THEIA: The Harmonization of Art and Sound
An interview by Sarah Kidd.
Her name is currently on everyone’s lips. Theia has taken the music scene by storm and is set for big things. Very big things. With infectious tunes and a personalized style that is both unique and desirable, this wonderfully talented artist (formally known as Plum) is not only living the dream but using her music to empower others along the way. To spend time in Theias (real name Em-Haley Walker) company is truly enjoyable. She is a proud New Zealander, born in Christchurch, who speaks Te Reo and who once worked as a lifeguard; she is also well aware of just how lucky she is to be offered the opportunities lying before her, and yet she remains quietly grounded.
Recently I sat down with Theia to discuss all things music, fashion and future. The first thing I noticed as Theia walked up to me is not only her aforementioned style which is simultaneously high end and yet playful, but the wonderfully warm vibe that emanated from her. After ordering a juice, Theia asked me how my day was and thanked me for taking the time to speak with her; like genuinely thanked me, yet another indicator of just how well balanced this young woman was.
Music being an obvious shared passion is always an excellent topic to begin a conversation with so I asked Theia if she had to describe her sound to someone what would she say? After pondering the question for a few moments she replied:
“I think that eclectic is quite a cliché word, my sound is just like this massive combination of all of my influences. Since I was little I would write and come up with melodies and they would always be dipped in RnB so that’s kinda like the base and then sonically, production wise, there’s electronic, dance and urban, like even some trap in some of the tracks. It’s kinda just like my essence and no matter what genre or vibe of each track there’s that thread that ties them together which is the thing that I really, really treasure. I love harmonies so much and so they’ll always be that in between that keeps it Theia whether it’s a dance track or like really broody or you know like something like Roam which is quite epic, there will always be that vibe”.
It is immediately evident that Theia puts a lot of thought into her sound, fusing several elements together, a cocoon in which to nestle her often poignant lyrics. We discuss some of her tracks including her latest hit single ‘Treat You’, Theia briefly breaking down the themes and ideas behind each one.
“Roam is kinda made to be [an] encouraging, settling song; to allow myself first – but then as a gift to everyone else – to kind of like come to terms with who they are and to be able to be comfortable with who they are no matter what they’re doing. Whereas ‘Champagne Supanova’ is a song which is quite heavy and is played between dark and light; all about facing your demons. After that I just wanted something that was purely just for fun and to make people dance; that wasn’t too heavy. I hadn’t done dance before and I really wanted it to be like dance and electro at the same time. ‘Treat You’ like we were talking about before, still has my thread through it; it’s kinda tropical but really dreamy and it’s just about celebrating youth and having fun!”
I mention that personally my favourite track is ‘Everything’, a slow burner of a song with synth highlights and sparkling falsettos; Theias eyes light up as she nods emphatically, explaining that it was one of her favourites to record as well due to the many components that make it up.
“I just wanted to push it; we were experimenting the whole time. There are samples in there and vocal chops, then towards the end we wanted to make it like two tracks into one; it just goes into like real bass and then the lean back. It’s like oh so sweet but really kind of sexy and gangsta at the same time”
I agree stating that while it might be a bit strange to some people to pick a break-up song as their favourite; it’s the juxtaposition of the laid back sound inlaid with the dark lyrics that make it so appealing; each layer inviting the listener to venture in deeper.
Theia nods again, “The content of the song is very heavy yet it sounds really sweet which is the aim, so you feel like you are lulled into this kinda blissful synthy vibe and then when you click and realise the lyrics you will be like ooohh, it’s a break-up song”
It is obvious that no matter the subject matter of the track Theia strives to connect with her listeners on several different levels. So she was absolutely thrilled recently to discover that the children of Auckland’s Mangauwhau Primary School had been learning her song ‘Roam’ for New Zealand Music Month. Having previously taught Te Reo to Primary School children for over a year, Theia was certainly no stranger to the classroom and decided to surprise the kids by turning up unannounced at their school.
