Singer-Songwriter THERESA Opens Up About Her Newest Single ‘Marathon’ and Much More!

Get to know the singer-songwriter, Theresa! She has spent years working in the music industry behind the scenes, is now emerging as a buzzworthy artist. And, rightfully so. Taking cues from the 80’s and 90’s, Theresa draws influence from artists like Blondie, Madonna, Duran Duran, Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga. As Theresa moves forward, she continues to generate well-deserved buzz for her infectious brand of pop. Her goal is to share her music – and her story – with everyone who will listen. 

Her latest track “Marathon” was co-written with frequent Theresa collaborators Mike Cash (Electric Bodega), Jesse Blum (MisterWives) and Dave Giordano – and produced by Theresa and Mike Cash.

“I am so excited to release ‘Marathon!’ Especially as we continue to navigate through this crazy year, I think ‘Marathon’ could mean so many things to different people. To me, it’s an anthem about hanging in there – knowing that my time WILL COME and when it does come, I will do everything in power to savor and enjoy each and every moment. One of my favorite books is ‘Oh, The Places You Will Go’ by Dr. Seuss. It’s all about this wild game of life and how we all must go through some twists and turns before we fully understand our full potential on our journey. It’s a powerful lesson that I really don’t think I got until a couple of years ago when I started out on this evolution of a lady. And now at 40, I’ve never been so confident. I just want to live my life to its fullest potential – living out my wildest dreams everyday. Sometimes we need to see the bigger picture out of the moment we are in. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey and process to get us where we need to be. Hard work and dedication DO pay off – and it’s important to recognize all the little things, positive signs and amazing people we encounter along the way. Because ‘life ain’t a race, it’s a MARATHON!’

A Long Island native, Theresa moved to New York City at the age of 18 to attend school at Marymount Manhattan College, and never looked back. However, within three months of moving to the big city, Theresa’s father and best friend passed away. 

Shortly thereafter, Theresa re-focused her music career to work behind the scenes, taking intern roles at Jive Records and with Sheryl Crow’s management company, W Management. Later, she landed in the advertising world as a music producer for commercials. But, last year, Theresa decided to once again chase her girlhood dreams of pop stardom.

Connect with Theresa Online Here: 

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Spotify // YouTube

Learn more about Theresa in the following All Access interview:

Thank you for your time. Given these unusual Covid-19 times, what does a typical day look like for you? How have you adjusted to these times? What has changed about your life? 

Unusual is an understatement!  I’ve always been a woman on the move and through Covid, I haven’t slowed down. My days usually start around 6am with a morning meditation practice, followed by a virtual workout with my trainer.  I find myself super motivated and creative in the morning, so I like to allow for a little play time as I get ready for my day in case inspiration strikes. In addition to my budding music career, I have a full time job as an Executive Music Producer at a very large advertising agency, so I like to be “in the office” (which is at my kitchen island by 9:30am) with a cup of tea.  I am so fortunate that our agency has been flourishing the last few months, so my day is packed with virtual meetings, calls and music searches for our various clients.  I try to finish up by 6:30p/7p, and by then I am usually starving so I try to get dinner going – which is something simple yet healthy.  I like to unwind by watching some TV (right now I am binge watching “Arrested Development” – I am obsessed!).  I make it a rule to be in bed by 10:30pm, where I like to read and/or write. It really helps me hone back into myself and sets me up for a good night’s rest.  And then we start all over again.

Honestly, my life looked a lot like this before Covid, except I had a lot more social obligations and evening music sessions.  One thing I kind of love about my new routine is that I get so much more sleep now.  I miss my friends and I really miss being in the studio, but these sleeps are pretty amazing!

What has been the hardest/most challenging part about being quarantined? Is your city starting to open up more now? 

I am a people person.  I miss interacting with people on a personal level.  Zoom and FaceTime are just not the same.  As New York City has been opening up, I am starting to see friends and starting to get back to in-person sessions. But Covid is not over.  I am still of course wearing a mask when I am out and about and being super cautious when seeing friends and family.  

How have you been able to use social media during these unprecedented times? Are you finding that you use it even more now to stay connected to fans and other musicians? 

Social media has been my lifeline.  It’s the way I am personally keeping up with my friends and family and as an artist, it’s definitely been great to keep my fans updated on what’s up with me. It’s also been awesome to see what other artists and songwriters are up to – how they’ve been working through these times and to see what they’ve been working on.  It’s actually been pretty inspiring!

