She’s the voice that’s been quietly reshaping R&B on both sides of the Atlantic, blending raw vulnerability with undeniable swagger. From her breakout hits to her Grammy-nominated moments, Tiana Major9 has always spoken her truth. With her long awaited debut, November Scorpio—a fearless exploration of love, identity, and self-discovery—she steps into her most authentic chapter. This is more than music; it’s a declaration of power, passion, and purpose. And Tiana is just getting started. Dive into our Tiana Major9 interview to learn more about the songstress and her music.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop into this single “Energy!,” featuring Keyon Harrold — how did the track come to fruition?
Tiana Major9: I made “Energy!” in Jamaica. I went there as a mix of a holiday and a work trip with other musicians and people I love in the industry. My main goal was really to relax and take a break, while still being open to writing music. While I was there, I met an incredible producer and artist named JLL, and we immediately connected through his vibe and his perspective on music. We did a few sessions, and during the last one, he played me the bones of what became “Energy!.” The moment I heard it, I instantly loved it and thought, “Yeah, this is the one. I don’t even need to hear anything else,” so we started writing right away. He even brought a few people into the studio, which I don’t usually like, but since I was in Jamaica, I was there to catch a vibe anyway, and it turned into such a fun session. After that, I brought the song back to England, and my executive producer, Progression, heard it and said it would be so sick to add some horns. Around that time, I was getting to know Keyon Harrold and had just come off doing his Tiny Desk concert with him. I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to collaborate again. I reached out and asked if he’d put horns on the song and also feature, because he’s not just a session musician—he’s a real artist himself. He agreed, sent the horns back, and that’s how “Energy!” came together.
Parlé Mag: You released the video for “Desire” with the album. How does “Desire” compare to or differ from your previous songs?
Tiana Major9: I would say “Desire” feels very new. It’s like a real development of the sound I’ve been working toward and building over the past few years. In a way, it feels like a more complete version of some of my previous songs, like “2 Seater” or “On God.” It definitely lives in that same world, but it feels like the older sister—more grown and fully realized. What really sets it apart, though, is that I’m being much more direct. I’m speaking openly about being queer and about desire within a queer relationship that feels loving, sensual, and warm. That honesty and clarity are probably the biggest differences.
Parlé Mag: How does it feel to have your premiere LP, November Scorpio, finally released?
Tiana Major9: It feels amazing. I feel really blessed to be here today and to have worked with so many incredible musicians who contributed so much to the project. Whether they actually played on the music or we simply crossed paths during the process, everyone brought something meaningful. It honestly feels really good. It’s not so much the end of an era, but more like the start of something new.
Parlé Mag: Now, as a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from?
Tiana Major9: I’d say I get my inspiration primarily from my own experiences because that’s what I know best. I like to go inward and analyze what I’ve been through, along with the thoughts and emotions that come from those moments. I also draw inspiration from my friends and their stories, as well as from other people’s experiences, media, and the world around me. Lately, I’ve also been trying to read more, so I’d definitely add that to the list.
Parlé Mag: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?
Tiana Major9: I’d say my musical journey started around when I was five. I’ve always loved singing and music. I remember when my mom went back to church—that was the first time I really saw and heard music being performed regularly and witnessed people genuinely enjoying it and reacting to it. That experience really stuck with me, and I think that’s where my love for music began.
Parlé Mag: Growing up in East London, who were some of your biggest influences?
Tiana Major9: Growing up in East London—or really just London in general—I was inspired by artists like D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill. The more I think about it, the more I realize how important Estelle and artists like Jamelia, the Sugababes, and Beverly Knight were to me. All of these Black British icons who came before me inspired me and had a big influence on my musical journey.
Parlé Mag: How do you define your style?
Tiana Major9: I’d say my style has a foundation in R&B, gospel, jazz, and hip-hop, but I don’t think I want to define it strictly. It’s all of those things and more, and it will always be that way. There will never be just one definition, but I’d say the foundation always comes from R&B, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop.
Parlé Mag: What do you hope people take away from your music?
Tiana Major9: I hope people take away how important it is to express yourself and be honest about how you’re feeling. I write very vulnerably—about things that are deeply personal to me—and I try to be as honest as possible. I leave it all on the page, and I hope that honesty is something people can connect with and take away.
Parlé Mag: Dream collaboration — who would it be?
Tiana Major9: Right now, I’d love to have a song with Kendrick Lamar.
Parlé Mag: If you could perform at any venue in the world, where would it be?
Tiana Major9: I would perform at the Jamaica National Stadium. It’s a sports venue where they hold races and events, but they also host concerts. I think performing there would be so iconic.
Parlé Mag: Beyond music, what else, if anything, do you want to do?
Tiana Major9: Beyond music, I want to write books and would love to direct movies. I want to always be doing something creative and pushing myself, but I also want to do it in a way where I have ownership and can build a comfortable living from it.
Parlé Mag: Biggest career moments thus far?
Tiana Major9: Releasing my album is definitely a major milestone. It’s such a big moment for me, and I feel incredibly changed by it. It opens the door to so many opportunities, and I’ve learned so much throughout the process. It’s one of the biggest milestones of my career.
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
Tiana Major9: Since finishing the album, my days are more relaxed. When I was working on it, I’d wake up, walk my dogs, make breakfast, take calls, and tidy up. I spend a lot of time organizing my space and doing creative work—like art and music projects. So, a typical day is a mix of daily life tasks and creative pursuits.
Parlé Mag: How do you interact with your fans?
Tiana Major9: I have an Instagram channel where I post updates that I wouldn’t necessarily put on my main feed. It’s more exclusive, like talking directly to my supporters. I also reply to comments and engage with fans. Recently, I did a vinyl signing at Rough Trade, which was a signing plus a performance. It was so fun to connect with over 200 people in person.
Parlé Mag: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?
Tiana Major9: My favorite part is talking about the project with the people I’ve created it with and reflecting on how rewarding it is to bring something from an idea to life. My least favorite part is how long it takes for music to be released—there are so many steps, and it can be a lengthy process to get everything perfect for listeners.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?
Tiana Major9: Make sure you truly love what you’re doing. Music can be very challenging if you don’t have a deep passion for it. It’s hard to stay consistent when faced with setbacks, so practice and rehearse regularly, and stay committed to your craft.
Parlé Mag: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Tiana Major9: I see myself as a multidisciplinary artist, owning a farm and a fully paid-off house. I want to be content with the work I’ve done, supporting and mentoring other artists. I hope to be selling a lot of music, on my own terms, and feeling comfortable enough to take breaks without guilt.
Parlé Mag: What’s next for TIANA MAJOR9?
Tiana Major9: I’m looking forward to touring—my upcoming shows at the Blue Note and in Atlanta, and hopefully touring Europe soon. I want to perform in places I haven’t been yet, like Paris, Spain, and Amsterdam. I’m excited to bring my music to new audiences.
Parlé Mag: Any parting words for our readers?
Tiana Major9: Support the artists you love—share their music, tell someone about it, buy their records if you can. Keep discovering new music and pushing your taste. Thank you so much for all the support so far!
Stay Connected with Tiana Major9
Instagram: @tianamajor9
