Local musician Tiffany Ponce launches Gratitude album on August 8
By Jackie Wild
“Back in high school, I never imagined I would be opening up for people I was listening to all the time on the radio or on my stereo at home.”
Local R&B/pop artist Tiffany Ponce has performed on the same stage as international Grammy award-winning artists Shaggy and 112. On Aug. 8, 2015, she’ll headline her own show for the launch of her new album Gratitude at the Park Theatre.
Ponce debuted her first EP Only the Beginning in 2012. Though the six-song collection focused on storytelling, a tune called Tell Me I Can’t touched on the theme of empowerment. Gratitude is a further exploration of this theme, and also focuses on the ideas of hope, love, faith and strength.
“I feel like within the last few years, I’ve found a greater purpose to what I’m doing in music,” says Ponce. “On this album, there are songs about going through different obstacles and difficult situations. There’s an underlying theme of always trying to learn from every situation. It’s a reminder to be grateful for whatever life throws at you.”
The R&B/pop album features the new jack swing style from the late 80’s and early 90’s. A selection of its tracks have been on Rhythm 104.7FM’s regular rotation.
Though Ponce draws her influences from a particular era, Gratitude features a range of different styles. She notes one particular ballad called Fairy Tales solely features a piano and Korean instrument called the haegeum.
“The haegeum is a very rare instrument in Canada,” says Ponce. “Sosun Suh is one of only two haegeum players in all of Canada, so it’s very special to have her on this album.”
The album features local producers Bryce Kaminsky, Jason Gordon and Blitz Beats; Jeff Savage from Nashville; and Landlocked Beats from Montreal. There are also a number of collaborations on the album, including Wish List featuring Damon Pampolina, a former Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer and member of 90’s pop group The Party. Additional collaborations include Superladies featuring Crystle Lighting, Brave featuring Lyrical Militant and What If She Knew featuring Desi Ma.
“I want to write songs that touch and inspire people, or songs that people can relate to,” says Ponce. “Music is such a powerful thing, and it can get you through a lot of hard times. Sometimes, you can hear a song on the radio and it can be so uplifting.”
The launch of Gratitude will take place shortly before Ponce’s first tour across western Canada. Her hopes are to take on eastern Canada next spring. The official tour dates have yet to be confirmed, but updates will be available on tiffanyponce.com.
Ponce’s Gratitude release party will take place on Aug. 8 at the Park Theatre. The event will be hosted by MJ (host of The Rise Up Show on Rhythm 104.7FM) and feature opening acts R&B/pop singer John Sy and beatboxer Joshua Bernardo.
Tickets are available to pre-purchase for $20 at the Park Theatre, which includes a physical copy of the Gratitude album. They’re also available for purchase online at ticketfly.com. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
