Despite having just unveiled her debut track last month, Indigenous vocalist Tia Wood has consistently attracted followers since the start of 2020. At 25, she initially gathered a fan base on TikTok, where she frequently promotes her Cree and Salish lineage through melodies on the platform (she boasts over two million followers). Now, she is prepared to introduce her distinct musical style to the mainstream industry with the launch of two fresh tunes: “Dirt Roads” and “Losing Game”—her initial releases since formally signing with Sony Music the previous year. “It’s been a huge relief to finally share a part of my soul with the world after keeping everyone waiting for so long,” Wood expresses to Vogue. “I’m extremely grateful for all the affection and encouragement we’ve been receiving on these initial two songs. Little Tia still finds it unbelievable!”
Coming from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada, Wood seemed destined for a musical career. During her upbringing, she often traveled the powwow circuits, performing and dancing with her relatives—some of whom are part of the Grammy Award–winning ensemble Northern Cree. After showcasing her vocal talents on TikTok, she swiftly caught the eye of Sony Music, becoming among the first Indigenous females to join the record label. “It was incredibly surreal,” Wood shares. “I still sometimes struggle to fully comprehend it. Growing up without representation made dreaming dreams like this seem unattainable, and being one of the initial Indigenous women signed with my label is something I could’ve only envisioned as a child.”