Introducing The Multilayered Orion Sun

A multi-instrumentalist, rapper, and producer Orion Sun, aka Tiffany Majette, is releasing her debut LP ‘Hold Space For Me’ on March 27th.
At the same time of this announcement comes the release of Orion Sun’s second single, ‘Coffee For Dinner’ with the official video, both visually and lyrically sharing the tale of her complex childhood and challenging days as a young music artist trying to find herself. This single, as well as the album as a whole, is a dark and deeply personal coming of age story delivered through a “lilting yet soft and poignant voice.” All 11 featured songs on Orion’s album convey a story through the crafting of intricate melodies clearly influenced by jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Orion Sun is a genre-bending music artist who creates to reflect on her breaking “through all of the noise, all of the societal pressures of what I should be doing at this age.”

We got the chance to chat with the emerging talent about everything from the origin of her name, her inspirations, her new music and more…

What is the story behind Orion Sun?

I’ve always loved the sky ever since I was younger. The moon, the clouds, the sun, stars, and pretty much everything up there. I’m a very curious person. I connected with the constellation “Orion” because of his profession. He is the hunter. Whenever I’m creating my process feels like I’m on the hunt. Whether it’s within, or externally, or quite literally like searching for what seems like hours for the perfect snare sound. Hunting takes patience and focus, and I believe those very things have helped me in music and in life. The “sun” part of my name stems from the feeling that I am a better daughter, friend, and sister at a distance. I like being able to help and show love, but I’m not as extroverted as I want to be. It’s hard sometimes to be around people a lot, but I still can feel the sun even when its miles and miles away. I hope to give that same warmth to the people I care about in my life, even when I can’t see them every day.

What first got you into music? Was there anyone in particular who has inspired you?

When I think about it, music has always been apart of my life in some way. Because of how I look, I never thought it would be possible for me to be a singer or musician, so I just wholeheartedly enjoyed it without it ever crossing my mind until high school. My first exposure to music was gospel. The harmonies and messages comforted my family and me. Very very healing. Then I discover r&b through my mom and rap through my older brother and soul from my grandma, and the rest was history. Growing up in Mount Laurel, NJ, gave me perspective and access to indie and rock music that I found on my own or through peers as well. I am a very open person, and I can’t say, one person, one place, or even a singular moment, has inspired me. I’m very grateful for the seeds planted along the way.

You have a very unique sound–how would you describe the music that you typically create and what does your creative process look like?

In a perfect world, I would love for the music I make to be an extension of r&b and soul music. When i was first getting into music, I rejected the thought of genres and believed I didn’t fit in one all the way, but as time went on and I started to study r&b and soul music past and present, I realized that I would love to be an artist pushing such a genre I hold near and dear to my heart forward. Watching hip-hop evolve in the way that it has really inspired me to want to take it another place and not just have it be alternative. It would be a dream to speak with Billie holiday or Nancy Wilson or even just listen to the things they would have to say regarding the times we live in today. I look up to them and Nina Simone a lot. I definitely would describe my music as an extension of them but with hip-hop elements because I respect and love the genre as well.

But that’s just when I think big picture. I’m never thinking of these things when I’m in the studio creating music. My process is a lot of pulling from inner feelings and thoughts, past experiences, dreams, things that I want and don’t have, things that I used to have, things that I wish to see, and so on. When I’m pulling from external inspirations that looks like watching a travel video or looking at pictures of beautiful places, taking walks or sitting someplace that isn’t home, and just people watch and try to imagine what things sound like. Kind of like scoring what I see from a “fly on the wall” perspective. I then construct the beat, feel out a cadence I like then insert the words.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I’d be very sad. I honestly can’t do anything else. Maybe i should say I don’t want to do anything else, but I have had a lot of jobs cause it was hard for me to stay in one place cause I truly thought and still think I can’t do anything else other than express myself through music.

If you could have your fans remember one thing about you, what would it be?

I’m strong, gifted, and black and very grateful for the opportunity to live off of creating music. 

 What do you think is the best song you’ve ever released, and why?

I haven’t released my best song yet. Too early to tell. the best to me is a song that is timeless, so I’ll come back to you in like 20 years if you still care lol

What about your music is rebellious, unconventional, or unusual?

I do what I want, and i don’t care about rules. I didn’t go to school for music, and I taught myself how to play the instruments I do, so there’s always an experimental aspect to creating when it comes to me. Also, for performing, I think its really cool to perform with bands and stuff, but I like sharing the beats I make and working the stage with it just being me and a DJ kind of like a rapper but without the posse.

Who are your main musical influences?

Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Lauryn Hill, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, J Dilla, Queen, honestly whenever I get questions like this, I always kick myself cause I’ll be out and about and think “shit! i forgot to add (insert a musical influence here)” yes, its really that many main musical influences. I can never name them all in one sitting. I’m inspired by so much sonically.

With your amazing new track ‘Lightning’ just released, what else can fans expect from Orion Sun this year? 

Keep a lookout for me. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Just getting started and really happy to be here.

Check out Orion Sun’s unique sound on her new single ‘Lighting’ below…