\n\tEarlier this year, Chinese singer-songwriter Tia Ray made a surprise appearance at UCLA, treating students to an exclusive campus exchange and an electrifying flash-mob performance.<\/p>\n
\n\tConnecting face-to-face with young fans, Tia shared her profound passion for music before performing a medley of her classic hits and teasing her highly anticipated debut English album, New Day. Despite the roaring energy of the crowd, the moment felt remarkably intimate.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cEven though it\u2019s my first time at UCLA, it feels like home,\u201d Tia shared with a smile.<\/p>\n
\n\tWe caught up with Tia after the event to discuss her new era and her deep musical ties to Los Angeles. Crafted over three years of intensive cross-continental travel between Shanghai, Beijing, and L.A., much of New Day was born right in the city\u2019s recording sessions. She recalled her experience collaborating with top Grammy-winning producer Khris Riddick-Tynes.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cHe was incredibly strict, which was really stressful at first,\u201d she told Billboard China<\/a>. \u201cBut when I heard the final tracks, I realized I had found a fresh, exciting new musical direction.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tNow available globally, New Day represents a bold artistic evolution. Speaking on the album\u2019s core message, Tia explained, \u201cI wanted to continue exploring my own possibilities in different ways; the challenges actually sparked more creativity. I also want to inspire people through this album \u2014 no matter what you\u2019re going through, when you get through it, it\u2019s a completely new day.\u201d<\/p>\n \t<\/p>\n \t<\/a><\/p>\n Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox<\/p>\n