Theya LeRoy: Into the Darkness
What inspires your music?
My music is inspired by mostly real-life events. However, it is also people, other creators' music, poems, books, movies, basically everything that gives me an idea about which I could write or play around with and if it's inspired by music, it's usually melodies, rhythms.
How did you start your recording career?
Two years ago, I joined Falmouth University where I started a Popular music course, that's when I got introduced with the program with which I'm working now - Logic Pro. However, it will take time to master it, that’s why my first and second songs were mixed by me but mastered by other talented producers. I only got my first song released in 2019, December and till now I’ve released four songs.
How did you come up with your single?
The song has been through many stages and to finalize it took me a year. I think, first, the idea to write something dark was always there. Second, I used to listen a lot to the ‘Seven Devils’ by Florence the Machine track and dream about writing something similar. So, it finally started it. At that time, I was working at the restaurant while studying and I was so overwhelmed with everything. Once when I was working, the lyrics came to my mind; 'I'm alive, but mostly I'm dead, I can breathe but (I'm) breathing from hell'. Later I was playing the guitar in my dorm and started playing a few bass notes on the lowest string. I came up with the bass line, melody of the vocals and more lyrics. Subsequently, I sat down at the piano and tried to come up with darker, mysterious-sounding chords that would match my vocals and created a bass line. In the end, I recorded vocals and the grand piano in the studio and started composing more on the software. I really do love using it as a compositional tool. Then, recently, for the last stage, producer, songwriter George Murray joined me. He helped me compositionally fulfil the idea of the track sounding dark and dancy.
What is your genre of music?
It is a mixture of pop, electronic and alternative music. However, I have an upcoming single that sounds jazzy and has some rock elements. It is all over the place. Though it is all about experimenting with the sounds, ideas, themes and finding the way to the listener’s heart, emotions, unnecessary being focused on the genre. I know that I do not create mainstream sounding music even if I could. I am just not about being popular, sounding like everyone else nowadays. I am all about creating what I enjoy, not what others think I should create. I like expressing feelings which I wish the listener could feel while listening to my music.
Who are your influences?
The best band, in my opinion, is Son Lux. Their music is dark, meaningful, it involves you into the melancholic world and you don’t want to come back. They play electronica and experimental music. Another artist which inspired me to start creating is Stromae – Belgian songwriter, rapper who is mostly known for his works in hip hop, electronic music. And lastly, I admire N’TO - French artist who is the most relevant to me in terms of combining different genres in his practice. He is creating music which has elements from the 30s swing and classical music to hip hop, mixing and blending it into his main genre - electronic music. However, I listen to almost everything and I couldn’t really think of an artist that has similar music to mine or that I draw my sound from their work. I create out of the feeling while searching for the best sounds, ways to express it.
How do you define success?
I think, to succeed is to be heard and listened, no matter by how many people. What matters that they would actually listen to the message I wish to send or feel how I felt writing the piece. It is amazing when the audience can relate to your story, feeling you had while writing, living that experience. That’s what truly matters to me. And hopefully, someday I could make the living out of my creations.
What can we expect from you in 2020?
An album, for sure, in 2021 which I’ll make all about women desires and rights. Till then I will release a few singles and maybe even EP. Moreover, I am planning to have a few video lives and perform in a few places around Falmouth. I’ll also be uploading short covers on my Instagram. If you are interested in any of the events or the covers, please, follow on my social media platforms.
SOCIALS
Website: https://theyaleroy.wixsite.com/mysite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyaleroy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyaleroymusic
“Into the Darkness” On Spotify
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