She’s a fashion icon, an incredible actress, and a C-pop superstar. Making her grand return into the world of music, Tia Lee wants to ethically release songs in a way that is supportive and uplifting of social causes. Her latest campaign, #EmpowerHer, works alongside her recent music releases to spread awareness about women’s empowerment and the importance of helping women build a better future for themselves on a global scale.
After uploading a beautiful six-episode animated series over the past month, Tia Lee has released the first official music video for her new era. Continuing to work with the visual producer known as Actual Objects, the music video for her latest single, “Goodbye Princess,” is a perfect representation of Tia saying farewell to her past as she turns the page to a fresh start. The stunning visuals are accompanied by Tia’s glistening vocals and Swizz Beatz’ hard-hitting pop production, all of which come together to create an entrancing experience for fans everywhere.
Tia Lee told Pop Crave about her new song, “Goodbye Princess,” reentering the music industry with the #EmpowerHer campaign, and her plans for what’s to come in 2023. Keep reading for the full interview!
Hi Tia! Congratulations on the success of your new single, “Goodbye Princess.” How has the fan reaction been for you since the release of your latest song?
I think it’s been a big hit with the fans! More importantly, I’m really excited that they have been showing their support for the #EmpowerHer campaign. I think I’ve really struck a chord with music lovers around the world who want to be entertained and do good at the same time.
You are one of the biggest C-pop stars in the world! How does it feel to be representing Chinese pop music on such a large scale, and how would you say C-pop differs from other pop genres?
I think music is ultimately a universal language that links people around the world. While you can say that my music falls under the C-pop genre, but really, I’m just making music for music lovers around the world.
“Goodbye Princess” is such a fun listen! How would you describe the song and what it personally means to you?
I have to credit Swizz Beatz for injecting his signature touch into “Goodbye Princess”! From an A&R point of view, it’s my departure from my former self and past experiences in the entertainment business. It signifies a new chapter for me, and I want to share my sense of self-empowerment with females around the world.
The music video for “Goodbye Princess” is absolutely gorgeous. How did the concept for the music video come about, and what was it like working with Actual Objects on the project?
The animation episodes for the MV pre-release were a figment of the past, while the motion images series were telling of the present, therefore combining the two creates the future which is the “Goodbye Princess” music video. It’s about taking everyone into this futuristic fantasy world, which holds my last farewell to the past as we welcome the future together – I’m back in a hyper-reality form, and then subsequently emerge back into public consciousness with my #EmpowerHer campaign.
You worked on “Goodbye Princess” with Grammy-award winning producer, Swizz Beatz. What was it like working with him, especially with it being his first-ever Chinese song?
It was an exciting experience that will live in my memory for a long time to come. We took a while to share our past experiences and our vision for music before we “vibed” and the chemistry really got started, and “Goodbye Princess” became the baby of our creation.
Women’s empowerment definitely feels like a massive part of “Goodbye Princess.” Do you feel the music industry is headed toward a place where female musicians are able to better thrive as their true selves?
Even though we are in the music business, I think it is important to think beyond just the music industry and actually look at every walk of life where we can help females help one another to thrive as their true selves and rise above negative stereotypes and discrimination. I definitely think we are heading in the right direction even though there is a lot more work to be done in this aspect.
Not only are you an incredible musician, but you’re also a fashion icon. You’ve been in magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle HK. How would you describe your fashion sense?
A combination of experimental, expressive, and sometimes timeless vintage. This is how I would describe my fashion direction.
How do you think fashion has helped you express your true self throughout your career?
In my early modeling days, my fashion was largely dictated by the circumstances imposed upon me with minimal inputs from myself. It has taken me years to take back control of what I wear and explore fashion that truly expresses me freely for who I am today.
Now that you’ve stepped into a new era of your career, can fans expect a potential tour anytime soon?
There are many more exciting projects that I have in mind at the moment. I want to build up a bigger, better collection of work before I embark on a global tour.
With the new year quickly approaching, I wanted to ask: What have you been most grateful for this year, and what are you most excited to experience in the upcoming year of 2023?
I feel really blessed to have such a wonderful team around me and all the top international professionals that have supported me in this global journey. I look forward to more collaboration with exciting talents across the world that can take me to new places and really push the frontiers in terms of creativity.
Tia Lee’s new song, “Goodbye Princess,” is out now.
