Q&A: Theia

Hyper-pop queen Theia has released her new single “Freak” just in time for Halloween, with a hentai-inspired visualizer created by Frenetique Stalker who has also made videos for Grimes!

Theia chats to us about her latest EP “99% Angel”, her new fierce and fiery alt-pop music on the way, her biggest inspirations and more.

We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far from when you first started singing!

I did kapa haka in school, so it started there. I also used to write a lot of songs when I was little. But I didn’t start focusing on music as a career until I’d finished university. I remember the moment when I decided that I wanted to give music a go - I’d broken my leg and was in bed recovering. I told myself that as soon as I was up and about, I’d get myself into a studio and start releasing music and that’s what I did. I haven’t stopped since.

We’re absolutely loving your new Halloween/Britney Spears inspired track “Freak”! Can you tell us a little bit about how this track was born?

Last year when I was in the studio working on my “99% Angel” mixtape, this track emerged but it didn’t quite feel as though it fit on the EP. Lyrically it’s a bit different for me as it’s about a fictional character, and most of my songs tend to be quite autobiographical, or at least written from my perspective. Anyway, long story short, I’d always wanted to release a Halloween track. We added a whole bunch of samples to it - the witch’s cackle, slot machines, a knife and so on - and “Freak” was born. 

What inspired the name of your EP “99% Angel” released this year and what were some of your most memorable moments working on it?

I love the concept of juxtaposition and have always played with this in my music and art. I feel that most of my songs have elements of dark and light and for me, “99% Angel” is all about that notion of good and evil. I like to play with edgy, big bold production; lyrics that pack a punch and vocals that switch between being sassy one minute and beautiful and sweet the next.

I’m really proud of “99% Angel” because I knew that it was a big risk, in that it’s not overly commercial or made for radio, but it is exactly as I wanted it to be. There is a lot of pressure to conform to making music that ‘fits’ and I was told by a lot of people in the industry that this music didn’t fit anywhere. But thankfully it has found a home and I’ve loved getting feedback from people who love the songs. 

How do you think your sound has changed from your very first self-titled EP released in 2017, and how do you think you’ve grown as an artist since then?

Well my music was obviously a lot more commercial-sounding back then. Songs like “Roam” and “Treat You” received a lot of radio play. And I’m proud of those songs and what they achieved. But my sound now is definitely a lot less mainstream. I’d describe it as alt-pop or hyper-pop. The songs are bigger and bolder, much brighter and I’m holding nothing back when it comes to lyrics. I guess that is a reflection of how I’ve grown too. I’ve had a few big knocks along the way and it’s made me much stronger. I try not to follow any rules, I just make the music that I want to make and I’m a lot happier now.

We’re pumped to hear more new music from you! Is there anything you’re able to tell us about your upcoming tracks and will they be a similar sound to “Freak”?

I’ve got more songs on the way and they’re definitely in the same lane - fierce and fiery alt-pop. I won’t give too much away, but it’s all very high-energy and perfect for clubs and festivals. Also, I recently launched a project called TE KAAHU, in which I write and record all the songs in te reo. So there will be new tracks for that as well, which I’m excited to share. 

Who are your biggest inspirations in music?

There are far too many to count and they are also very diverse. I’ve loved Amy Winehouse for as long as I can remember. Stevie Nicks is an absolute goddess and I admire her early songwriting so much. I’ve recently been listening to Alanis Morissette’s album “Jagged Little Pill” and I’m blown away by the songs on that record. I adore Björk, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Radiohead, Peaches, Eminem and on and on the list goes. 

If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?

I’d love to see more diversity across the board. More BIPOC and more LGBTQIA+ representation. I’d love to see more appreciation for the music that’s being made on the underground scene because it really is the most progressive and boundary-breaking music, in my opinion. 

Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?

My favourites right now are artists like Baby Zionov and imugi 이무기. I absolutely love their stuff. I also love Emily Fairlight and recommend you listen to her album “Mother Of Gloom”. 

What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?

It’s only because of COVID that I’ve stayed put in New Zealand for most of this year, otherwise I’m normally based in Sydney where I made “99% Angel”. But New Zealand is a fab country and I do love getting out of town and just exploring. Auckland has some amazing beaches. I’m originally from Christchurch and I love many parts of the South Island too, especially the rugged West Coast. 

What advice do you have for new artists out there?

Believe in yourself and push yourself out of your comfort zone - you never know where it might take you. Also, find a good team who truly believes in you and who will back you at every step. Oh, and even when it gets really tough - don’t give up. 

Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?

Love is love!

Make sure to keep up with Theia on Instagram (@theiaofficialxo), Facebook, Spotify & Apple Music.