Emerging artist Tia Gostelow prepares to pull at the heartstrings with her most vulnerable release to date. The piano version of her recent single Blue Velvet is out on April 26th (2019).

The single mesmerizes from the offset, filled with glistening piano melodies and hauntingly gorgeous vocals throughout. Tia’s rich songwriting abilities create a sound that is utterly compelling and undeniably breathtaking, sounding akin to the likes of Gabrielle Aplin and Nina Nesbitt. Taken from her debut album Thick Skin, Tia talks about the reinvention of the track,

Blue Velvet is the ballad of the album and that’s exactly what I wanted it to be. This was written in my bedroom and I just wanted to write a song that musically there wasn’t a lot going on and the vocals came right through the song. The song is about an intense love and being with someone who has made you feel ways you have never felt before and all the excitement of a new relationship.

In this interview spotlight, I speak with Tia Gostelow about her new project, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)? 

 I’m not sure to be honest, I don’t even know what this genre or style is. I guess over the years my musical taste has changed drastically and this ‘sound’ is the lovechild of all of those things i loved in each genre.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public? 

I’ve been playing in pubs since I was about 12, I’ve been writing since I was maybe 14 and I released my first single when I was 16! 

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going? 

Melody Pool is a songwriter who deeply affected my songwriting, she is so raw and deep and I was very drawn to her music and lyrics. I do also draw a lot of inspiration from very diverse types of music and try to implement that into my music. 

Knowing that I have so many people around me that are supporting me and that believe in me so much is definitely what keeps me going. 

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise? 

  I just really wanted to stay true to myself and create something I’m happy with!

What was the last song you listened to?

My Strange Addiction by Billie Eilish.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s? 

Vinyl… I don’t know what it is about them but I feel like you are more connected to the music.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why? 

Spotify! It’s so tailored to your music taste and I’m forever finding new, great artists that I’ve never heard of before! The Spotify for artists statistics is also a major plus!

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music? 

 I guess making it connect with people and it being different enough that even in a pool of music, yours still stands out.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live? 

I’ve been touring quite a bit to be honest! I barely ever live stream but you can catch me at a show or festival.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music? 

Spotify, Instagram, Facebook!

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom? 

 I heard this not to long ago, but ‘don’t bite the hand that feeds you’. Make sure you are kind to everybody and remember where you come from, be humble.