Tia Long joined Hot 93.7’s morning show to reflect on her journey from Hartford, Connecticut, to Los Angeles, where she’s now making strides in the music industry. The conversation kicked off with the host recalling how Tia approached him years ago seeking a job in radio. At the time, she wasn’t hired, but rather than letting rejection discourage her, she used it as motivation to expand her opportunities beyond Connecticut.
Tia clarified that her attempt to break into radio was nearly eight years ago, right after college. Although initially disappointed, she now sees the experience as a blessing in disguise, as it led her to a broader platform where she could represent Connecticut on a larger scale. She emphasized that everything happens for a reason, and in hindsight, staying in Connecticut might have limited her growth.
Before moving to L.A., Tia was deeply involved in Connecticut’s entertainment scene. She founded Power of Connecticut, an initiative focused on bringing artists to the state by leveraging its prime location between New York and Boston. She also launched The R&B Kickback, a platform for local artists, and organized networking events like brunches for creatives to foster collaboration and resource-sharing. Additionally, she gained experience as a journalist for Paper Magazine, interviewing artists and immersing herself in the industry.
Despite her local success, Tia knew she wanted more and took a leap of faith by moving to Los Angeles with just a few hundred dollars. She initially crashed on her cousin’s couch and sought out industry connections by attending events. Determined to be in a creative environment, she took a job at a recording studio’s front desk, making less money than she did in Connecticut but gaining invaluable exposure. That decision proved to be pivotal—her work ethic and presence caught the attention of London on da Track, who hired her just days after reaching out.
When asked about what she learned in L.A. that she didn’t realize in Connecticut, Tia stressed the importance of relationships and timing. She noted that people in the industry often observe talent from a distance before officially offering opportunities. It’s not gatekeeping, she explained, but rather ensuring the right alignment. She also credited her daily gratitude journaling as a practice that helped her stay grounded and maintain a positive mindset, even during uncertain times.
Tia also shared insight on what Connecticut artists often lack compared to national acts—high-quality mixing and mastering. She emphasized that she can instantly tell when a song hasn’t been properly engineered and that many artists don’t understand the full process of music production. This, she believes, is a critical factor that separates independent artists from industry professionals.
