Meet Theia Our New Alt-Pop Artist on the Rise

After Lorde and Kimbra conquered the world music scene, there is another New Zealander who’s making waves, according to Manila Times correspondent, Mark Bonifacio. Introducing Christchurch-born, Theia (real name Em-Haley Walker).

Theia first emerged in 2015 with the exquisite R&B-infused “Silver Second”, co-written and produced with Alex Hope (Troye Sivan, Selena Gomez). The follow up came in 2016 with her breakout hit “Roam” (now with over 14 million streams on Spotify), co-written and produced by Josh Fountain (Benee, Leisure).

Her debut EP earned three nominations at the 2017 NZ Music Awards and a nod for Breakthrough Artist at the 2017 George FM Awards; while her second EP in 2019, Not Your Princess, received international critical acclaim.

Who are her influences?

“When I was growing up, in the 2000s I was very much into Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse who are in a completely different spectrum,” Theia says. “I was also into R&B and hip-hop, like I was a real fan of Keri Hilson, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Now I’m into legendary bands like Fleetwood Mac and music that’s currently coming out especially female rappers.”

Original article by Mark Bonifacio, The Manila Times, May 21, 2020.