‘Falling Forward’ is a beautifully holistic and emotionally charged record about perseverance and doing the best you can at any given moment. It travels through the evolution of self-love and acceptance, exploring various emotional encounters along the way.
On the track, Thea says, “Showing up and doing the thing is all you can do, the rest is out of your control. At times that seems completely daunting, but in a weird way it’s also pretty empowering and exciting.”
‘Forward’ follows through with a glittery beat, departing from the emotive first half of the EP while preparing for a more uplighting latter half. Lead single ‘Good Like That’ is a liberating anthem about freedom, exploring the idea that walking away doesn’t need to be about shutting someone out forever, but instead giving them the space to grow.
While on a taste of R&B, ‘Need Me’ takes a tonal turn as a more fierce and sensual tune, burning through as a self-love calling. Closing the EP is the outro, another harmonious bookend that serves as a reminder that the path to self-love is an enigmatic journey.
What inspired this last release?
This release was born out of trying to reconcile with a contradiction of feeling empowered, strong and inspired but at the same time extremely insecure and anxious about the future, and that those two ways of being can co-exist. Amongst all that, showing up and doing the thing is all you can do, the rest is out of your control. At times that seems completely daunting, but in a weird way it’s also pretty empowering and exciting!
Sonically the EP is a mix of pop/singer-songwriter/R&B/soul and indie! It’s fun and light, but also quite strong and emotive. I think my sound has definitely been shaped by a super broad range of musical influences that I’ve had to find fairly unique ways to bring together.
What is something you can’t live without?
310% my family and close friends. Also slightly partial to ripe bananas and weetbix every morning 
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing this?
Mikki and I were in the studio working away when we noticed a weird sort of mini fly colony – the day got slightly derailed at that point as we ended up crafting a song about Bugs instead …oops!
What’s your favorite thing to do besides music?
Slightly tricky over the last couple of years, but travel is my absolute favourite thing in the world. I love love love exploring new places, food and people! My trip to Morocco in 2019 has particularly stayed with me and I can’t wait to go back – those colours!! Super excited to be heading to London in May!
What’s a record or artist that shaped your creativity?
All of Frank Ocean’s albums have such a special place in my heart, but the Ultra Nostalgia and Blonde pieces have been particularly influential and inspiring. The production, lyrical and melodic writing, and vocal delivery and the concepts as a whole are just flawless. I also find Frank’s dedication to his artistry and vision and not allowing them to be undermined or influenced by the business that surrounds the industry.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
I am in a HUGE Baker Boy phase currently – he and his music are just infectious, timeless and so so well put together. I also LOVE what Sycco and Mahalia are doing.
What excites you the most about what you do?
My very favourite thing about what I do as a musician and artist is the fact that if I get it right, I can help people to feel things they might not otherwise. A single song can also change the course of a day and that brings me so much joy.
