Introducing #140 - Tertia
Let us introduce you to multi-instrument artist Tertia, who has just released her debut single ‘Boys Night’. Drawing on influences from the likes of Jamie XX and Lily Allen, Terita taught herself piano as a toddler and wrote her first song at the age of six. She took a moment to talk to us in more depth about her music.
So, your debut track is out there - how does it feel?
Releasing this track was a weird one. As soon as it appeared, I just sat and stared at its lonely little presence on Spotify and thought about the night I wrote it and how long ago it seemed. My music varies so much and I feel that this one encapsulates the various genres that I float to and from so it seemed to make sense for it to come first! In many ways its a relief to have one song out, because the nature of the music industry these days means that its really hard to plan ahead as an artist if you have no music available online.
The track is called ‘Boys Night’, can you tell us what the track is about?
I wrote 'Boys Night' as a response to being told I wasn't allowed to attend my friends house party because they wanted male company only. The funny thing was, I wasn't planning to go anyway... I understand the 'lads/ girls night' thing but it really felt like a deliberate slap in the face on this occasion. I am over it now though, but the song would probably suggest otherwise.
You are based between London and Dublin, how do you split your time between the two?
I grew up in London and live there when I'm not studying at Uni in Dublin. Its basically 50/50 during the non- lockdown days and I love it that way. Two amazing cities, I feel very lucky.
When it comes to the piano, you taught yourself to play at a young age and wrote your first song at the age of six. What was that song about?
The first song I wrote was about smoothly declining an invitation to go on a playdate. Sassiness has clearly pervaded my lyrics ever since.
How would you describe your sound? And who are your key influences?
My sound is generally described as 'Bedroom Pop' but this is suitably vague description. I suppose it varies from Indie Pop, Alternative Synth Pop, neo- soul? My key influences are Jamie xx, Feist, Lily Allen (in terms of her lyrical prowess) and (((O))).
Now the debut single is out, what next?
The plan is essentially to waterfall my album release over the next few months. My next track, 'Ode', is going to be released mid- June (along with the music video), and then 'Overly Emotional Women' in July. Depending on how things are doing, I will release the full album in August when I can (hopefully) have my live album release parties in London and Dublin. We shall see!