KiSS’ One To Watch: Tia Wood [Video]

Photo Credit: tiawood.ca

Hailing from Saddle Lake Cree Nation in central Alberta, a community of around 6,000 people within Treaty 6 territory, Tia’s musical journey began in her own home. Her first performances were with her family, sharing traditional music at powwows, schools, and community events. Although she describes herself as the “shyest kid” among her siblings, Tia credits these early performances and her family’s musical teachings with setting her on the path she follows today, proudly honouring and sharing her people’s songs and dances.

“I just enjoyed singing with my family, especially in front of others,” she says. “It was such a nice way to bond.” Even then, she dreamed of becoming a solo artist. As a teenager, she was drawn to diverse musical influences, from legends like Etta James and Amy Winehouse to contemporary artists like Remi Wolf, Dominick Fike, Leon Bridges, Jesse Reyez, and SZA. In her twenties, Tia built …