David Meltzer
Melbourne-based rising pop star T8iana is redefining what it means to be an artist in today’s world. With chart success, international recognition, and a fearless approach to identity, she’s as unapologetic as her music. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her journey, inspirations, and her groundbreaking new single “Boy or Girl – Question of Life.”
Q: T8iana, your career has taken off quickly since 2022. How does it feel to have BBC Radio plays, chart success in the UK and Canada, and even Rolling Stone recognition so early on?
T8iana: Honestly, it’s surreal. I always knew music was my true language, but I didn’t expect things to snowball like this. Having my songs played on BBC Radio or seeing them climb iTunes charts overseas—it makes me feel like my voice is resonating far beyond Australia. I’ve been really lucky to work with Grammy-winning producers in the US and legends here like Doug Brady, who worked with icons like John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John. That kind of validation early on gives me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries.
Q: You’ve been described as fearless, even shocking at times. In a live radio interview this year, you called yourself a “Librarian with a sex drive.” Where does that boldness come from?
T8iana: (laughs) Yeah, that line definitely made the hosts blink twice! But it came from a real place. David Bowie once said he was “a librarian with a sex drive,” and George Michael quoted that as pop stars we become the object of people’s self-definition, and sexual definition. I relate to that deeply. My persona as T8iana is both real and a performance—it allows people to see themselves, project their desires, and rethink what a pop star can be. I think honesty, even if it shocks, is the most powerful form of connection.
Q: Your story before becoming T8iana is remarkable—you were born in Mauritius, eloped as a teenager, moved to Australia, and transitioned. How has that shaped your music?
T8iana: My life has been anything but traditional. Growing up in Mauritius, I was surrounded by conservative expectations. At 17, I ran away to Dubai with an older partner—it was toxic, a very dark chapter. He tried to own me with luxuries, but I knew deep inside that wasn’t my life. Moving to Australia was liberating, and transitioning to female gave me my true voice. Every song I write carries those scars and triumphs. Music became my survival, my rebellion, and my healing.
Q: Who influenced you musically and artistically growing up?
T8iana: My mom loved George Michael, so he was always playing in the house. I was obsessed with Beyoncé and later Dua Lipa. By 14, I was already writing songs. But fun fact—I actually started as a painter. I won national art awards as a kid, and I really wanted to go to art school. We couldn’t afford it, so I channeled my creativity into music. Visual art still inspires me—I adore Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. You can see their influence in the colors and energy of my music videos.
Q: Let’s talk about your latest single, “Boy or Girl – Question of Life.” What was the inspiration?
T8iana: This track is my boldest statement yet. It starts with sitar and Middle Eastern percussion, then drops into this big electronic beat. Lyrically, it’s about questioning gender binaries and societal rules. I’ve been inspired by The Matrix and Hindu philosophy—what if life itself is a simulation? What if gender is just another layer of illusion? At the end of the day, before “male” or “female,” we are human beings searching for love, peace, and identity. That’s the heart of this song.
Q: That’s a powerful message. Do you see yourself as part of a bigger cultural shift in pop?
T8iana: I hope so. Pop has always flirted with gender commentary—like Blur’s “Girls and Boys” or Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy.” But I wanted to go further. “Boy or Girl – Question of Life” doesn’t just reference gender—it transcends it. I want listeners to stop and ask, What does it really mean to be human in a world obsessed with labels? If my music helps even one person feel free from those boxes, then I’ve done my job.
Q: And offstage? Who is T8iana when she’s not performing?
T8iana: Surprisingly normal! (smiles) I love engaging with fans directly, sharing unfiltered studio moments, and sometimes just being goofy online. Offstage, I’m not the pop persona—I’m just me. But I think that’s important. People need to see that behind the glitter and the drama, there’s a human being who laughs, cries, and struggles just like them.
Q: Finally, what’s next for you?
T8iana: Right now, I’m focused on pushing “Boy or Girl – Question of Life” as far as it can go. I also have new music lined up that dives even deeper into themes of identity, spirituality, and freedom. And of course, I’d love to take my performances global. My dream? To headline a stage where people from all walks of life feel seen, celebrated, and alive.
🎶 Listen Here to “Boy or Girl – Question of Life” on any all major platforms
🌐 Website: www.t8iana.com
📸 Instagram: @t8iana.official
▶️ YouTube: T8iana
