Tiger Balme

Alt-indie chamber band Tiger Balme combines the enchanting forces of Yang Chen, Estyr, Danielle Sum, and Anda Zeng. A collective of Asian-identifying women and non-binary artists formed in 2018, they began creating sonic spaces of tender resilience at art shows, festivals, and grassroots venues around Toronto and southern Ontario. Grounded by a standard indie rhythm section, they add a unique blend of shimmering harp, vibraphone and vocal harmonies, musically and lyrically juxtaposing fierceness with warmth and calm. Their artistry “thrives on the power of contrast,” as described by RANGE Magazine, “the sound of disparate influences, musical backgrounds, and skills all aligning—an approach perfectly represented in the dichotomy of their name.”

Leading up to the November 2022 release of their debut self-titled album, Tiger Balme played Venus Fest, POP Montreal and Ottawa’s Pique Fest, and shared stages with Madison McFerrin, Hannah Georgas, Emily Soon and Cutsleeve. Played on radio across Canada, the album topped Toronto’s Met Radio chart and its songs were placed in CBC Gem’s “The Lunchbox Dilemma”. Featured by outlets like CBC Music and Dominionated, their live show was named to BlogTO’s “10 must-attend concerts at NXNE 2023”.