Last Friday, Nehiyaw and Coast Salish singer-songwriter Tia Wood unveiled her latest track, “Never Come Down.” a captivating follow-up to her acclaimed 2024 debut EP, Pretty Red Bird. The new single offers an intimate look into the experiences of an artist navigating a journey of growth, resonating with the complexities of ambition and connection.
The track (and music video), available now on streaming platforms, is a poignant exploration of the highs and heartfelt goodbyes that come with fame and success. “I know you miss me / hangin’ around,” Tia sings, capturing that universal ache of leaving things behind to follow your dreams. “Am I gonna lose you? Where are you now? Will you still be there if I never come down?” It’s a relatable anthem for anyone dealing with the bittersweet path of personal growth and professional ambition.
“The last two years have been filled with so many amazing opportunities and ups and downs as I got my bearings in this new world,” Tia shares in a press release. “I’m always thinking and dreaming about the future and creating, and making music, but with that comes a sort of bittersweet feeling because it means I have to spend time missing many of the people and things I love the most, and this song really captures this moment for me – and I think it’s something that so many people can really relate to as well.”
Through her label, Sony Music Canada, and crafted by Tia herself alongside a creative team including Casey Mattson (Oliver Tree), Joe Pepe (iann dior), and Bailey Bryan (Shaboozey, Noah Cyrus), “Never Come Down” is more than just a melody; it’s a mood. Produced by Mattson and Pepe, this single is the first taste of Wood’s highly anticipated upcoming project, set to drop later this year. The visual direction for this new music is striking. Tia collaborated with CD / DP duo MOM – the artistic partnership of Skokomish Yakama artist Ray and cinematographer Matt – to bring her vision to life with a distinctly modern and artistic sensibility.
For the shoot, Tia collaborated with celebrity stylist Avigail Collins, known for her work with musical artists such as Rihanna, Lorde, and Sam Smith. Collins crafted a look that seamlessly blended modern clothing with the beauty of Indigenous accessories. A key ensemble features Tia in a flowing chiffon and lace blouse with dramatic, billowing sleeves reminiscent of the New Romantics subculture style of the late 70s, paired with a sleek sheath skirt cinched by a beautifully etched leather belt featuring floral designs. Complementing this contemporary look are striking long dentalium earrings and intricate hairpieces, with her two floor-length braids styled into an elegant, bird-like crown – a nod to her heritage woven into a modern aesthetic.
“Never Come Down” isn’t just making waves in the music world; it’s also generating an enthusiastic response online. Fans across Turtle Island are taking to social media to share their love for the new single. Here’s a glimpse of what people are saying on YouTube:
This kind of immediate, heartfelt feedback highlights the strong connection Tia is building with her audience. For her, songwriting is a deeply personal process, a way to explore her identity and emotions: “It’s allowed me to open up and really dig into feelings.” 2025 has already been a whirlwind of red carpets and bright lights for Tia. She snagged her first JUNO Award nomination for ‘Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year’ and delivered an unforgettable performance at the JUNO Award Broadcast with Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
With “Never Come Down” leading the charge, Tia is deep in creation mode, promising more captivating releases and performances throughout the year. In June, Tia will visit Indigene’s neck of the woods and headline Flagstaff Pride’s annual “Pride in the Pines” event in the high country of Northern Arizona. We look forward to hearing her soulful voice in person.
