Bold pop, larger-than-life visuals, and a tongue-in-cheek LGBTQ anthem. Check. Check. Check. And now, Chinese-Australian artist Dyan Tai is ready to make a big impact at next month’s SXSW showcase.
Tai, who proudly calls themselves the “Gaysian Empress of Sydney,” blends sugary electronic pop with touches of Beijing opera and Southeast Asian soundscapes.
Their track “Let’s Get Bubble Tea!” plays off the meme “LGBT = Let’s Get Bubble Tea,” and reflects their strict upbringing in Malaysia, particularly their relationship with their mother, who often avoided tough conversations.
“‘LGBT!’ is a tongue-in-cheek take on my awkward coming-out story,” explains Tai. “I remember asking Mum about Queer people when I was little. Like most Chinese parents, she changed the conversation because we don’t like to talk about uncomfortable things.”
In the music video, directed by Audley Anderson, Tai brings this to life, creating a whimsical boba wonderland. Watch it below.
From his humble beginnings in Malaysia, Tai has grown into a standout performer. Flume even praised their unique sound design after Tai’s entry in triple j’s Unfinished competition. They’ve lit up stages at major events like Sydney Mardi Gras, Woodford Folk Festival, Biennale, and Vivid Sydney.
MF Tomlinson also named Tai one of his favourite BIGSOUND artists of 2023 in a Rolling Stone AU/NZ interview, which you can read here.
“Dyan is serving such a broad and sophisticated palette pop and hyper pop on their tracks reminiscent of Kate Bush, Gaga, George Michael, Arca-esque production in some moments, The Pet Shop Boys, and some New Romantic flavors thrown in for good measure. Art!,” said Tomlinson.
Tai will be showcasing at SXSW Sydney, performing on Wednesday, October 16th, at 8:30 pm at Sneaky Possum Bar (upstairs). Other festival appearances this year include Y2GEI Queer Asian Pop Night in Melbourne on Thursday, September 26th, and Adelaide’s OzAsia Festival on Friday, November 8th.
Dyan Tai’s “Let’s Get Bubble Tea!” is out now.
