Exclusive Interview with TIAM WILLS

Based in Lyon and Annecy, Tiam Wills is an electro artist, producer, and DJ. Tiam Wills, a pop culture enthusiast, is a direct descendant of the Disco Funk era of the 1970s and 1980s. His psychedelic Art Pop and Nu Disco and Disco House music is a regular feature of dance floors and is a tribute to this carefree era. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

TIAM WILLS: I come from Normandy in France, and that’s where I started producing music. We shared our creations with my brother and my cousin when I was younger. Music quickly became a passion, an either-or moment when I thought of nothing.

2. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

TIAM WILLS: When it comes to my music, I want to focus only on emotions, spirituality and love because when I see an artist that I like that’s what affects me the most. I let the other artists take care of the other subjects. But nothing prevents subliminal messages from being transmitted in my music.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘TIAM WILLS?

TIAM WILLS: My influences mainly come from the 70s and 80s period, including funk and disco. The period that inspired me a lot was also that of 2007, 2008 with the arrival of Justice, Ed Banger and Alive 2007 by Daft Punk which I watch over and over again. Regarding my name: Tiam Wills: I was looking for a first and last name that sounded American. I found Tiam because I really liked Liam from the group Oasis and the T in my first name (Tom). Then to find a name, I found in my high school diary, wolfgang, wilson etc… And I stopped on Wilson thinking of Bruce Willis, Will Smith and that gave Wills. And Tiam Wills was born!

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

TIAM WILLS: The key elements are the Easter eggs I hide in my music and the emotions I try to convey. My music is for everyone I think too, especially because I listen to and take inspiration from a lot of different styles. My music is psychedelic and experimental pop, with a touch to house, retro wave and disco house.

5. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

TIAM WILLS: I am self-taugh. I follow the advice of my musician friends, and I watch a lot of tutorials and Twitch to continue learning.

6. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

TIAM WILLS: I went through several phases. I searched for my style for a long time and that’s the name of the album. To learn to love yourself, your style and your own music. I started 10 years ago with sampling, I then learned to create my own samples, using synths, and to finish recently I focused more on the constructions of the pieces and the technique so that the sound be the prettiest and that the emotions are transmitted in the most beautiful way.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

TIAM WILLS: On my level, I would say that I am already very happy with the welcome and the kindness that people have given me, but I would like to go further, because in my opinion I have a musical and visual vision to offer, but I will need more resources.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

TIAM WILLS: I often get inspiration from music from the 70s or 80s. I usually start with a bass or piano and the ideas come right after.I record vocals with ideas regularly. And when I mix sometimes, it inspires me. I also have a lot of projects that I have accumulated and that I resume over time, and I share that with my friends and my family to move the pieces forward. To be more specific, I think life is a source of inspiration

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

TIAM WILLS: The most difficult for me is people who don’t believe in you or your music. The “results” some releases too. As an artist, we have a lot of closed doors! But that’s nothing, I’m a fighter !

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

TIAM WILLS: At the moment I’m very happy, because I’m doing a lot of DJ sets, and the reception for my album is pretty good compared to what I’ve experienced in the past. The comments and messages are very kind and make me want to continue and prepare for what comes next.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

TIAM WILLS: If I have to be honest; I don’t think I’m exposed to that yet, and I don’t have any. I’m not famous !

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

TIAM WILLS: It’s too hard to choose ! I love being on my computer and tinkering around to create, but I also like playing my track in the parties and seeing the reception from the public.

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

TIAM WILLS: I think it’s up to each person to interpret my music the way they want. You will always have a small group of fans I think who will read between the lines and understand the message and the emotions.