Theresa returns with sparkling new single, 'Love Conquers All', and sits down with FLEX to discuss the conception of the new track.
Thank you for sitting down and talking to FLEX, can you tell us a bit about how you got into music?
I’ve always been into music…since I was a little girl I was just always singing around the house. My first album I ever got was Branigan by Laura Branigan - featuring one of my favorite songs, “Gloria”. And then I discovered Madonna and my world changed. I was writing my first songs when I was 11 and started to fill up notebooks upon notebooks of ideas. I knew at an early age that I wanted to be a songwriter and performer but then life got in the way…I managed to move to New York City when I was 18 years old to go to college, thinking I’d get discovered and follow in Madonna’s footsteps but self doubt and procrastination got in the way. I was in a rock band in my early 20’s called The Yips and we gigged around NYC until I wanted to go solo (seriously, I left to go solo…lol). Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right and I started working as a Music Producer in advertising so I figured maybe my path was to work behind the scenes. And everything was going great until when I was about to turn 39 I rediscovered all the songs I wrote when I was younger and listened to a bunch of my early demos. I realized that NOW was my time to shine. I started working on all new material, met new creative partners and friends and left my comfort zone to really go for it. Over the last 5 years, I’ve released 17 singles, played countless shows and continue to pursue my dreams of pop stardom.
Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
I am a little all over the map. Madonna remains one of my biggest idols. I admire her longevity and her IDGAF attitude. Her evolution as an artist is just so incredible. Growing up I was really into Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Debbie Harry + Blondie and Queen. I have a ton of newer artists that I dig, including Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa…I just love timeless, catchy pop songs.
Congratulations on your brand-new single 'Love Conquers All' - what inspired this particular song?
I actually started writing this song back in 2006 when I was 26 years old. I was sleeping on my best friend's couch for about 6 months trying to figure out where I was “moving” next. It was a little bit of a confusing time for me…an in-between phase. I remember it being a Sunday afternoon and the initial lyrics and melody poured out of me…that if I followed the love within myself, happiness would follow. I don’t think I really grasped the concept until years later when I re-discovered the song. I just knew I had to bring it to life.
How do you channel personal experiences into your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners gain from connecting with your music?
As I am approaching 45, I am so proud to say that I have had the privilege to have lived quite a crazy amazing and unpredictable life. I really have to feel something to put it into my songs. I could never force a song…I always have to have some connection to the concept otherwise it just falls apart. I hope listeners can relate to my experiences and points of view. I love making timeless pop music that can transcend any style - at the heart of all my songs is honesty and a hook that I hope gets stuck in someone's head for hours!
Each aspect of music - writing, recording, practising, and playing live - offers something different. Can you share a particularly meaningful moment from each?
Writing for me is very therapeutic. I am always journaling and writing about my feelings. It gives me such comfort knowing I have this very healthy outlet to let it out - and this close relationship with myself to be honest with what I am going through. I absolutely love being in the studio bringing a song to life. As a lyric and melody girl, I sometimes think I know how a song should sound. But it’s so awesome being able to collaborate with people who can help take my already amazing idea and make it 150 times better. I LOVEEEEE listening to a day of demos over and over after a session. It’s the best feeling! And playing live…I am finally starting to feel so confident on stage. It’s been a long time coming. I think a lot of that has to do with my insanely talented band who support me musically as well as all the preparation I put into the shows. I love to rehearse not only the music itself but also my banter. I want to make my shows an experience…where you leave feeling like a million bucks and inspired to conquer your dreams.
Is there a song in your repertoire that holds a particularly deep personal meaning for you? Can you share the story or inspiration behind it?
I am going back to the beginning…my first single, “Things About To Change”. I remember writing the lyrics and melody on the beach out in the Hamptons because I knew within my soul that things were changing. I was changing. Things would never be the same. And I was so right. It’s one of my songs that I never get sick of either. I love performing it. It’s just so much fun. It was a no-brainer to make that my first single. And I am so glad I did.
What are your goals for the future with your music?
To quote my song “Marathon”, ‘I won’t stop til I get to the top and when I am on top, I will not stop!’. I just want to keep on writing, recording and performing - sharing my story with others. I feel like I just keep on getting better and better so it’s only time before more listeners discover my music and artistry.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I am an optimist and I always want to push people to be their absolute best selves. I hope I can inspire people to believe in themselves. I firmly believe that if we trust in the process and surround ourselves with good people in healthy situations, there’s nothing that we can’t achieve.
To wrap things up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Our dreams do not expire. Keep reaching for the stars, always.
Listen to 'Love Conquers All' here:
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