INTERVIEW: New single from TaniA Kyllikki

Since making an entrance in 2018, UK-based singer-songwriter TaniA Kyllikki has become one of the most compelling voices in modern pop and soul. A storyteller with a blend of emotional honesty and technical talent, she’s built an ever-growing global following through songs that speak to determination, love and the will to survive. Her music reflects a life lived with both pain and optimism, shaped by chronic health challenges and the aftermath of abuse, transforming hardship into art that connects across cultures and generations.

Her voice, spanning an extraordinary five octaves and reaching into the whistle register, is equally powerful and affecting, capable of commanding attention and offering comfort in the same breath. Working closely with her husband and collaborator Rynellton, she’s crafted a sound that flows across pop, soul and singer-songwriter stylings, balancing emotion with melodic writing to deliver music that feels at once personal and widely relatable.

Going from strength to strength on her musical adventure, she’s been featured in hundreds of publications, including NY Weekly, TimeOut California, Huff Mag, Monaco and Hollywood Chronicle, while MSN News named her among the Top Ten Women Revolutionising Their Fields. Her growing recognition speaks not only to her artistic output but to her determination as an independent musician, steadily building a career on her own terms through persistence and faith. TaniA’s upcoming second album, Free-Spirited, was created alongside Rynellton and represents both creative freedom and emotional release via a collection of songs that celebrate self-belief and the beauty of endurance.

The album’s early singles have already made an impact, the heartfelt “In These Eyes” drew acclaim for its daring blend of genres awhile “I Struck Gold With You” arrived as a soaring love ballad that connected widely, earning millions of views for its video and charting twice across streaming platforms. Now, TaniA returns with her latest single titled “I Promise I’ll Wait For You,” a soul-infused pop outing that captures love, distance and faith with breathtaking delivery. It’s a promise set to melody, attesting to enduring connection even when life pulls people apart.

Set up by bright piano notes, shimmering textures and TaniA’s alluring voice, the gentle taps of percussion set the song in motion as TaniA stitches delicate melodies into the charming musical fabric. Gliding with a dazzling sound of classic soul pop, she casts a stunning listening experience brimming with memorable melodic writing and heartfelt lyricism.

Carried by lilting rhythmic sway, lifted by smooth backing vocalisations and capped by TaniA’s spectacular lead vocal performance, “I Promise I’ll Wait For You” delivers a truly timeless sound that’s impossible not to love. As anticipation builds for Free-Spirited, TaniA Kyllikki continues to prove that her artistic output is grounded in faith and fuelled by determination, presenting a powerful example of how music can transform pain into beauty and survival into song.

We caught up with TaniA Kyllikki to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “I Promise I’ll Wait For you” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with TaniA Kyllikki below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I was singing under the age of five! And I was writing songs shortly after that. It was an instant love for music for me. I knew who I was meant to be and the kind of artist I wanted to be.

What artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I love so many different genres of music. To name some artists I feel inspired from: Prince, for his multi genre music and uniqueness. Lady Gaga for her quirkiness, Etta James for the rawness, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Minnie Riperton, all for their incredible range and emotion.
Toni Braxton, for her rich soulful low voice. There are so many who inspire me to be honest, the list could go on forever! LOL.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I get inspiration from everything in life to be honest. My next upcoming single “HUMAN”, was written from a post I was typing on my Facebook. I stopped and thought, hmm, this needs to be turned into a song. Because I am a sensitive, I feel things much more intensely. I am very observant and inspiration can hit me at any time anywhere.

What’s been your highlight of 2025?

Professionally speaking! There has been some amazing highlights this year that I’m so grateful for!!

My two songs, “FEEL GOOD VIBES” and “I AM GOOD ENOUGH” both charted on the “European Indie music network” Top 10 radio charts! At number 4 & number 6. With, “I AM Good Enough” also making the TOP 3 at number 2, on TOP SOUND week 24.45. Formula Indie. As well as the “World Indie Music Charts – TOP 100, with “Feel Good Vibes” charting at number 15”.

I was also included in a line up for an article on MSN, for “THE TOP TEN WOMEN REVOLUTIONIZING THEIR FIELDS”. That was such an honour.

I’m also grateful for all the media, magazine coverage both online and in print that I’ve had, including front cover features. Everyone who has supported me as an independent singer songwriter I am so thankful for.

Personally speaking! Given the emergency surgeries I have had. The 38 UTI/kidney infections I’ve had over the last two years. And that I stopped breathing after surgery last year.

I’m so grateful to God for keeping me through it! And I’m grateful for my husband who has sacrificed so much just to be here in the UK to help me through it.

I wouldn’t have been able to achieve anything I mentioned above without the grace of God and the love and kindness of my husband Rynellton.

What do you love about the UK music scene?

Well we may only be a small island! But our music here is far from small! It’s big, bold, honest, with a rich multicultural sound. We go big with our festivals in celebration of many genres.

I’m proud to be British and I’m proud of our musical community both independently and on more mainstream level.

We have some of the best of the best here in the UK, many who have been able to break out on a massive global scale and that’s something to be proud of.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I’d say because my sound is so versatile, given I blend genres. It would really depend on the song and the mood the individual is in. For example, I’ve got uptempo high energy songs like, “FEEL GOOD VIBES” that’s great to blast in the car, around the house or dance the night away in a club, just having fun.

Or if you’re in a self reflecting mood, my song, “I AM Good Enough” would be great for that. Of course I have many love songs! LOL, So if you’re in a romantic mood and want to think about someone special or dedicate a song, “I Struck Gold With You” is perfect for that.

