Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: Hi I’m Terez! I’m a queer Métis singer-songwriter and producer from Alberta with a love of all things pink. I always loved music as a kid and would come home every day and sing karaoke for hours. I used to sneak into my brother’s room to play his guitar and write songs until my parents gave me a toy guitar for Christmas. It was game over from there – I knew I wanted to make music for the rest of my life and have been incredibly fortunate to be able to make a career out of it.
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: I took a few guitar lessons when I was younger but am mostly self-taught via the inter-webs. I was fortunate to learn from different vocal coaches and even took classical vocal lessons for a year (it’s kind of like opera). As a producer, I learned through free application-based programs like the SOCAN Foundations Equity X Program, Music Publisher’s Canada Women in the Studio Program, and through group and one-on-one mentorships with producers. I haven’t done any formal training from something like a post-secondary institution, which isn’t really my vibe anyway.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Terez’?
A: I absolutely loved Avril Lavigne and Amy Winehouse growing up and still do. I feel like the child version of myself listening to Sk8er Boi on full blast would freak out seeing me now with pink hair making the music I do. Believe it or not, Terez is my given name – yup, the spelling and everything. It’s a French name typically spelt “Therese” similar to the name “Theresa”. I don’t think my parents intended for it to be such a cool artist name, but it worked out great for me – thanks Mom and Dad!
Q: You have just released your new EP, ‘Chaos Era’. Is there a story behind it?
A: It came from a truly chaotic time in my life and was how I coped with a lot of uncertainty and unexpected things going on in my world. It was cathartic writing these songs and some of them were never intended to see the light of day, they were just what I needed in the moment.
Q: What is the message behind your music?
A: It’s okay to lean into the human experience and feel all the things. You’re loved, you’re not alone and you’re doing better than you think. The hot mess in me sees the hot mess in you.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I would describe my sound as Pop with a touch of Punk and a dash of R&B. I don’t think it’s for me to say what should or shouldn’t resonate, but I hope people enjoy the clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and thoughtful production of each song. My songwriting was shaped through my time as a Country writer, and I feel like a key element of my music now is lyrical storytelling, even if the story is just a moment in time, with cheeky and clever twists.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: Like any job, there’s parts you love and there’s parts you don’t, and that’s very much true for artists too. My favourite part of being a musician is creating and connecting with humans. The final stage of completing a project like this is a lot of admin work, legalities, scheduling, and just overall having to get poop in a group, which as an independent artist all falls on me to do. So, the past month and a bit was kind of draining and unfulfilling but it’s one stage of a MUCH longer process. Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to connecting with people and see this music out in the world rather than on spreadsheets.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: My creative process is consistently inconsistent. Sometimes I start with a melody idea or a lyrical idea or I start making a track for fun that inspires me to write. I find it easiest to chase whatever idea I’m most excited about and try to stay really present and in the flow. It’s almost like a meditative state where I’m not actually thinking, I’m just recording whatever melodies, lyrics, and ideas come out, whether they’re good or bad. Once I have an idea for what the concept of the song is or the tone I’m going for, then I can work backwards. For example, if the chorus talks about how showers are better than baths then what do I need to say in the verse to prepare the listener for that? The same is true for melodies and production, if I want the chorus to feel high-energy how can I create the contrast necessary to show that? If I have 100% energy the whole song, then it won’t feel like the chorus is high-energy because every part of the song feels that way. It sounds formulaic when I lay it out like that but it’s kind of second nature now.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Trigger warning: I talk about mental health, dark thoughts, and other things of that nature in this section. If you feel like that might be triggering, please skip this part and go to the next question. You can always come back and read this part of the interview at a later time ☺
Dang that’s a big question. Depression really took over my existence at certain points and I wasn’t sure I was ever going to live a life where I didn’t need to go to war with my mind on a daily basis. I was quite depressed for 2 years and am now off of anti-depressants (with the help of my doctor) and only have a handful of days every few months that are a challenge. When I was in it, it didn’t feel like it was ever going to end, but now when I look back, I see this visual of me trying to find my way out of the darkness and my family and friends coming in with 007 style night goggles to lead me back into the light. Do I still feel anxiety on the daily? Yup, I’m still trying to find ways to cope with that. When I was diagnosed with ADHD and got the right treatment it really helped. It makes me feel better to think that maybe something isn’t wrong with me. I was just put into a system (a school system, a capitalistic society, etc.) that wasn’t made with a brain like mine in mind. It’s a thought that initially made me feel a little lonely but also gave me the grace to start living in a way that best suited my needs. It does get better, and now I have way more good days than bad. If you’re struggling, please talk to your doctor and please ask for help. I think you’ll be really surprised by how many people have felt similar and want to help. If no one’s told you today – you’re loved, you’re important, and your life matters.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I’m really proud of how resilient I am in both my life and my career. I’ve been through a lot of big life stuff that I don’t talk about publicly and still try to show up with kindness and love in the best way I can. In this industry, you get a lot of doors slammed in your face, hurdles, and sexism that at times can make you want to quit. I’m incredibly proud that I never stopped and never let the negativity make decisions for me. And somehow I still have my love for music through it all.
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