Jussi: So how are things with you and how has been the response so far with your self-titled record?
Tanyc: It has been an exciting time since I released my debut album. Although I have been doing music for a long time, it was the first time I was able to set the direction myself. I have gotten only positive feedback all around. It’s extremely motivating. At the end of the day, I am composing the music for myself and it is an amazing feeling to see that it gets through to others as well. I also had the opportunity to do some amazing live concerts, especially when I got to support Sarah Connor for several shows.
Jussi: Since this being your first studio solo release, was it overwhelming when putting this all together?
Tanyc: At its core, an album is like a gigantic puzzle. Lyrics, music, arrangements, instruments, and of course several visual aspects combine it all. Pictures and videos are as important to me as music is. It was magical to see how the project was slowly taking shape until I finally got to hold the finished vinyl in my hands. You could call it a very motivating and fulfilling experience.
Jussi: Was there any challenges of any kind that you experienced with the recording and or anything else?
Tanyc: I think the biggest challenge I faced were the lyrics. Showing so much of myself through words was a completely new experience. I had a turbulent life and I wanted to have it reflected in the album. I had to navigate through the process and decide how direct or hidden I wanted those experiences to shine through. But in the end, the listener gets to have their own opinion on how explicit the lyrics are.
Jussi: Why the name TANYC?
Tanyc: TANYC was clearly the right name for me, because it is close to my surname Tannich. If I am going to reveal so much about myself, then I want it to be a clear connection to me.
Jussi: When I had the chance to review the album, I was surprised on how everything flowed so beautifully together (both lyrically and musically) was there any influence of any sort that created such a relaxed vibe energy? Anything atmospheric say recording or writing out in the wilderness or etc. Or was it just a state of mind that simply created it?
Tanyc: I will take this opportunity to thank you for your beautiful review. It makes me happy when my listeners see my album as a whole, especially in an era of 2-minute songs that make it more and more difficult to dive into the artistry of a musician. But since I have distanced myself from any rules and trends or phrases like: "that’s how it is supposed to be done today", I was able to find my own personal flow. When things get hectic, I already try to bring a certain calm into my life. I usually write music in such moments. Maybe I need to balance something at that moment.
Jussi: Since you have worked with guitarist/husband Kalle Wallner with prior projects, was it easy to do an entire record with other musicians that brought their own elements in the mix? Or, did it add or take away from anything?
Tanyc: Kalle and I work a lot together in general. We value and respect each other's work and that probably is why working together functions as well as it does. I think the secret to finding a point where you just let the other person do their thing. I consider myself very lucky to have Kalle as such an integral part of TANYC. He and my daughter were defiantly my drives. Also, Yogi Lang is such an important part of this album. I knew early which musicians I wanted to have on the album. Every single one of them gives a part of themselves to create something beautiful. Tom Norris for example, a part of the London Symphonic orchestra has contributed with wonderful strings on Hide Away. I did some background on his solo album years ago and knew right away I needed him to be on the album.
Jussi: How would you describe your record to a listener’s first experience?
Tanyc: Atmospheric, sophisticated, emotional, honest, strong, Pop
Jussi: Would you describe your approach to songwriting something of a reflective, mental or emotional in nature?
Tanyc: Before I write, I need a small and defined goal, otherwise, I would just chew on ideas. The topics are inspired by my own life so I also had the opportunity to reflect on some things and clear other things. I made a resumé for myself compiled of many notes to myself about what was good and what wasn’t. I am not pointing my finger at anyone; I am trying to get to a moral conclusion and I am not forcing my opinion on someone. It’s just about small stories and realizations. Music-wise it is completely different. Most of the time I write the lyrics and the music is already in my head.
Jussi: How long did it take to record this album? Was there also anything different that you wanted to do with the recording or anything else? Or as an artist did you just be the creative process of the music only?