What has it been like having to reschedule all your shows this year? What shows in 2021 are you are already excited for?

What really sucked is that I literally had my first rehearsal with my new band the night before we went into quarantine.  Everything was sounding killer.  But it’s okay, we will reunite soon.  I am pretty bummed that the Lady Gaga show at the Met Life Arena got canceled.  But I will see her next August.  I’ve seen Gaga a few times now and she does NOT disappoint.  

Since we are all desperately missing live music, can you recall a favorite show of yours from the past? What do you think ultimately makes for a great show for you? What about a favorite show of someone else?  

Seriously Gaga puts on an amazing show.  I am inspired by strong confident women – so seeing someone who can command a stage and just be in the moment of performing.  It’s really such a gift.  I cannot wait until I am back on stage.  These last couple of years have really transformed me and I’m excited to share that side of myself through performing.

I’m curious to know how you transitioned from producing commercials to write and sing your own music? 

I actually transitioned from singing and writing to producing music for commercials! My dream was to always be a pop star.  I’d write songs, sang in a band and honestly had my sights set on being the next Madonna…but due to a lot of personal setbacks when I was younger, I just didn’t think I was good enough.  And I had fallen into music and advertising and really found success, so I put my aspirations to the side.  Hey, I was still in music, right?  Wrong! Years went by and I was living an awesome “normal” life…until I had a blip and re-discovered some of my old demos and all of the songs I wrote.  It was a defining moment.  I knew right then that NOW is the time I was destined to pursue this passion – and I have not looked back. I am so proud that at 40 years old I am really just going for it!

Let’s talk about your newest single, “Marathon.” What was the inspiration for this track? What was it like also producing it? How excited are you to be releasing another track? How does “Marathon” compare to your previous songs, “Kiss Kiss” and “The Bright Light”? 

I am ALWAYS excited to release music.  ‘Marathon’ is a jam!  The message of the song is a simple one that sometimes we all fail to recognize – “Life ain’t a race, it’s a MARATHON.” This year has been a prime example of how sometimes things are not in our control. Sometimes our plans get canceled or postponed but maybe that happens for a reason.  Maybe we are supposed to go down a different path to get where we need to be.  It’s all about the journey.  And we should embrace it and keep going with the flow.  Because it’s all going to rock!

“Marathon” is a unique song.  I worked on it with my good friends Mike Cash, Jesse Blum and Dave Giordano.  This song came together super quick too.  Sometimes I walk into the studio with a whole idea that I was to bring to life…this one was really just a fun jam session and I think that shines through in the track.  

I like that all my songs have a different vibe to them but at the core of each track, they feel like me.  “Kiss Kiss” is a sassy Summer slam. And “Bright Light” is a reassuring Covid-era anthem.  But the common thread through them all is that I wrote them from my honest heart. 

Do you have plans to release a full album anytime soon? 

I am actually starting to concept what an album would sound like.  I’ve got so many ideas and want to create something that feels personal yet entertaining.  I have a good feeling things will start coming together soon.

How do you think future music is going to be influenced by this incredible and absolutely necessary Black Lives Matter movement that the US has been going through? How exactly is it inspiring you and your music?

ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! I am a truth seeker. I wholeheartedly admit that I am working on listening more in general. I want to continue to learn. I want to continue to support. It’s amazing to see so many people come together to fight for what’s right.  Peacefully.  And music is a beautiful tool to communicate, educate and entertain. 

If you could get into the studio with any artist today and collaborate on a new song for you, who would it be and why? 

This is a TOUGH one – because there are so many people I want to work with for different reasons.  But if I had to pick just one…hands down it’s Mark Ronson. He produces infectious hits.  His sound is premium. He has collaborated with so many artists I look up to and I feel like he brings something fresh to every project he works on.  Mark creates timeless pop gems – and that’s exactly what’s on the Theresa trajectory. 

What would your dream music video look like right now? 

Oh, it’s absolutely inspired by Bjork’s “It’s Oh So Quiet” – if Spike Jones is available, he will obviously direct.  I have the whole video in my head.  And yes, there are dancing USPS mailboxes. 

If you could go back and tell your younger musician self something about this industry or how your career was going to progress, what would you say?

It’s all going to work out. Enjoy the journey and try to live in the moment. Hang out with people who make you feel good. And most importantly, BELIEVE in yourself.