Tia Wood’s debut EP, Pretty Red Bird, released on September 27, 2024, via Sony Music Canada, introduces the world to a refreshing new voice in Canadian pop and R&B. Drawing from her Indigenous heritage, Wood weaves elements of storytelling and soulful melodies to deliver a nuanced and heartfelt collection. Each track on the EP showcases her versatility, merging modern production with themes that resonate on both personal and cultural levels.
The EP opens with “Dirt Roads,” a song that captures a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia. Wood’s warm vocals are perfectly complemented by throbbing bass lines and a subtle drum beat that carries the track forward. However, it's the track's wind section that really sends the opening track home. It’s a reflective start that sets the tone for the journey that follows, as Wood explores both physical and emotional landscapes.
“Losing Game” follows and takes a more R&B-oriented approach, showcasing her vocal range and control. Here, she laments a relationship that’s reached a painful crossroads. The stripped-down production and haunting harmonies allow Wood’s emotive delivery to shine, creating a track that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
With “Plastic Trees,” Wood shifts gears, diving into a more pop-centric sound. This song combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, tackling themes of the conflict between one fighting with artificiality and authenticity in one's self. The chorus is infectious, yet the message remains profound, a testament to Wood’s ability to craft meaningful pop.
“Catch & Release” brings a unique blend of R&B grooves and pop hooks. The song explores the delicate balance of letting go and moving on, with Wood’s voice carrying a sense of both longing and liberation. It’s a standout track that captures the complexities of love and the courage it takes to break free.
The EP closes with “Sky High,” an uplifting anthem that celebrates both resilience and self-empowerment. The production is lush, blending synths and funky bass lines with organic instrumentation, creating an expansive soundscape that reflects the song’s themes of freedom and soaring ambition. Wood’s voice soars like never before, ending the EP on a hopeful note.
Pretty Red Bird is a promising debut from Tia Wood, marking her as an artist to watch in the Canadian music scene and beyond. With its mix of introspective lyricism and genre-blending production, the EP offers a glimpse into Wood’s world, where tradition meets modernity. She has a gift for storytelling, and her songs resonate with both authenticity and vulnerability. For fans of pop and R&B with a heartfelt twist, Tia Wood’s Pretty Red Bird is an EP worth exploring.