Tanyc: It is said that the making of the first album is usually easier because there are fewer pressures like certain deadlines. I first had the idea to keep self-written songs to myself, so the collection of them grew over time, and with that, the idea to make an album came to be. I write the lyrics and the music, make them into a demo and then go to the studio to supervise and be a part of every step that comes after. During that time span I got to learn a lot, may it be artistically or through the work in the studio. My first song, which I wrote with Kalle Wallner was Never Asked Twice, I think that happened 5 years ago.
Jussi: If there was one song of this record that would best describe you, what would it be and why?
Tanyc: The twelfth and last song on the album describes my life the best. I have gently closed off many topics of my life. Over And Over combines that and releases me into a new chapter with a white vest. That song emits a freeing feeling to me.
Jussi: As an artist do you find it somewhat difficult when other music reviewers compare you to other artists? Personally speaking, I find your music one of a kind.
Tanyc: That did not happen to me often since it is difficult to pinpoint the genre. Steve Wilson was mentioned sometimes, but I can live with that :). Everyone gets inspiration from their surroundings and combines them into their own life. I think it’s beautiful to get to be a small part of that. I really don’t think it is that bad.
Jussi: When making the videos, did you have any collaboration with the creative processes? Were you satisfied with how the videos worked out for the song’s or was there something different that you wanted?
Tanyc: I knew exactly what my videos were supposed to look like. On my first single Smile I finally found the video artist Marta Vorontsova who put the ideas into action with me. For Faster I turned to Sebastian Harnack, who already worked for RPWL and BLIND EGO. There we also implemented the ideas collaboratively. I think it turned out to be great. Since then, I have also gotten into video and done many things myself.
Jussi: Any plans for a second record? If so, any idea what can be expected or is it going to be a surprise?
Tanyc: I am currently in the middle of writing songs and figured that I am much closer to myself. Many decisions are no longer an issue because now I know what I want to sound like. With the first album, I have built a sort of basis that allows me to grow further.
Jussi: Do you find it challenging as an artist on how today’s music is changing? Or does it really matter because you only focus on what is important to you?
Tanyc: How music reaches the listener has drastically changed, and maybe that is the most difficult for me. I also use streaming services, but when it’s about pure music, I’d consider myself more old-school. When I discover something new for myself, I get hooked and want to know everything about the artist or band and spend time with their work. So as an artist myself, the obvious path is not always the one I choose to take. Mass production of music, the pressures of social media, always being present, so many amazing artists don’t get appreciated enough just because of the massive amount of music out there. That is why you need to trust in yourself. It has taken me a long time to find out who I am, and that’s why I don’t like to conform to standards.
Jussi: Besides music is there anything else that you like to do that is also creative?
Tanyc: Oh yes! I have always had a soft spot for photography. The moment before I take a picture is very exciting for me. I have to admit, that type of work is very fulfilling to me. In the last couple of years, I got the chance to dive deeper into it, and I now work more and more as a photographer. I consider myself very lucky that I get to work in two creative fields.
Jussi: Do you find yourself being spiritually open when it comes to creative aspect of songwriting? I know some musicians out there say that creating music can be a form of meditation and or a way to connecting to the self/soul?
Tanyc: I have been living off of music for my whole life. That's why I know and value what it means to pursue one's art without compromises. That is absolutely beautiful most of the time, even if the way there is very difficult. There are moments when the music flows, but usually, it’s a very normal job. There are so many unromantic parts that come with the profession like doing taxes, deadlines, writer's block. I don’t know if I would consider myself a spiritual person but I know that I am good at listening to myself. I have learned to take things the way they come and I have built myself an amazing life. I live in the mountains on 1100 meters sea level. When I go outside to work on some ideas everything around me is just magical.
Jussi: Anything new as far as new material, projects or news that you would like to share?
Tanyc: I am currently working on new songs and I can tell you that a new song will come out soon. But right now I am super excited for the tour with RPWL that I get to play support for. We are touring all of April 2023, through Europe with the big tour bus, which is going to be great fun!
Jussi: Nocturnal Hall would like to thank you TANYC for taking the time out for this interview. Best of wishes to you and yours. |
