The advent of a new year has brought about some new additions to the roster of the Bristol tastemakers Spinny Nights. One particularly exciting signing is the dazzling composer, producer, singer and visual artist Tlya X An. Born in Jerusalem and based in Bristol, this genre-bending creative powerhouse already established herself from her debut track ‘Holy J’ an artist destined for a meteoric rise; her sophomore track ‘Daddy’ is in this regard certainly no different.
A track that can be most succinctly described as an “absolute bop”, ‘Daddy’ sees Tlya X An utilising early-2000s Swing Mob basslines to create a alt-pop anthem worthy of a sweaty basement night 1am feature. Replete with her unique vocal inflections and poptimist stylings, Tlya X An’s ironic take on her own perilous ambition exudes the same deep sexuality that can be heard in her deconstructed club debut track. While the underlying theme of the track may be a portent message against the trappings of materialistic ambitions, Tlya expresses this in a far more whimsical than didactic manner. Her humorous personality shines through in the chorus, particularly with her excellently caustic pleading for Daddy to “give her money”.
Speaking about the single, Tlya (pronounced tah-li-ya) explains that “’Daddy’ is my story of wanting more from my life and the dark sides that come with that ambition. Being highly motivated and having dreams is great, but the fantasy can cause obsession and the process can get toxic if we’re not careful.” This paradoxical toxicity of materialistic ambition is presented lyrically throughout the track. The constant internal battle between the necessity of Tlya keeping her “head above water” while giving herself anxiety scrolling through her phone, presumably seeing others successes through social media, is emblematic of the sociopsychological anxieties faced by Gen-Z working-class creatives – ambition is a formidable tool, but accompanied with an avaricious mindset it can bring about a toxicity that ultimately impedes the creative process.
The visceral intensity of the track is augmented through the relentless thumping industrial bassline complimented by the pulsating 808s throughout. Taking cues from other alternative sex-positive pop acts such Ashnikko and Kim Petras, it’s clear to see that after just two singles, Tlya is insistent on becoming just as much of a tour de force. If this track is anything to go by, her debut EP TXN will be crafted in such a manner that will make her putting a mark on popular culture an inevitability.
Words: Jonathan Davis // Photo: Hollie Andrews & Rebecca Crichton
‘Daddy’ is out now via Spinny Nights, taken from the forthcoming EP ‘TXN’ out April 28th. Listen to the track below.
Tlya X An will be playing the Spinny Nights showcase today (Feburary 28th) at The Social in London, followed by dates supporting PVA and Damefrisør in March.