StreamLINE Artist Feature & Interview : THERESA
StreamLINE Artist Feature & Interview : THERESA
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Hi everybody, we’re back with another compelling piece in our Interview Series. In this installment, we’re excited to bring you our talk with the dynamic pop recording artist Theresa who is crafting a success story on both sides of the music industry.
Read on to learn more about her inspirational story, music projects and what drives her creativity. Enjoy!
- Hi Theresa, Welcome to StreamLINE! Thank you for taking some time out to speak with us about your artistry and music career. We’re looking forward to our audience learning more about you. Thank you for sharing your story. We appreciate it!
- Please tell us a bit about your background, where you’re from etc. What were your early music influences?
I am a 41 year old confident aspiring popstar and hit songwriter originally from Smithtown, New York but moved to NYC when I was 18 right after I graduated from high school. Growing up on Long Island, I was inspired by Madonna, Mariah Carey, Duran Duran, Blondie, Billy Joel and Queen.
Debbie Gibson had a huge influence on me as well. She was also from Long Island and performed, produced and wrote her debut album which inspired me to start writing my own songs. Fun fact: the first album I owned was a gift from my father – it was Laura Branigan’s “Branigan” which featured the massive hit “Gloria”, which is still one of my favorite songs to this day!
- What would you say was the defining moment or point in your life when you decided to pursue music professionally?
As a child, I loved listening to music – the radio would always be on…and when my neighborhood finally got cable in the late 80’s, I’d watch MTV late into the night. I always had this dream that I was going to follow in Madonna’s footsteps. And I had a plan, similarly to another Long Island idol of mine, Mariah Carey.
After high school, I was going to move to New York City, work on a demo tape, get discovered by a massive producer and become a huge star. Unfortunately, I had some personal setbacks in my teenage years that detoured me from my initial goals. Even though I was in a band in my early 20’s and continued to write music, I ended up working behind the scenes as a music producer in advertising.
I’ve had an amazing career but about three years ago, I rediscovered my love of creating music. I made a commitment to myself that I was finally going to pursue the pop stardom that I dreamt about as a kid. Since then, I’ve been writing, producing and releasing music. I’ve released 10 singles in two years and I ain’t slowing down!!
- How would you characterize your sound and what inspires your musical creativity?
Plain and simple – I am a POP artist. I am inspired by so many different types of pop music from various eras, but I gravitate towards songs with catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics. I aspire to write timeless pop songs that feel familiar but at the same time feel incredibly fresh.
I am really inspired by everything. I try not to think about it actually – I find when I just let everything be, an idea comes to me. Usually in the shower or while I am working out. That’s where I am most creative!
- Please tell us the story behind your latest single “Evolution of a Lady”. It has an energetic, anthemic vibe about it. How did the idea behind the song originate?
“Evolution of a Lady” is the theme to my musical and professional evolution that I’ve been on for the past 3 years. But the song itself has also evolved over the years as I wrote a previous incarnation of the song in my mid-twenties called, “Portrait of a Lady”. I always LOVED this song, but I had outgrown a lot what the song was about, especially the chorus and overall song style.
I worked with my good friends and frequent collaborators Mike Cash and Jesse Blum to give the song a fresh spin and as we started on it, it became clear that this was the song it was always supposed to be.
Everything happens for a reason. Once I started to work on believing in myself and accepting my past, my world changed. This song is a celebration of my evolution and will hopefully inspire other people to embrace who they are, who they’ve been and where they might be going in order to find the happiness they are looking for.
Evolution of a Lady
Listen to Evolution of a Lady on Spotify. Theresa · Song · 2021.
- “Level Up” is such a lively track, brimming with positivity and bright sonics. It has an undeniable danceability. How was the recording process and what inspired the song?
I literally started writing “Level Up” a week before the pandemic forced us all into quarantine. I was out in LA on a songwriting trip, bouncing from session to session. I love driving and since I don’t get to drive a lot in NYC by myself, I took advantage of the LA traffic and would blast KIIS-FM with the windows rolled down. I had this moment at a red light where I thought to myself, “WOW, I am really leveling up”.
