myself, whatever direction I’m going! In the meantime, I’m working on my next full-length album (which will include four songs from the EP) and on a T.T.L. album (my project with Lorenzo Montana — we just scored the Hunger Games movie trailer with “Catching Fire”) coming out in the fall on ZerOKilled. I’m touring around Europe till the end of summer and then I’ll see. I don’t like too much to plan my future.
