The first words sung on Thanya Iyer’s third full-length, TIDE/TIED, are “I am here now.” It’s also the title of the song, and it’s a declaration that informs what’s to come. While the following line clarifies that the place she’s in is her body, the idea of being firmly, confidently present makes its way throughout this brilliant album. It’s a collection of fleeting moments, beautiful flourishes that amount to an abstract painting at first glance, but quickly reveals itself to be something more akin to stylized realism. Folk, jazz, and chamber pop all chat with ease and familiarity, like old friends at the bar who haven’t seen each other in too long.
While there doesn’t seem to be anyone making music quite like Iyer in modern indie music, the artists she points to in the influences playlist she made for FLOOD serve as a map of sorts for the scope of her sound. There are peers like Moses Sumney and Florist, but spiritual forebears like Beverly Glenn-Copeland, too. It’s in the latter’s influence that TIDE/TIED truly shines. While I wouldn’t necessarily categorize the album as “spiritual” or cosmic, the sense of wonder and joy that bursts forth from the arrangements creates a transcendent experience. Regarding Glenn-Copeland’s role in the album, Iyer says: “His voice, the synths, the message—it’s all so affirming and positive. [His song ‘Ever New’] is the ultimate sunrise.”
TIDE/TIED, too, wraps like a warm embrace. Check out Thanya Iyer’s entire influences playlist below, and order the album—out today via Topshelf—here.
Moses Sumney, “In Bloom”
Moses has this beautiful way of making a sound or a word feel like a whole universe, every wave a transformative breath. I love everything about this track (and the whole album [2020’s græ, Part 1]!)—the lush strings, how every texture hugs each other. I just wanna roll around in the blooming fields of this universe!
Beverly Glenn-Copeland, “Ever New”
This song is such a spiritual anchor. I was able to catch Beverly perform this song in Montreal last year and I was overcome with the joy that he exudes as a performer. I carry that memory with me everywhere, and it anchors me in my own ethos around music and performance and the creation of this album. His voice, the synths, the message—it’s all so affirming and positive. This song is the ultimate sunrise.
Florist, “Sci-Fi Silence”
Ah, Florist! I love this band. There is so much in this album. Florist captures both the smallness and vastness of life at the same time. This track really helps me to embrace space and subtlety in music, while I bask in all of the little sounds that feed my brain so perfectly. I really felt those squigglies make their way onto my song “I Am Here Now.”
Pompey, “Crying Dying”
It’s such an honor to experience Pompey’s artistry, songwriting, and influence everyday on such a deep, personal level. The honesty he captures about the human condition is profoundly moving and resonates with me in every way.
Macie Stewart, “Finally”
I love everything Macie does. This entire album [2021’s Mouth Full of Glass] is so evocative and raw, and her songwriting and musicality resonate with me so deeply. The way she builds mountains through the arrangement of this song with all the textures, the strings, and her voice makes me float into the clouds.
Sudan Archives, “Selfish Soul”
This track is pure power. Sudan Archives is a huge inspo for me. The lyrics about self-love, combined with the bold production, create such a fierce energy. I was at the beginning of my beat-making journey while recording TIDE/TIED (cc: “What Can We Grow That We Can’t See From Here?”) and this production was a huge influence. It’s empowering and unapologetically honest—everything I love in music.
Nick Hakim, “Vertigo”
The vibes in Nick Hakim’s music send me to such a place of memory and retrospection. There’s something about the mood and atmosphere he creates that are so exciting. This whole album was definitely on repeat when recording TIDE/TIED.
Emilie Kahn, “Parallel”
Emilie’s whole sound and music will forever be a huge influence on my artistry. The first song I ever wrote was with Emilie! I love this track off her last album. It’s beautifully haunting, full of quiet power and introspection. It’s a song that feels like it’s unfolding in real time. I love her vision.
Kara Jackson, “no fun/party”
Kara Jackson is an incredible storyteller. The honesty of the lyrics blending melancholy and wit—the way she navigates vulnerability is raw and captivating. Her fearlessness as a writer is inspiring to my own writing journey.
Land of Talk, “Macabre”
Land of Talk is an iconic band. Lizzie [Powell]’s songwriting is deeply personal and there is so much energy and emotional intensity in their work. I had the gift of seeing their amazing band play this song multiple times on tour and get inspired every night.
KAINA feat. Sen Morimoto, “Good Feeling”
This song is a warm hug. It reminds me to keep joy and softness at the center of my work, especially when the world feels overwhelming. There’s such grace in this songwriting and it feels like home. I love KAINA.
Genevieve Artadi, “Living Like I Know I’m Gonna Die”
This track is wild, unpredictable, and free. I love how Genevieve blends virtuosic musicianship with playful energy. What an incredible artist. The palette is vast and it transcends all boundaries! It makes me feel free, too.
