Theia is one of New Zealand's pop music’s most progressive acts. Her catalogue of songs showcases an artist who is unafraid to push boundaries and it's looking like she is here to stay.

We caught up with Theia to chat all things style, music and more.

"I love a big bass; grungy synths; really bright top ends and beautiful layered vocals."

Thanks for stopping by Hipland!

Read on for more...

THIS IS theia

Where in the world are you based?

I currently divide my time between Auckland and Sydney

Where did you grow up?

Christchurch, New Zealand

Did you study?

I studied a double major in Maori and Indigenous Studies and Te Reo Maori at Canterbury University in Christchurch. I started studying in 2010.

Would you say you have a particular style that defines you?

My music is often described as alt-pop or avant-pop. It's pop music with an edge and a little experimental. I love a big bass; grungy synths; really bright top ends and beautiful layered vocals. That's essentially my sound in a nut shell.

Who are are your biggest style influences?

There are so many to mention. When it comes to music, I've always adored fearless and unapologetic artists such as Amy Winehouse, Bjork and Rihanna. Lately I've been listening to boundary-breaking artists like Brooke Candy, Princess Nokia and Teddy Sinclair AKA Natalia Kills. I never set out to emulate anyone, but naturally the artists I admire, do have an influence on my sound and inhabit similar worlds to me, in terms of their style.

What brands do you love?

Gucci, always! It's my favourite high-fashion brand. In my every day life, I love to support independent labels. I've been wearing New York/Paris-based @NYCXPARYS; Sydney-based Cocaine Slim; Auckland-based @pebbles.hooper (check them all out on Insta). My fave pairs of glasses at the moment are from NZ designer Karen Walker and Australian designer Poppy Lissiman. Ohhhh and recently the family-owned boutique shoe store Pat Menzies, in Auckland, gifted me my first-ever pair of Doc Martens. I'm obsessed. And one more... I LOVE Hello Kitty! I just got a Hello Kitty fanny pack and I rarely take it off. Ha ha!!!

Who are some other instagramers/influencers/general cool kids you think are killing it at the moment?

The aforementioned @NYCXPARYS and @pebbles.hooper. I love @wuzg00d from New York. She has the Sickest outfits!!! I love @sydn4sty - her make-up looks are to die for. Also check out the @whoisyourstylist account on Instagram. They feature super edgy people from all around the world. Another fave of mine is @waifmagazine from New York. So cool! Can I sneak in one more - @frances_cannon from Melbourne. The dopest artist.

What are you listening to?

Brooke Candy is my queen! I have seen her twice - once last year and once earlier this year - live and OMG. She's next level. One of the most under-rated artists making music right now. I'm also having a moment, revisiting Britney Spears' back catalogue. How amazing is she!!!!

Best gig you've been to lately?

Brooke Candy! Can't tell you how obsessed I am with her. One of the most memorable gigs I saw last year was Stevie Nicks. Her style is timeless and she's one of the best songwriters ever.

Do you have any trips coming up?

I practically live out of a suitcase. I'm in Sydney at the moment in the studio but then I've got a quick trip to Melbourne planned. From there it's back to Sydney, before another stop-over in New Zealand. After that, I'm planning a 'Not Your Princess' tour with dates, cities and venues TBC but Australia is definitely on the list.

Where do you go out to party?

When I'm in Sydney I love strolling around the inner city neighbourhoods and discovering new bars. I love dark little bars with booths and there are so many cute places I've found in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. When I'm in Auckland, I hang out at an old pub near my house. It's like me and a whole bunch of elderly people. Ha ha ha.

Do you have a favourite club or bar?

In Auckland, one of my favourite clubs is Whammy. Neck of the Woods is cool too. My favourite bar is as mentioned above - the local pub. In Sydney, I have many local haunts in Surry Hills. One of them is Goros.

Anything else?

I've just released my second EP called Not Your Princess and I'd love for people to go and check it out on Spotify here. If you like what you hear, then YAY!!! Follow me on Instagram where I love to chat with fans and keep them up-to-date on all that's happening in my world. I am definitely planning to play a couple of shows in Australia this year, and would love to see some smiling, beautiful faces there. Also, if you are into tote bags, go get one of my limited edition Not Your Princess totes (artwork designed by the talented Selina Finch - an illustrator from NYC) https://www.theiaofficialxo.com/merch/limited-edition-theia-tote-bags

Thanks for stopping by Hipland!