Interview: Songwriter Tricia Battani Shares Her Musical Journey

How are you able to bring an idea from a late-night thought or random inspiration all the way to conception into a full track?

The notes section in my phone is full of song title ideas, lyrics, melodies, and music video concepts. Many of our released songs have originated from song title ideas in my phone: "Escalator" by ITZY, "My 808" by Kiss of Life, "Fun Forever" by Shinjiro Atae, "Yes or Yes" by yours truly, etc. 

Whenever an idea comes to mind, I always document it, because you never know when you might be inspired to revisit or add it to a creation. I share my ideas with PK, and he visualizes the track concept immediately- then we start writing. It helps to have a musical genius as your writing partner!

How were you able to find your sound? What was the setting of finding your musical style, and how did it influence your work?

As a kid, I found my voice by impersonating my favorite singers—Mariah, Celine, Brandy, Coko, Lauryn Hill, Whitney. I’d practice their every melody, run, dynamic, record myself daily, and perform live often. It helped me discover my strengths. 

In my 20s, my (late) brother and I were creating a song, as we often did, and he praised the way I’d go from my head voice, into my chest voice, back into head voice. He encouraged me to "make it [my] thing," expressing that it was "so special and unique" like "a new Mariah." As a naturally soft, emotional singer, I preferred this kind of singing anyway, so I ran with it.

He also encouraged me to belt higher notes than I’d ever tried before; expanding my vocal and emotional range in our recordings. Now, I apply both techniques to every session I do. His beautiful support and guidance gave me so much courage and confidence—I carry it with me every single day. He’s truly a part of everything I do.

When it comes to writing raps for Kpop, I tend to draw inspiration from Left Eye. She was a big influence on me growing up, so I often find myself trying to emulate her style and attitude. K-pop, J-pop and C-pop artists are so fun to write for, because I get to tap into my alter ego. 

Songwriting is passive income in a lot of ways, and it can be a while before you see a return. How do you manage your work to ensure that you have a steady stream of income? Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians in these regards?

When a song you wrote is released, it can take up to two years to see royalties. On top of that, most people are reluctant to pay songwriters any kind of upfront fee for their time, so unfortunately, the backend is often the only money you’ll see. 

Basically, you work for free—on commission only—that you’ll then have to wait a long time for, and you’ll never know the amount until it arrives. It's such an unfair, crazy industry to work in. 

So many songwriters struggle financially, are frustrated with the industry’s standards, and have a hard time getting ahead. If you’re a professional songwriter with placements, I highly suggest always asking for an upfront fee. It needs to be standard and certainly not taken out of the producer’s fee. Our abilities, talents and hard work are not charity — we deserve to be compensated, too. 

Because of this, I advise to keep a reliable job while pursuing music. I made the mistake of always thinking success was around the corner, when it wasn’t. 

Stay smart to avoid financial struggles and know when to walk away from the industry too. You can always make music, but being in the industry is a different story—don’t confuse the two—and never let the industry ruin your love and passion for music. 

What would you say is something that’s crucial to know if you want to make a living as a songwriter, but isn’t talked about enough? What are some unexpected factors you’ve encountered in your time as a musician?

Talent doesn’t guarantee opportunities. Politics often influence who gets ahead, with personal connections often overshadowing the perfect song. Try not to take it personally. Seek out environments where your talents are appreciated. You’re not entitled to anything, so keep a grateful heart for anything that does come. 

What is your favorite song that you’ve written? 

‘Kick It 4 Now’ is really special. I originally wrote it with PK as a nod to my childhood friends in Texas, intended for my own personal release. 

However, Psy heard it and showed interest in using it for his incredibly talented boy band, TNX. I showed him some dance moves to it, and he saw the vision. I was ecstatic, knowing TNX would take it to the moon. We collaborated, reworked it, and the guys’ recording, music video, and performances are something out of a songwriter’s daydream.

