Nothing pierces deeper than a pen. As a multiplatinum artist, GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter, skilled producer, and deft guitarist, TIARA THOMAS mines unfiltered and undeniable anthems from real experiences. Eyebrow-raising lyrics pop off from vibe-y compositions as she recounts her life with the sort of detail typically meant only for a diary. In 2020, she reaches inside once again on her latest solo endeavor and various placements for some of the most recognizable names in the game.

“It’s always very raw,” she exclaims. “I stay true to myself and what’s going on. I keep all of the subject matter pretty personal. When you write a song that reflects you, you’ll create something nobody has ever heard before. In my songs, I say a lot of crazy and quirky shit, but that’s what makes them mine.”

At 12-years-old, the Indiana native picked up a guitar, because “my dad didn’t want to hear me banging on the drums all the time.” Inspired by everyone from Lauryn Hill, Tupac, and Kirk Franklin to Elton John and Coldplay, she brought the guitar everywhere and slowly, but surely developed her chops and taught herself the instrument. During spring break from Ball State University, she serendipitously met Wale and struck up a creative partnership, appearing on his 2010 mixtape More About Nothing. While still in school, she penned and produced an early version of “Bad” and posted it on YouTube. Eight months later, Wale recognized its potential and joined forces with Tiara to make it a proper single. “Bad” soared to the Top 25 of the Billboard Hot 100, earned a double-platinum certification from the RIAA, and received a high-profile remix with a feature by none other than Rihanna. It also lifted Wale’s album The Gifted to #1 on the Billboard Top 200.

In the wake of this success, she unleashed a series of fan favorite solo releases, spanning the Dear Sallie Mae EP [2013], the Up In Smoke EP [2015], the acoustic Don’t Mention My Name EP [2017], and, most recently, the FWMM EP [2018]. In addition to praise from Rated R&B, YouKnowIGotSoul, Rap-Up, and more, Billboard claimed the latter “reintroduces the singer as the no frills girl she’s always been.” At the same time, she earned a GRAMMY® Award for her contributions to H.E.R.’s self-titled H.E.R., which took home “Best R&B Album” at the 2019 GRAMMY® Awards. In addition to touring worldwide with H.E.R., Tiara co-wrote “Avenue,” “Lost Souls” [feat. DJ Scratch], the platinum-selling “Slide” [feat. YG], and the provocative and powerful call for change “I Can’t Breathe.”
During 2020, she continued to evolve. For the first time, she built a studio in her home and learned how to record. Experimenting with different cadences and pushing the envelope creatively, she further expanded her signature style.

“I’m trying to grow my sound,” she goes on. “Writing different kinds of songs really inspires me. It’s helped me become better as an artist. I’m incorporating new elements, trying out different melodies, and adding flows.”

In the end, Tiara remains relatable and raw by being so personal.

“If you create art and put it out in the world, there’s nothing better than when somebody else relates,” she leaves off. “At the end of the day, I’m just an artist and writer from Indiana. I like to march to the beat of my own drum. I try to be as genuine as possible. I’m always finding new ways to create. That’s who I am.”