Interview with Theresa

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

Before I answer this question, I want to let readers know that I am a 42 year old who is already a successful business woman who re-discovered her passion for singing, songwriting and performing only 3 short years ago. I always wanted to be a pop singer and songwriter for as long as I can remember.  However, various obstacles got in the way between me and my dreams and I fell into advertising as a music producer for commercials and branded content. I have the most amazing career and get to work on incredible projects with so many talented creative souls.  I love that I have the opportunity to straddle both music and advertising along with my own personal music.  

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Since I do have a full time career - a lot of times my day job influences my music and vice versa.  After years of the two battling each other, I have found a healthy balance.  I am usually working around the clock, but when I am not, I love hanging out with my friends and family, cooking, traveling and when I can mentally handle it since I pretty much live with headphones on, I love listening to music!

How long have you been around?

Since 1980. 😇

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music? 

I am based in Queens NY and am a proud New Yorker.  I like to think my brand of pop music is very confident, honest and cool with a touch of sass…which is essentially how I like to think of NYC.  I love to travel but I do love coming home to my amazing city.

How did you come up with your artist name and what does it mean to you? (If not your real name). 

Theresa is the name I was born with - and even as a kid envisioning my pop star career, I always wanted to be a one name wonder like a Madonna or a Cher.  I am Theresa - the one and only.

Tell me about your most memorable shows (as a performer or an attendee).

I really enjoy playing live!  All of my shows are memorable but the first show I played since I began my “Evolution of a Lady” in 2019 (plus we were just coming out of Covid) was at Rockwood Music Hall where I sold out their stage 3.  There was just such an energy.  I really gained a lot of confidence on that stage.  It was such a personal performance.  Just thinking about it puts a smile on my face.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already? 

I love every opportunity to perform so it really doesn’t matter what stage.  Oh, I have tons of places I want to play and WILL PLAY…Mercury Lounge, Beacon Theater, Madison Square Garden…one day!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Lady Gaga, Madonna, Duran Duran…all my faves!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self that it’s all going to work out. Everything happens for a reason.  Trust and believe in the process.  

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

I love all my babies. I have some upcoming releases that are super personal to me and mean a lot.  But that’s also because they are about me right now.  That’s the beauty of songwriting..really pouring my heart into what I am feeling at the very moment and releasing it into the world.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?  

I think “Kiss Kiss” - it’s just such a fun song.  I channel my inner Debbie Harry every time I perform it.  I get a lot of requests for an unreleased song, “Hangover” - it’s a really great song to play so I don’t mind at all.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music? 

I just write when something comes to mind.  I am so easily inspired. I never want to miss a chance to write a great song so I make sure to capture melodies or lyrics when something pops in my head by either writing them down or recording a voice memo.  Seriously, if I don’t save an idea, it could disappear.  And that’s the worst feeling!

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Really depends on my mood, but in general I just want to inspire people to follow their dreams, at any age - no matter how big or small.  If you trust and believe, anything is possible!

 What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up? 

I will be releasing my 14th single, “Move” in late October and playing at Rockwood Music Hall’s Stage One on October 26th at 9pm.  I hope to see you there! 

Thanks! Thank you so much for having me :)