Samoan-Indian artist Tiana Khasi, known for her impressive catalogue with over 11 million streams, has just released her bold new single, Good As It Gets. Alongside this release, she announced tour dates across Australia and her debut in India this December.
Interestingly, Tiana’s surname, Khasi, isn’t her official “government” name but comes from a tribe in Meghalaya, India, where she traces part of her heritage—a connection she proudly embraces.
Her family moved to Australia in the 1970s, with her father’s maternal family coming from Meghalaya, making her the first generation in her family to be born and raised in Australia.
“My family had a different experience. It wasn’t really on my radar that I was Indian,” she says with a laugh. “But then you start to notice things, like the food. I vividly remember the smells of my grandparents’ house. There was always beautiful food cooking, and the house was filled with stunning furniture, art, and other items that all link back to their time in India.”
Growing up, Tiana says she didn’t fully realise “the gift of her rich Khasi heritage”. Looking back, she’s grateful her family always reminded her of it. Her father even promised his grandmother he would ensure their Khasi roots were never forgotten, a commitment that now influences Tiana’s music.
Her debut EP, Meghalaya, released in 2019, was named after the northeastern Indian state and the matrilineal Khasi tribe. For Tiana, it was important to honour this heritage and establish her identity through her music.
The EP drew comparisons to artists like Erykah Badu and Solange and gained support from outlets such as Complex UK, Rolling Stone US, BBC 1Xtra, and more.
Tiana’s new single, Good As It Gets, released today, is more playful and leans towards pop R&B. She views it as an important story of her experience as a first-generation Australian, juggling expectations of success while staying grounded. This single marks the beginning of her exploration into different aspects of her identity.
Tiana’s achievements go beyond industry recognition, with awards like the APRA Professional Development Award in 2022 and nominations for the Corner Award and AIR Award. A highlight for her is the pride expressed by Khasi descendants who feel connected to her music.
A dynamic live performer, Tiana has opened for acts like Masego and captivated audiences at festivals such as VIVID Sydney and WOMADelaide. She debuted in London, invited by BBC 1Xtra’s Jamz Supernova, and recently collaborated with Close Counters on their single “On The Move.”
Her upcoming tour includes performances on Oct 11 at Spring In The Streets, Eora/Sydney; Oct 13 at Caterpillar Club, Eora/Sydney; Oct 24 at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival; Nov 29 at Summertown Studio, Tarndanya/Adelaide; and in India on Dec 6 at The Hills Festival in Shillong, and Dec 8 at Echoes of Earth in Bangalore.
Talking about her upcoming Indian tour, Tiana says it will be her first time playing her original music in Bangalore and Shillong although she has been to the country in the past as a student learning Carnatic and Hindustani music.
“I want to showcase the diverse influences from my local music community—jazz, experimental soul, and genre crossovers. But I also want to illustrate how storytelling evolves when people migrate from India to Australia and how that shapes a new generation of storytellers. By returning home, I hope to bridge cultures and show how these journeys influence the music and stories we create.”
Importantly, she is looking forward to reconnecting with the Khasi community in Shillong, saying, “I would like to mark it as the beginning of a new relationship with the land and the people there It’s the start of new chapter in our family’s story with the land.”
Stream ‘Good As It Gets’
Tickets via tianakhasi.com
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