The song is an anthem to myself to GO AND GET IT. I finished writing the song back in New York and recorded it in late 2020 with Mike Cash. But whenever I hear the song, I am taken right back to that red light in LA where the song was conceived!
Theresa – Level Up (Lyric Video)
Order Here: https://sym.ffm.to/theresa_levelupVideo by Black Balloonhttps://www.blackballoon.tv/►Follow Theresa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresam…
- We also really enjoy ‘By Your Side”. It has that classic sound of the pop hits from the 90’s which really drives its appeal. How did the track develop? How did you and Spencer Ludwig team up to create this spectacular song?
I actually have been a HUGE FAN of Spencer’s for a long time! We started to do some work together through my advertising music gig and were starting to become friendly. This was the start of COVID and I was still coming off my LA songwriting trip high. I had asked Spencer if he knew of anyone in his circles that would be willing to work with me remotely and he told me that he would love to collaborate! I was sooooo excited. We went back and forth on a few ideas via Zoom and this version of “By Your Side” was born. I actually recorded the vocals in my bedroom on a remote session with Spencer.
- You recently made your debut live performance at Rockwood Music Hall. Please tell us about the experience. What do you enjoy most about performing in a live setting?
WOW! I had been dreaming of playing live for quite some time. When I finally got the opportunity to pay out, it was seriously so magical. And playing a venue as iconic as Rockwood, where I have seen so many other amazing artists perform, it was such a special moment for me. I love to perform.
I really love being in front of an audience and sharing my music and myself with others. I am extremely grateful that I have developed a strong sense of confidence over the last few years and I hope that shines through when I perform. I want people leaving a Theresa experience feeling good about themselves and inspired to do whatever it is they’ve got going on next.
- What’s the best advice you’ve been given; either personally or professionally?
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
DREAM BIG…LIKE REALLLLLLY BIG.
TRUST THE UNIVERSE.
NEVER GIVE UP.
- What activities do you enjoy outside of your music endeavors?
Since I have a full time job, my personal music takes up a lot of my free time! I am seriously hustling all hours of the day in order to achieve my goals. Luckily, I love everything that goes into feeling fulfilled so it’s a win, win!
I really enjoy working out and although I have an amazing trainer, I am kind of obsessed with Peloton, especially the yoga program. I love cooking and of course I love to eat. I enjoy some wine and I am a sucker for tequila and espresso martinis.
I love getting lost in a good TV show. Believe it or not, I am watching Seinfeld for the first time right now and I am addicted. And I love reading, especially biographies of people who inspire me (up next “The Beat of My Own Drum” by Sheila E.).
- We love to hear what other music artists are vibing to. What are a few songs that are personally on repeat for you or at the top of the pack in your personal playlist?
Oh, recently, I’ve been really into the early catalogues of Diane Warren and Desmond Child. “How Can We Be Lovers If We Can’t Be Friends” by Michael Bolton. I can listen to that song on repeat, seriously SO good.
I also listened to Madonna’s “Ray of Light” album for the first time in the longest this week. I don’t think Madonna gets enough credit for her songwriting but she’s really inspired me with the honesty in her writing. Talk about an evolution of an artist!!
Also, Duran Duran’s new album, “Future Past” is super good!! I love everything they do but this album might be their best since “The Wedding Album”!!
- What’s next up musically for you as 2022 approaches and beyond? Any projects, features or live shows on the horizon?
I’ve been working on a TON of new music…got some awesome collaborations in the works too! Starting to figure out my releases for next year now and will be playing live every chance I get.
I seriously love making music, performing and inspiring others. This is seriously what I was born to do. I might have gotten on the scene later in life, but I am not going anywhere. My evolution is far from over.
Listen to Top Tracks of Theresa on Spotify
Theresa
This IS the Evolution of a Lady. Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Badass Boss Advertising music executive by day and performer by night, Theresa is an undeniable new force on the modern pop scene. At 41 years old, Theresa is on an “Evolution of a Lady” – following her dreams of sharing her story with the world – one song at a time.
Follow Theresa
- Official Website : https://www.theresamusicofficial.com/
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/theresamusicofficial
- Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theresamusicofficial/
- Twitter : https://twitter.com/theresamusic_
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