Tina Yao: On Creativity
Marianna
What are the unexpected turns your life took to lead you to become who you are today?
Tina
Being a child of an immigrant itself is an unexpected turn. My parents are from the Philippines and they met in Yonkers, NY. They both, separately, could have settled in other parts of the world but they settled not only in America but in NY while most Filipinos prefer warmer settings like California. If I grew up in a different state, I am positive that my taste in music would have been different. My style in music would have been different.
I grew up in a neighboring city of the birthplace of hip hop and you can hear this unexpected turn in my music. I’m a proud product of my environment.
Marianna
Do you have a routine or ritual for entering into a creative headspace?
Tina
Although I love routine and structure, I find that routine is an enemy of creativity. In order to be immersed in moments of inspiration, I have to take myself out of my usual schedule. This may include something as simple as taking a walk and taking in nature’s beauty, having an intellectual conversation with a stranger or a friend, or reading a new book.
Whenever I’m able, I feel most inspired when I travel solo to other countries. There’s something very vulnerable and very beautiful about being taken out of your comfort zone. When I’m in the studio, I’m more ritualistic. My brain is fresh right before noon and it wears out around 8 pm (very specific, I know). I usually only prefer myself and the producer in the studio because the creative process is very sacred for me. My story sharing is very personal during my sessions.
Marianna
Where do you think ideas come from?
Tina
My ideas come from true-life events, which have been mostly uncomfortable events. I find that when I am more uncomfortable, I am more likely to speak up on my feelings.
Marianna
When do your best ideas hit you?
Tina
My best ideas come to me in the shower and on a long drive. My brain also starts going 120 mph when I’ve been offended or felt disrespected.
Marianna
What creative accomplishments are you most proud of?
Tina
Right now I’m working on a project with a producer from the UK. Our studio sessions have been very atypical. The project is still in the oven but I’d love to share more details once it’s fresh out but I’m excited for you to hear it.
Marianna
What do you think is something that all the most creative people in the world have in common?
Tina
I think most creative people feel misunderstood. It is very easy to feel out of place if most of your peers before adulthood live more conventional lifestyles. Although we’re bold enough to think differently, live differently, and express ourselves differently, I think we all crave to feel appreciated and accepted.
Marianna
How do you make sense of chaos in your life?
Tina
How you handle chaos determines how far you will go. You can either drop your bat and quit or you can hit the ball numerous times and eventually knock it out the park. When an unforeseen event occurs, I look at it as a true story that God wanted me to write a song about.
We’re living in chaotic times as we speak but I can appreciate the discomfort that I’m feeling right now. It only makes me want to step up and become more innovative. I love to create beautiful things out of chaotic messes.
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About Tina Yao:
Tina Yao is an emerging singer/songwriter whose Yonkers roots play into the soul and spirit of her music. Being of Filipino descent and growing up in a multicultural environment, she has been inspired by a bevy of artists such as Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, and Beyonce, and musical genres such as hip hop, pop, and R&B.
Tina uses the influence that comes from such a diverse background to create a distinctive style that captures the lushness of her lyrics and the heart of her soul, which takes center stage on her recent project, S.H.O.T.S. (She Heard Omens Through Songs). Her first EP, S.H.A.D.E. (She Had A Demon Enter), was released in 2016.
Her music is available on all streaming platforms, listen on Spotify.