New Zealand Music Month 2017 Profiles
Theia
By Bridget Herlihy
New Zealand Music Month 2017 is shaping up to be an exciting month for Theia. Currently putting the finishing touches on her debut EP in LA and performing her first industry showcase in the United States at the MuseExpo, Christchurch singer-songwriter Theia (Em-Haley Walker) is a busy woman in demand.
She released her debut single ‘Roam’ in August 2016, which has thus far received over 7 million plays on Spotify. Since then things have only been on the up-and-up for Theia, with a slot on last summer’s Electric Coastline tour with Broods and Kings, as well as a four date tour of the East Coast of Australia opening for The Kite String Tangle.
Having cultivated an interest in singing and performing since she was a child, and initially performing under the name Plum, Walker released her first single ‘Silver Second’, produced by Alex Hope, who has worked with the likes of Broods, Troye Silvan and Jack Antonoff.
Previously moonlighting as a lifeguard, retail assistant and a teacher, jobs which provided her with some flexibility to continue to pursue her love of music, Walker caught the attention of Warner Music, and ultimately signed with the label. Subsequently, the persona of Plum was shed, and replaced by Theia. Borrowing her moniker from the Greek goddess who was said to be the mother of the sun, she’s naturally nothing short of divine.
Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, art and fashion, Theia masterfully intertwines elements of pop and r&b to create a web of aural delights through her distinctive ethereal vocals, sound and look. This image and sound is authentic; carefully crafted to personify Theia’s underlying worldviews of the importance of freedom and creativity. Take, for example, the accompanying video clip to ‘Roam’, which is nothing short of spellbinding.
At only 25 years old, Theia is set to have the world at her feet. With an album in the works, and jaunts to the States and across the ditch, 2017 is showing no signs of slowing down. Theia recently helped co-write a brand new Louis Baker single (being dropped very soon indeed, keep your eyes peeled), while Theia’s next performance on these shores is supporting Brit singer Anne-Marie at a Spark/Spotify Showcase gig at REC on the 16th of May as part of the “Spark Thanks” events.
With the Aussies already laying claim to her, you know Theia has got to be good. Watch this space…
This profile is a part of our NZ Music Month coverage, celebrating new and upcoming Kiwi artists. For more information on Theia you can visit her website, or follow her on Youtube, Facebook and Instagram. For more information on NZ Music Month you can visit their website.
Image Credits: Promotional Image courtesy of Warner Music/James Lowe. Live Image courtesy of NikNak Media/Matilda Can’t Dance.