PIAO is an alternative pop singer songwriter who was born in Shanghai, China and is now based in Los Angeles, USA. Heavily inspired by late ’00s music and culture, she’s taken those references and brought them into 2022 with her new EP tissues.

By Graeme Smith

The EP opens with SFL, a percussive R&B number that starts things on a vibrant note. PIAO’s vocals are instantly captivating, delivering charisma and attitude. It’s the kind of track that demands you nod along, particularly during its textured, staccato chorus. It’s an exciting start.

Title track tissues comes next, slowing things down and drawing us in with its intimacy. The emotion feels real, particularly when delivered by PIAO’s vocals which are particularly heart-breaking here. Spacebubu follows, bringing with it nuanced piano and subtle ambient sounds. Its lyrics surge with a sense of unfulfilled desire and its chorus is simply out of this world. It’s a highlight.

Haunted by Potential slows things down even more, laying things bare and ramping up the vulnerability of the vocals. The lyrics feel utterly relatable, speaking of regret and wondering about the roads untravelled. The EP then closes with its focus track Hannah Montana. Taking a last-minute detour into pop rock, it oozes with the nostalgia of those who were raised by the Disney channel and listening to Avril Lavigne. Just when you think you’ve a grip on PIAO’s sound, she goes and surprises you with this absolutely banger!

PIAO is such an exciting prospect on the international pop scene. Fans of Madison Beer or Ariana Grande are going to find a lot to love about this EP, and for everyone else, this is a collection that will make you feel. Look out for the name, because PIAO has potential to become a superstar. You can give the whole tissues EP a listen below.