A Dirty Dozen with TIAN NIENABER – December 2021 (BMA)

According to a recent press release: “Tian Nienaber delivers a touching lament to personal struggles and their impact on close relationships on his debut single, “HURTING LOVE.” His colossally graceful voice brings the same energy as international vocal powerhouses like Rag’n’Bone Man, and the song’s heavy bassline, underpinned by a synthesized keyboard progression, and complimented by deliberate electric guitar, is a feast for the ears. Tian is a finalist for the 5th Annual Banger Music Awards in the following category: BEST METAL SONG.” We get Tian to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Hurting love is about knowing or having a loved one struggling with active addiction. The feelings that come from both sides and the struggle thereof.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician? Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

From a young age I loved music. In our family it is a big thing. I have always had friends and family who play instruments. After losing a close friend at the age of 12 I started playing because it was a promise I made. My music taste jumps around quite a bit, but Don Williams has always been a great favorite of mine.

3. What was your reaction to being included in the Banger Music Awards process? Did you ever think what you were doing would be elevated to “award” status?

It is quite amazing. I never thought that my debut single would ever be seen or elevated to having a chance of winning an award.

4. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would say my music is written to open up difficult conversations. I haven’t seen a comparison that I have disagreed with, yet.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Chris Klafford, I am just a huge fan of his vocal talent.

6. How important to you is the local music scene and acceptance by not only the fans but also your peers?

It is always important to be accepted when you are a performer. That being said, I have always known that it would not be possible for everyone to love what I do. Thus far, fans and peers have been quite great and I am hoping to keep them all as part of my musical family.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

When hanging out we all pitch in. I usually end up cooking.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

A few weeks ago I walked into Dan Patlansky. He is one of my all time favorite guitar players.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part is being able to express most of what you are feeling. If I couldn’t be part of the music scene at all I would love to be a blacksmith.

10. What is one question you would like an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I would like to be asked what my favorite hobby is. I love cooking. I am quite tired of being asked where I get inspiration from, just because I draw from a lot of different sources for each song.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I believe to this point everything has happened right when I needed it and how I needed it. For now I’m just hoping it stays that way.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would have loved to be a part or in the room to any of the first Linkin Park albums. Those were my go to at an age where I was struggling to find myself and struggled to be better as a person.

TIAN NIENABER LINKS:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

BANGER MUSIC AWARDS

Category: Interviews