Talyana Talks 1-800-Taly, Pride Performances and finding inspiration in everyday life.
Speaking to Finessed Media about her latest release, 1-800-Taly, Talyana opens up about the creation of her newest single, inspired by the 2000s pop era she grew up on. Talyana describes herself as a pop artist who uses her music to spread messages of love and hope, always looking to remind people to be confident
Her storytelling abilities blend seamlessly with her powerful vocals, capturing the audience’s attention almost instantly. Raised in Sacramento, California, Talyana fell in love with music early on. The city and its people provided so much inspiration that she eventually used their experiences and her own to craft unique stories through her songs.
Outside of music, Talyana enjoys passions such as cosplaying and voice acting. She finds joy in creating and portraying characters from various worlds, including fantasy, anime, and gaming. Her cosplay is highly detail-oriented, with each performance bringing characters to life through flair and dedication. As a voice actress, Talyana’s versatile voice has allowed her to portray a wide range of characters in animation, video games, and narration.
Talyana thrives as an artist who creates music that encourages her listeners to embrace vulnerability. When speaking about the song she described it as someone who is hopelessly in love. “This song is a Pop anthem about someone so hopelessly in love, that they lose sight of
whether or not the love is truly there anymore. It blends soulful melodies with a modern and groovy production. ‘1-800-TALY’ is inspired by classic cartoon characters such as Pepe Le Pew from Looney Toons and Panini from Chowder.”
For more on her journey and creative process, read our interview below:
The following interview has been slightly edited for context and clarity.
Daniel: For anyone new to your music, how would you describe yourself as an artist and a person?
Talyana: I would describe myself as an artist and a person as an advocate for dreamers—someone who encourages others to find what fulfills their souls through leading by example.
Daniel: Who are your musical influences and why?
Talyana: My musical influences range from Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson to Doja Cat and Porter Robinson. I grew up with theater, jazz, and in an era when gaming and technology were taking flight. This melting pot of styles, aesthetics, and techniques made me fall in love with music and the worlds one can build through it.
Daniel: Was being a musician always something you wanted to do?
Talyana: Even before I knew what a musician was, I wanted to be one. The passion for entertaining people, creating stories, and singing has always been within me. It’s a dream that’s been impossible to ignore.
Daniel: Being in the music industry can be difficult at times. How do you practice balance?
Talyana: Recently, I’ve started implementing time-blocking into my routine. It helps me find time to create, work hard, and prioritize my needs through moments of self-care.
Daniel: What has been a highlight of your career so far?
Talyana: Performing my original music at my city’s main Pride Festival for three years in a row has been the highlight of my career so far.
Daniel: How would you describe your sound, and how did you “find” it?
Talyana: I like to call my sound "theatrical pop"—a little dramatic, very fun, and diverse in emotion and style. I truly found my sound when I started looking within, and my love for theater and jazz has had a huge influence.
Daniel: When your fans listen to your music, what do you want them to take away?
Talyana: I want my fans to realize that they can create a whole world within a single moment.
Daniel: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Talyana: I would tell my younger self that not all affection equals love.
Daniel: How do you deal with imposter syndrome?
Talyana: I still struggle with imposter syndrome, but I’ve learned to give myself words of affirmation. When I feel at my lowest, I remind myself of who I am and how far I’ve come.
Daniel: Do you have any fears, and if so, what are they? How do you plan to overcome them?
Talyana: I fear that I’m running out of time. I plan to overcome this by not dwelling on the past or being anxious about the future but focusing on doing my best right now.
Daniel: What are your thoughts on collaborations?
Talyana: I love a good collaboration! If someone’s sound aligns with mine, it makes the overall record ten times better. I enjoy hearing how another artist’s sound can bring a fresh flavor to the music.
Daniel: How would you describe your creative process?
Talyana: When I’m in my most creative state, I would describe the process as meditative.
Daniel: Where do you find inspiration?
Talyana: My inspiration varies. Sometimes it comes from my own life, sometimes from others, and sometimes even from a single word or feeling.
Daniel: What message would you like to leave with your fans?
Talyana: Never give up on yourself, no matter what. Let your passions help you discover your purpose.