“I was really touched, I just wanted to go there and tell them how much it meant to me because when I was at school I struggled and I found it really difficult there. The one part that gave me solace was going to assemblies because we would sing and I wouldn’t feel like you know alienated or bullied or anything, I could just enjoy the music. I just knew that it [Roam] meant something to them and it meant a lot to me as well and it was really sweet!”
Talking about school and finding solace in music I queried what her earliest memories were when it came to putting pen to paper.
“I was at Primary School, I think I was like 11, and I remember the class room I was sitting outside and the bleachers that I was sitting on; I just like had a pad of paper and a pen and wrote a song. I think it was about my love of Horses! It just amazes me because it was so natural; it was never like I’m going to write a song, it just came out. I had a notepad beside my bed so if I was like struggling I would write out all my feelings and troubles and dreams; it’s always just been very cathartic.”
We discuss influences at that time of her life, Theia mentioning artists such as the Mama’s and the Papa’s and Crowded House: songs that she would hear through her Dad listening to Coast FM. But then there were of course her own musical discoveries, music from artists such as Amy Winehouse and Bjork – at that point I leaned over the table and give Theia a high five as Bjork is one of my favourite artists as well – Theia smiled “She is so amazing, she is also the first record that I ever bought!”
But then she goes on to mention Edie Sedgwick, a cultural 60’s icon (most famously one of Andy Warhol’s ‘superstars’), who while not a singer per say, certainly had an influence on many other facets of the time. Theias admiration of Sedgwick coupled with her love of all things Rihanna leads me down the path of discussing fashion – as remaining true to her style is something of great importance to her.
“Every single piece that I will collect and want to incorporate is very well thought out. There are always going to be like elements of something really edgy and quirky; feminine and at the same time like Grunge; kinda ethereal but like really urban. I like Korean Fashion, this is my skirt – Theia pops out from behind the table to stand beside me, a giggle escaping as she points out the patterned sheer material adorning her legs – which is actually a dress but I kinda wear it underneath things as like a layering piece. This (gesturing towards her top) is from Fenty by Rihanna. I just love mixing things up, when I was little I had a bit of a push and pull with my mum because I wanted to dress myself. I just enjoy style and fashion [as] I feel like it really is an art form and it goes hand in hand with my musical influences. Be yourself and have no bars! People would stop me if I was wearing something that was like a little leftfield or whatever and they would be like ‘Oh my gosh that’s so cool, I could never pull it off’ and I’m like I’m pretty sure if you just let yourself go and open up …” she smiles, “I just need to do it because it makes me feel good”
Theia recently had the opportunity to fulfil her dream of not only visiting but writing in LA, spending time in such iconic places as Death Row Records and Canters Deli where she penned a new track “It was so weird, so surreal. It was totally iconic and yet at the same time … serene”.
I asked her how she found working with music producer Josh Fountain; “Josh is really chill and very talented. He is into listening to you and getting your vibe or knowing what you want to achieve with the track and then working with you to do that”.
The time flies by, Theia being so delightfully easy to speak with. I laugh and point out that we should probably discuss the upcoming EP Release Shows, Theia shifting excitedly in her chair as she goes on to explain that the tour is an all-female line-up, something she believes is very important in New Zealand’s present music scene;
“So three DJ’s – one rapper, all female which is really cool and they are going to be joining me on the road. I just think it’s really important to empower each other in any way you can! So why not give them an opportunity so it can be an all women team! That’s kinda what I am all about; I mean obviously I love everyone, but just to have that representation [will] hopefully encourage and inspire anyone who is female identifying”.
As we thank each other and part ways I realise that with her recently released EP garnering praise from several media outlets as well as fans, Theias future is set to be – almost – as bright as her endearing and creative spirit.
Theia is about to embark on her first New Zealand headlining tour, kicking off at Auckland’s Neck of the Woods on the 6th July, followed by shows at Wellington’s ‘Meow’ on the 7th July and Christchurch’s ‘Blue Smoke’ on the 8th July. Tickets are still available for all shows via Ticketmaster (But get in quick as they are almost all sold out!).