It was the last song of mine that my brother heard before he passed away, and he loved it. So, it will always be an extremely sentimental song to me.

You have an extensive portfolio of working with diverse artists. How do you find inspiration or get started when working with other singers? Are you taking into account their unique sound and identity, like with aespa or TNX?

When we collaborate with singers, our focus is on centering the creation around them. This involves understanding their style, abilities, strengths, ideas, and visions, while blending them with our own. 

When we write independently, we simply create something we’d like. Often, we’re not tuned into what labels are seeking, so our approach is to enjoy the process and hope it ignites inspiration in someone. 

What was it like working with Giselle of K-pop girl group aespa on their new song ‘2HOT4U’? How do you traverse working with new collaborators?

Our collaboration with Giselle, despite being remote, was smooth and awesome. PK, Lynz Wells, Josh Blanaru, and I started the song, Giselle added to it, and we finished it off. We were captivated by her ideas and had a blast merging them with ours. Her additions truly elevated the song. It was an honor to see how seamlessly our creation aligned with her style and ‘That’s Hot’ catchphrase. Watching it all come to life at their concerts and in the aespa movie was incredibly fulfilling. Giselle took the song all the way, embodying everything you’d wish for in an artist. 

Do you ever deal with burnout or writer’s block? How do you stay creative during those times?

Burnout can definitely happen, especially when juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines or working alone. I find collaboration to be key. The right partnership can make the process more efficient and enjoyable than working solo. On the flip side, the wrong collaboration can leave you questioning your passion for songwriting. So, building your team is crucial. 

Sometimes, all I need is to step outside, get a little sunshine, nature, fresh air, and quiet to reset my brain. Or the opposite—sometimes I’m off, because I haven’t listened to my favorite songs in a while. As my great friend, Josh Blanaru, brilliantly put it, “There’s nothing a good pair of headphones can’t fix.”

As both a writer and singer, you have extensive experience working not only with other musicians, but penning soundtracks for movies. How is that different from writing for a pop group? Is there a specific avenue of songwriting you recommend for others?

When crafting songs for groups, our goal is to venture into uncharted territory, creating something they haven’t done before. We immerse ourselves in their existing music, identifying opportunities where our contributions can add new flavor. 

When composing music for TV or film, we usually follow the given guidelines, while adding our touch. We focus on making music that feels good to us, without overthinking it.

My advice is to explore every avenue until you find your niche. Resist knocking on the same doors that haven’t been opening. Seek out environments where your creativity is valued and nurtured, allowing you to thrive and produce your best work. Go where you’re celebrated.

Do you have any tips for aspiring student musicians based in Austin? 

The world craves good music - it heals in ways nothing else can. When you create from a place of authenticity, you're already on the right path. There's someone out there who needs to hear what you’re saying, so trust that there's a reason you're driven to pour your heart into art. 

Instead of fixating on monetary rewards, numbers, stats, or attention, prioritize the music itself. Destiny will take care of the rest. 

Finally, do you have any upcoming music you can tease?

Last week, Hwasa released her new single, “NA” which PK and I co-wrote.

Our country artist, Cali Tucker, just released her third single, "Urban Cowboy," on September 6th. The music video debuts soon and is an absolute masterpiece. 

Melissa Schuman (from the girl group, ‘Dream’) is releasing a song she created with us called, “We Are The Anthem.” I’m so honored she trusted us to see her vision through and create something after twenty years of not recording. She’s an incredible soul who cracked open her heart to create this song, and I believe it will be a healing anthem to so many.

PK and I have been working with one of my musical heroes, Rami Yacoub, over the past year, and have songs coming out soon on his projects.

We have several songs coming out on artists and groups this year and next, plus, I’ll be releasing a Christmas song in November.

You can follow Tricia on their website and Instagram, as well as stream their music on Spotify and Apple Music.

This interview has been minimally edited for clarity and length. All photo credits to FRED MORLEDGE (PhotoFM.com).