Tiara Thomas has spent the last decade shaping some of the most defining songs in R&B, but “Move” marks a moment that feels distinctly her own. The Grammy and Oscar winning songwriter from Indianapolis has written chart topping records for H.E.R., John Legend, Mary J. Blige and others, yet her new single brings the focus back to where her career began: her voice, her perspective and the stories she is ready to tell again.

“Move,” a reunion with longtime collaborator H.E.R., leans into the clarity Tiara speaks about so often. It is rooted in the lessons she has learned, the instincts she trusts now, and the peace she has worked hard to protect. In her answers, she talks about writing on long walks, letting life unfold without forcing it, and finding meaning in the quiet, grounding moments. That honesty runs through her new music too, pairing vulnerability with a steady kind of strength.

As she steps into this next chapter, Tiara is reconnecting with the version of herself who started out with big dreams and raw talent, long before the awards and milestones. For this 18 Questions interview, she opens up about creativity, growth, collaboration and the experiences that shaped “Move.”

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I check my phone while I go pee.

How do you usually start your day when you’re in writing mode versus a day off?

I sometimes go to sleep listening to loops on repeat. A lot of the time I listen to guitar loops or tracks on repeat for hours or days without writing anything, until something inspires me. I find that good lyrics come to me when I’m on a walk. I like to walk a lot. Sometimes I go to the mall just to walk around with my headphones on and write a song. I like writing outside the studio — less pressure, and I can take my time.

What’s your go-to comfort meal when you’re working late in the studio?

Any kind of gummy candy.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

This is kinda sad, but my dog always made me laugh. She was such a sweet little cutie, but she passed away this year. So I love watching videos of her.

What song instantly changes your mood when it comes on?

Any Kirk Franklin song from the 90s to early 2000s.

If you could escape anywhere right now, where would you go?

A bungalow in the jungle.

What’s one piece of advice that’s stuck with you over the years?

Don’t sign anything — “My Dad” had to learn the hard way.

What was the first album or artist that made you want to become a musician?

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and India Arie’s Acoustic Soul.

When you hit a career milestone, how do you celebrate?

I don’t really celebrate milestones like I should — I need to do better about that. Sharing those moments with my friends and family is the best feeling for me. I did buy a Porsche (my dream car) after I won the Oscar, but I was often scared to drive it and it gave me anxiety, so I got rid of it. I dunno, I don’t get too attached to milestones; I just kinda keep it moving. Maybe after this project I’ll do something big and meaningful.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of music?

I’m a big kid at heart. I still play outside like I did when I was 10. I go off-roading in my go-kart every morning. I like riding my bike, skating, longboarding, Legos, Nintendo Switch. You know, fun shit.

“Move” feels both empowering and freeing. What moment in your life inspired that song?

Years in the music industry — and just being an adult — have given me so much insight into people and how they can be. Although I’m truly grateful for the beautiful moments and people in my life, I had to learn some hard lessons. It didn’t harden my heart or make me any less compassionate; it gave me wisdom. When I first started in the industry, I was just this young girl from Indianapolis with big dreams. I didn’t know shit. So “Move” was for the younger, hungry, yet naive version of me.

You’ve said it’s about reclaiming your peace. What does peace look like for you these days?

Peace looks like the little things: being out in nature, a latte in the morning, hanging out with my family, being at home, being myself, and really just letting life flow. I’m grateful that the people I interact with regularly are gentle and kind. Also, shoutout to being single — I realized that being focused on myself at this point in my life has been very freeing and peaceful.

You and H.E.R. have such a natural creative chemistry. What do you think makes that partnership work so well?

Our styles organically mesh well together. We have similar tastes and some similar musical influences growing up. She can play like five different instruments, and she sings and writes her ass off, so she’s easy to work with. We’ll be in the studio just talking and cutting up, and then randomly start bouncing ideas off each other. It’s fun.

You’ve written songs that have won Grammys and an Oscar. Does that kind of recognition change how you approach new projects?

My sound has naturally evolved over the years as I’ve grown as a woman and artist. I don’t know that having a Grammy and an Oscar has changed my approach to making music per se, but it sure makes for some flexy bars. Had to bring it up at least once on this project.

When you write for yourself versus for another artist, what shifts creatively?

I honestly don’t write with a ton of other artists, but when I do, I like to know what’s on their mind and what they want to say. I’m really collaborative, so I try to step into their world and add my sauce to it. Writing for myself is a lot more free because I’m on my own time and energy.

Your earlier work like FWMM showed a very raw side of you. How has your perspective as a songwriter evolved since then?

I’m still very raw with it. That will always be a major part of my signature style and sound. At this point I’m just having fun finding different ways to slide on songs and write them so they are uniquely me — like nobody else could have written the shit but me.

What lyric or moment from “Move” means the most to you personally?

I loved the back-and-forth singing with Gabi on the verses and hook. That shit was fly. Usually with duets, the artists each have their own verses, so it was a cool way to collab with her. That’s also kind of how we’ve written together on other songs — going back and forth with lyrics.

And finally, when you think about the chapter you’re in now, what do you hope listeners take away from your music?

I was really vulnerable about my life on this project. A lot of things I’ve been able to work through, grow through and heal from. Some things I’ve yet to fully process or understand, but I know it’s all for a reason. Either way, these songs have been part of my human journey, my healing journey. I just want to share some of it with the world and hope it reaches whoever it needs to, with love. Whoever can relate to it. I started off in this game as an artist and spent a lot of time behind the scenes. I’m grateful for every opportunity so far — I’m just getting back to my roots and telling my story now.

“Move” is out now, follow via @tiara_thomas