For TIA RAY, music is the perfect way to sustain and share a mood. “The songs on my playlist are the ones I loved so much this year that I posted them to my friend's feed,” the soul artist tells Apple Music. “Lots of times when I’m at home and a particular song comes on, I’ll hit repeat because it perfectly matches my state of mind.” Her musical picks for the Year of the Snake include a wide range of soulful grooves from contemporary singers like Matt Lv and Khalil Fong, plus names including Keith Jarrett and Stevie Wonder, who continue inspiring musicians today. The artist recommends her 2024 single “COLOR BLIND” and the track “TAKE IT EASY” from her 2023 album ALLURE as being especially appropriate for the new year. After a busy 2024—she staged a dazzling concert tour and was named a Global Force honoree at the Billboard Women in Music Awards—the holidays are definitely a time to take it easy. “So long as I’m together with my family, it doesn’t matter what we do,” she says. “I’m happy just to sit at home listening to music and looking out the window.” TIA RAY leaves listeners with a simple wish: “Love yourself and be loved in the coming year.”