Toowoomba-based artist TALLOU maybe relatively new (having released only two singles), but the artist behind the moniker has already accrued plenty of industry experience.
When Tiana Dennis was just 14, she wrote an original song that was sighed to Sony ATV for syncing opportunities.Her next music chapter was the indie pop-roots duo Oh Harlow, a project with her sister Briannah that saw the pair play Caloundra Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, and Tamworth CMF as well as open for Sheppard and Taylor Henderson.
Now Tiana is exploring dreamy indie-pop soundscapes as TALLOU; her debut song 'I Promise I Love You' landed at the start of the year. Her newest release is the single 'Marco Polo', a track with BENEE feels that 'explores relationships and the heartbreak that can come with them'.
"'Marco Polo' was inspired by a close friend and his constant journey of losing and finding himself through different relationships," begins TALLOU.
"We were at the gym one day debriefing about the latest heartbreak and he literally said 'I feel like I'm playing Marco Polo with myself'. I thought it was great and immediately wrote it down in my notes app."
Who is TALLOU... I'm an indie-pop singer-songwriter currently based in Toowoomba, Queensland. I love writing music that makes people reflect on their own experiences and hopefully make me feel less crazy.
I sound like... Holly Humberstone, MAY-A, Olivia Rodrigo.
My first gig was... Opening for Jude York at Miami Marketta.
When did you settle on your artis name? I took a good couple of weeks of crappy short lists of middle names and old dog names, before finding TALLOU on a unique baby name website.
In the studio I usually... Snack. So much snacking. Whenever the space is booked for a few days I have to stock up on sustenance to keep the creativity going.
If I could tour with anyone... I would love to tour with Gretta Ray. She gives off such big-sister vibes.
Social media is... A fickle thing. It's so cool to be connected with people everywhere, but it also sucks being so constantly connected. You never really 'clock off'.
My favourite app at the moment is... BeReal. I bloody love it. I take the most unflattering and low quality photos and it's nice to not have to worry about what engagement it will get.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Am I the only one who has successfully blocked out each memory of embarrassing moments?
Life on the road can be... A whole different reality. There's something so exciting about the constant change and moving, although at points it can also be the thing that drives you crazy.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that my rider contains... Snacks. Duh. I'm dairy-free though so no chocolate please.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? My first instinct would be to acknowledge my country roots and move to Nashville. There's some great Aussies doing banging stuff over in London lately too; that's got me itching for some travel.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Jar sauce and pasta baby.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? LOVE. Look I previously have identified as a dog person, however I do have a beautiful ten-year-old anxious cat named Vanilla. She's crazy, but I am now happy to be called a cat mum.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Great Northerns.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... This week. Since COVID I started 'gyming' consistently and it's been the best bit of routine in a generally structure-less muso life. Also I want guns okay.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Taking the bins out. I will be that painful housemate who perfectly balances the recycling next to the bin. Hate me, I know I'm bad.
Do you have any phobias... Not really. I'm afraid to die with regrets.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Look I am pretty talentless outside of the arts, but I do enjoying eating baked goods. Could I be a judge on 'Is It Cake?'. Don't ask me to bake though.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Look, nothing is open at midnight in Toowoomba aside from Maccas. A favourite spot is Kajoku which is Korean BBQ and a definite food coma is guaranteed.
Last show you binge-watched? 'From' on Stan. Oooft it scared me initially, but now I just can't look away. Can we please bring back 20 episode seasons of TV shows please? Thank you.
