Thea Hallow
21-year-old Thea Hallow is aN R&B singer-songwriter from South London. Just like many of her time she has been influenced by 90s and 00's R&B music and Neo Souls’ greatest such as Erykah Badu and D’Angelo, however what sets her apart is her soulful cadence, and her story telling ability.
After the release of her first single 'Tell Me', we caught up with the emerging singer to discuss, the realities of life in lockdown, her upcoming single and aspirations for the future, as well as the experience of performing on stage with R&B artist JVCK JAMES.
Listen to 'Tell Me' below
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What was the process of releasing your latest single?
The lyrics were inspired by a guy I was speaking to at the time and I found a beat I liked and got my producer to switch it up to more my style. The single was ready to release from this time last year, I even planned to film the visuals for it but then lockdown happened, so I pushed it back to December.
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Who is your favourite artist at the moment?
That’s hard I have three! Kehlani, her pen game is so good. Flo Milli gets me hyped and Mirraa May. She released a song last year called ‘Yeah’ it was so good, I love her tone.
If you had to collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Frank Ocean, he’s amazing. We would create something timeless and nostalgic. Beyonce too, she’s definitely one of my inspirations. I love her.
What was your highlight for 2020?
Releasing my single was a highlight because it was the beginning of being a musician and starting music. Once you start you can only get better and I know I will release better songs, network with more people, build and grow so to finally release it was like - ok your starting now, you can’t run away anymore.
You performed with Jvck James on stage, what was that like?
It was amazing! He’s one of my favourite upcoming artists, I literally went to his show by myself and I’m just standing there singing along to his song and he hears me. It just felt so surreal, it was a magical moment for me. It was a bit embarrassing too because I didn’t know all the words to the song, we sang, but it was a special moment that doesn’t happen to a lot of people and a moment that I still hold on to.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
It’s hard to get inspiration right now because I’m just inside but sometimes it’s from the things I read. I’ve started reading a booked titled ‘Dear Universe’ and I literally wrote a song based on the title. I try to get inspiration from what I can and tell other people’s stories because I don’t have any at the moment, but I try to not focus on the fact that I haven’t lived a life this past year.
Do you know when you will be releasing your second single?
Yes, towards the end of February, it’s called ‘Want It All’. It’s like a manifestation in a way, about wanting better for myself. It’s different from my first single in terms of sonically and lyrically, a bit more playful and a tad bit sexual.
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How are you finding the lockdown?
Lockdown is starting to feel like life and my reality. I’m so used to it; it will probably feel stranger to me when we’re not in lockdown anymore. It does get frustrating sometimes when I can’t plan to do things with my friends.
Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?
Instagram is a good place but really depends on my mood. Sometimes I want to fit into the 90s or 2yk aesthetic or I want to be a Bratz doll.
Where would you like to see yourself in 2022?
I want to see the seeds that I continue to sew come into fruition. I’d like to be managed and see big publications start to recognise me as an artist. More streams, more people supporting me and definitely growth and improvement. I want to look back and be like- ‘wow you’ve actually grown this year, well done you’.
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