Welcome to another SA Music Zone interview, where we delve into the artistic journey of singer-songwriter Tian Nienaber.
With his latest single and music video ‘Knip die Tou’, we explore the inspirations, creative process, and emotional depth behind his music. Join us as we uncover the stories and motivations driving Tian’s captivating musical narrative.
Tian, Your transition into Afrikaans music has been met with considerable success. Starting your career with English-language songs and now delving into Afrikaans music, what motivated this shift, and how has it impacted your artistic expression? Can we expect you to continue primarily in Afrikaans, or do you plan to explore other languages and genres in the future?
“Some experiences just translate more easily for me in Afrikaans. The move is not permanent, as I would love to do more English in the future, as well as explore different genres like Country.”
As you’ve navigated your career in the music industry, you’ve experienced various roles, from working behind the scenes as a sound engineer and rigger to being front and centre in the spotlight. Did you ever imagine, several years ago, that you would be where you are today, releasing singles and music videos to critical acclaim? Can you share some insights into your journey from those early roles and how it has shaped your artistic vision?
“The dream has always been to release original music, but unfortunately, it wasn’t an option for a long time. I feel like the behind-the-scenes work was a preparation stage for what’s to come. It taught me that the industry requires hard work and that I need to stay humble and true to myself to make it work.”
What inspired you to write your latest single ‘Knip die Tou,’ and what message do you hope listeners take away from it? Can you share some insights into the creative process behind the songwriting and composition, particularly considering your transition into Afrikaans music and how personal experiences influenced the lyrical content of the song?
“I’ve been in many relationships, romantic and not, where I had to put in a lot of hard work to try and make them work. I had to give up a lot of myself and be someone else to make it work. This song speaks to that feeling of wanting to be set free to be who you are, and it speaks to the fact that it is okay if things do not work out.”
The music videos accompanying your singles are often praised for their beauty and visual storytelling. In the case of ‘Knip die Tou,’ the video adds visual depth to the song’s narrative. Can you share insights into the collaborative process behind your music videos? Who do you work with to bring your creative vision to life on screen? What was the concept behind the video, and how does it complement the message of the song?
“Jannes from Moving North Media is the guy behind the camera. He handles all the production of my music videos. We wanted a visual representation of the song, and we felt like a dance could provide the depth needed. Finding the right feeling for it was difficult, but Jannes navigated the process.”
Your music often touches on universal themes of love, loss, and liberation to connect with listeners on a personal level. In ‘Knip die Tou’ you address the idea of choosing to let go when relationships become unsustainable. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this theme as an artist who values deep meaning in your music to ensure that your lyrics resonate authentically with your audience?
“We’ve all had relationships where we’ve had to give ourselves up to try and make them work. This song speaks to the fact that most times when that happens, things won’t work out anyway. Sometimes in life, things are just not going to work. It’s okay to then take a step back and walk away to make sure you don’t hurt each other more.”
As an artist, how do you navigate the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength in your music? All your singles to date have shared some level of deep personal experience, and revealing profoundly sensitive emotional experiences can be challenging. Can you share some insights into your approach to expressing such intimate feelings through your songwriting?
“I’ve always thought of writing as a form of therapy, and I believe that there can’t be growth without discomfort. So opening up gives me a chance to grow as a person and become stronger in a way. My approach is always to be as honest and open about what I am feeling as I possibly can. Luckily, emotions and art can both occupy many spaces, which gives me a bit of freedom.”
Your previous singles have received critical acclaim. How do you navigate the pressure of following up with another successful release like ‘Knip die Tou’? Additionally, in such a dynamic industry, how do you stay ahead of the marketing and promotion curve to continually improve and achieve greater success with each release?
“The most important thing to me has always been the music. As soon as a song is recorded and done, the accomplishment for me comes. I think that makes the pressure a bit less, as everything after that is a bonus. I release music that I like and that I believe in. In terms of promotion, myself and Devographic Music Agency just try to make sure we have a good quality product that is on brand every time. Our plan is just doing what we do well, consistently.”
Tian, can you share any behind-the-scenes anecdotes or memorable moments from the making of ‘Knip die Tou’ or its accompanying music video?
“A few days before the recording of the song, I was sitting working on it, and I had the idea to completely change things up. And the night before the vocal recording, we decided it needed a bridge. So being unsure of the outcome is something I’ll never forget, and it’s something I feel added to the emotion of the song.”
Building on the emotional depth of your previous singles ‘Hurting Love,’ ‘Soldier On,’ and ‘Hemel se Deur,’ your music aims to connect with listeners on a profound level. With this history in mind, what do you hope listeners feel or experience when they listen to ‘Knip die Tou,’ and what message would you like to convey to your fans through this song?
“This song is for people who are still giving themselves up to try and please others. At some point, you must draw the line and save yourself. It’s okay for things to end. Everything ends…”
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Tian Nienaber in terms of future releases or projects, especially considering his recent focus on single releases? Will he continue to release singles, or is there a possibility of an EP or album in the works?
“There are a few more singles in the pipeline. But, along with that, the aim is to release an EP by March 2025.”
A heartfelt thank you to Tian for sharing his insights and experiences with us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to explore the depths of his artistry and gain a deeper understanding of the emotions woven into his music.
More info about Tian Nienaber
Tian Nienaber, a South African indie alternative singer-songwriter, commenced his musical journey in the industry at the age of 17, initially engaging as a sound engineer and rigger. Over the initial six years of his career, Tian immersed himself in the road, supporting numerous artists and contributing to significant festivals.
This period allowed him to delve into the intricacies of the industry and build invaluable relationships. Tian’s passion for music, sparked at the age of 12 when he started playing guitar and writing songs, naturally propelled him from behind-the-scenes roles to the forefront of the music scene as a performing artist.
In the past seven years, Tian has solidified his presence in the indie alternative genre, showcasing his distinctive musical style across various platforms. He has graced the stages of renowned festivals like ‘Alternatief Is Groot,’ ‘Zeegunst,’ and ‘STRAB,’ captivating audiences with his performances.
Furthermore, Tian has shared the stage with esteemed South African artists such as Francois van Coke, Fokofpolisiekar, and Die Heuwels Fantasties. His talent has also shone on television, making appearances on shows like ‘Die Groot Ontbyt’ (Kyknet) and ‘Doodgewone Jo’ with Jo Black (Via / DSTV).
In 2021, Tian Nienaber made a significant impact with the release of his debut single and accompanying video, ‘Hurting Love,’ produced by Peach Van Pletzen at ‘Planet Awesome.’
The song received widespread acclaim, achieving chart success in South Africa and Australia and earning Tian the prestigious Banger Music Award for ‘Best Solo Artist 2021’ in the United States. Capitalizing on this success, Tian continued his momentum in 2022 with his sophomore single, ‘Soldier On,’ further solidifying his position in the music scene.
In 2023, Tian explored Afrikaans music with the release of ‘Hemel Se Deur’ (‘Heaven’s Door’), enjoying chart success on various radio stations.
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