If you’re in a long distance relationship, “I Promise I’ll Wait For You” is great for that. And if you’re in a more sexy fun mood, “Remind me” and “In These Eyes” works for that. There is also break up songs I have too! I’ve definitely got plenty of songs to cater to a variety of moods. My second upcoming album, (FREE-SPIRITED) coming out in 2026, will offer even more versatility to choose from as well.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you first started out?

It’s definitely evolved for sure. As far as physical appearance. I’ve had fun with having white blonde, sky blue, cherry vibrant red, and now black hair! And styled it differently each time.

For my sound. I’ve always been a very versatile singer songwriter from the very beginning. So everything you hear is the evolution of each year me showing new layers of me coming out.

And that’s how it’s gonna be with “FREE-SPIRITED” hence the title of the album. I never stay complacent to be honest. I always have new ideas.

I’ve got a fearless personality so you never know what you’re gonna see, and hear from me next. That’s the beauty of me being in full control.

What would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

There are a lot of artists I’d love to collaborate with. But, I’d have to say, Mariah Carey. This is because her music has been such a huge part of my life since childhood. It would be such an honour and dream come true if that could ever happen.

How did you find making your new single “I promise I’ll wait for you”?

It was an emotional experience for sure. From writing my lyrics, which is telling mine, and my husbands story. To the creation of the music with my husband. Recording my vocals. And then me filming it.

When I was editing the music video, I got really teary eyed! And then we watched it together me and my husband on my TV, and we both got emotional!! Because it’s our life! And it hit me again that he has to leave soon! And I won’t see him in person again until summer time next year 2026! That’s a long time.

I don’t handle it well when he leaves at all. I suffer with “post traumatic stress disorder”, mainly due to my past before my husband came into my life. And so my husband has become my safe place. He loves me through it when I wake up in a panic in the middle of the night. When he isn’t here, it’s harder to turn to him, due to the time difference.

But that’s where our faith comes in. There is apart of my lyrics that says, “Sometimes it feels like nobody cares but God has always been there!” That statement has a huge meaning to how we have held on through so many trials.

A lot of people aren’t fully aware of what we go through. And then there are people that do know, but haven’t shown any interest in being any kind of support for us. Kindness is free after all. But I always say it’s me, my husband, and God, as the ring around us, holding us in his love. I love that we both love God and can pray together, that’s a beautiful thing.

We are having to say goodbye soon again! My husband has been here to help me through the surgeries, recovery, and recording as much as we can in between everything.

We are going to have a fake Christmas Day and Valentine’s Day LOL, before he leaves to go back to the states, given we won’t be together in person for these special times.

It’s been an emotional roller coaster holding on through the distance! Which is what my song is all about. But as my song says, “I will wait until I can be in his arms!” We are holding on to faith, and each other, until the day we are permanently together with a home that is ours.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

That when it comes to true love! If you are facing trials to be with your soulmate, just hold on, because they are worth the wait.

There are a lot of couples, who leave each other when things get tough. And most of these couples, have the luxury of being together without the heartache of being long distance, like me and my husband, Rynellton.

Learn each other, and relearn each other, again and again, over the years! I say that because we all change through the years. We aren’t going to be exactly the same person we were when we met that person and fell in love.

Life happens, illness may happen, Financial hardship may happen, depression may happen. But what is important is that you hold on tight to each other in these storms.

And if you are separated by oceans like me and my husband, remember it’s only temporary, because what you have with that person, is so much stronger, and more powerful than anything else in this world that is in your way.

I know in my heart, God will make a way for me and my husband to finally be together. So to all the couples holding on through the distance right now! It’s going to be okay, and I promise you, it’ll be worth the wait.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to Amy Winehouse, lately. I’ve always appreciated the emotional depth in her voice and lyrics. She was such a special artist.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want them to feel heard!! As if I’m really there for them and hugging them through it.

For my songs to help them feel loved and understood, appreciated, uplifted, feel inspired to chase their dreams, to not give up, have faith, get through trials in a relationship, get through a break up, and to want to find love again.

The list goes on …

Ultimately, my promise is to always create songs that will be impactful to everyone in one way or another. Music is the most powerful tool we have and I’ll be using my God given gift to leave a lasting impact on all who listen to my songs.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

To me every performance is a special experience. To be able to connect with people in person and see their positive reactions, is priceless. I am looking forward to more special moments like this soon.

What would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Hmmm I’d have to say, 1. Janet Jackson, 2. Beyoncé, 3. Ciara. Of course if Prince, was still here he’d be the top 3 for sure!

And the UK. In the heart of London.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Stay true to yourself and the music you believe in. Stay humble. It’s easy to get excited as the spot light starts shining on you. The more you get known, the more you are going to have people start reaching out to you.

But, and I say this with caution. Be aware that not everyone who is approaching you has your best interest at heart. There are a lot of people in this business who will take advantage of new up-and-coming artist. It’s great to say YES! When it’s beneficial to your career. Remember, it’s also okay to say NO! If it doesn’t feel right.

It’s gonna be a long hard road, especially if you’re trying to break out being completely independent. It may even feel lonely at times. You may have people in your life who you thought would support you on your journey only to find they don’t. At times you may feel burnt out, have disappointment when others make their achievements quicker than you.
But that’s okay, because guess what? Your time is coming! And this is your journey and yours alone. All the hard work will pay off just keep at it.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

Well of course my next single, “HUMAN”, followed by more singles. And my upcoming second album, “FREE-SPIRITED” that is due to be released next year 2026. Followed by many more exciting surprises so be on the look out.

Watch the music video for I Promise I’ll Wait For You (feat. Rynellton) below