Emerging from Melbourne, Thea FitzGerald champions soulful vibes, groovy RnB beats and sultry vocals, constantly balancing between modern, groovy charming gems and more classic, refined jewels. Her latest effort takes the latter route: ‘Woman’ focuses on its inspiring lyrical theme, aided by its author’s malleable, evocative vocals.
Following up on her EP ‘Falling Forwards’, released in spring, FitzGerald opens a new chapter with ‘Woman’, a chapter where she’s clearly stepping up and taking centre stage. Discussing the support and perception around womanhood, Thea ends up writing an absolute anthem, particularly poignant when sung through a bed of bucolic harmonies and minimal production.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with the Aussie talent to find out more about her artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Thea, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
Hey!! Thanks so much for having me 🙂 I’m a Melbourne-based singer/songwriter/semi-producer who attempts to fuse a stupidly wide set of musical inspo (from Brandy, Aretha and Marvin Gaye to Paul Kelly, musical theatre and pretty much everything in between) into a mesh of RnB, Pop, Soul, Funky stuff with a random touch of folk!
Australia has been very proficient when it comes to talented musicians. How has Melbourne informed your experience as a developing artist?
I feel SO very lucky to have grown up in Melbourne, and to have been exposed to and surrounded by such a brilliant arts scene (be it music, theatre, visual art or food). I think what has been particularly special about Melbourne for me is the fairly prolific live music scene, and the host of brilliant venues that we are so lucky to have at our doorstep. I also was super lucky in that my parents were pretty big on exposing my sisters and I to live shows from a very young age! Having said that, Melbourne’s music culture is definitely something I have only really started to appreciate as I’ve grown.
If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
Oh my, this is HARD but, it would have to be either Olivia Dean or Brasstracks!
Your new release takes the shape of a luscious, pure gem. ‘Woman’ feels like a step up towards a stronger identity; Could it be defined as a ‘new chapter’, in respect of your previous EP ‘Falling Forward’?
Ah, thank you so much! It absolutely could be defined as a new chapter. I think whilst my writing has always been very honest and true to my experience, lyrically I think I’ve left things a little obscure and up for interpretation in the past, while my newer stuff is definitely more descriptive and upfront. I think this song is the most intentional I’ve been production-wise, and I feel so lucky and grateful that SB90 who produced this one was so patient with all of my notes and changes, and really pushed it to where I wanted it to land.
Exploring the relationship between opportunistic feminism and true womanhood, the song sheds a light on your experience as a woman; are there any particular experiences that motivate you in writing about it?
Ironically, the day this song was released I played a cover gig, and was approached literally mid-set and given a $16 tip, glass of champagne and then asked for my hand in marriage. I was then confused about feeling guilty about the money and that I should give it back (“he was just being nice”) but also furious that the whole thing was super insulting, embarrassing in a workplace and not okay. I think that confusion about what you can/can’t and should/shouldn’t be angry and frustrated by sums it up for me.
Do you prefer writing alone, or in a team? What’s your creative process like?
Oooof this is SUCH a tricky one. I’m pretty set on doing the initial bits of writing on my own, as I find them the most personal and therapeutic, but beyond that, I absolutely thrive off having other people around me. It’s actually something I’ve only realized fairly recently. I used to feel like I needed to have a full demo track written, fully produced, and tracked before even considering getting other people involved, but that made for a pretty lonely experience, and I love nothing more than tapping into the inspiration, energy, experience and ideas of other people. I find that the end product is always so much more inspiring, and also my experience of creating is so much more fulfilling and enjoyable getting out of my own space and head. Having said that, I’m still learning how to balance being so in awe of the people I’m working with (feeling like I have adequate things to input), and being able to work with others without losing sight of things. I think this is really key to certain projects (if that makes sense!)
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
The last two years have been both brilliant and super challenging creatively. As hard as the isolation, upheaval of any plan or sense of direction, and uncertainty have been, I actually feel really lucky that maybe I’ve developed skills I didn’t have, in being better at being on my own, being okay with no structure and being able to accept change more easily. All of that has absolutely helped me to create more freely and with more enjoyment. For one reason or another, I think the last couple of years also really pushed me to figure out what my values are and sort of (yes this is going to sound totally corny) find the kid I think I’d lost. In turn, I think that’s really helped me become clearer on why I create in the first place.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
I’ve just finished up a month-long residency at the Gasometer, but cannot wait for more live shows very soon, and there is a BUNCH of new stuff that is yet to be recorded/released so keep your eyes out!!!
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