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2024-11-16 10:15:00
The discovery: Schuyler, love always
In her pieces, Theodora often refers to herself as the “Mrs. Boss.” Not to place himself above the rest of the musical panorama, nor to sing the praises of the capitalism he denounces in his music. But rather because this twenty-one-year-old musician defends a vision of music that is as eclectic as it is explosive. Daughter of the diaspora, Teodora spent her childhood between Congo, Switzerland and Greece, before arriving in Saint-Denis, France where her parents were able to obtain refugee status before being naturalised. This youth marked by numerous moves led her to open up musically, to the point of playing today with a multitude of genres in her music: French song, rap, electronic music, Afro and even West Indian bouyon on Congolese sauce, a piece recently spotted on TikTok and streaming platforms in France.
An eclecticism with which the young singer today talks about her daily life, made up of loves and disillusions, doubts and anxieties, but also intense joys. Because if until then Theodora had produced music that was as danceable as it was melancholic, in her first mixtape she decided to do the opposite Bad boy love story. Determined to party, the singer navigates rock for thirteen songs (My helmet), Brazilian music (sorry, sorry), zoo (#The) or even the trendy pop of the 80s (A better us) to evoke his recent happiness, his hopes for the future and his (few) moments of doubt. A first long format rich in sounds and full of moments of joy, like Theodora’s personality: intense and colourful.
Theodora Bad boy love story (Casa Nettuno X NBFD)
The playlist
Already Baleti Amiat
Enter the trance of this trio from Toulouse, griots from an Occitania with very broad borders. Especially on music that is as reminiscent of Tinariwen’s Tuareg riffs as it is of Altin Gün’s psychedelic garage. Smoky.
Crown Always +
“It’s never me anyway.” Intimate confession on a metal-grunge background, symbol of a new transformation for the former Therapie Taxi singer. A very well negotiated rock turn. Let’s hope it lasts.
Pole Toi
Live on the dance floor. There’s no need to mince words with this French producer based in Angers, but who studied electronics in Germany. You can hear it in this efficient and melodic techno.
Underworld King of Haarlem
At 65 years old each, British duo Karl Hyde and Rick Smith still have plenty of surprises in store, like this distinctly techno track in which Hyde lays out his surrealist lyrics in delightful “talk-sing.”
Bryan’s magic tears Side by side
Be careful, regressive journey. With their fourth album Smoke and mirrors, Parisians never stop reinventing the Summer of Love and indie-dance. To be listened to with half-closed eyes and crossed arms.
How can artists like Theodora use their experiences to connect with audiences in today’s musical landscape?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Music Expert on Theodora’s Journey and Musical Impact
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have an exciting discussion lined up with music expert Dr. Claire Martin, who specializes in contemporary music trends and cultural fusion. We’ll be diving into the vibrant world of Theodora, a young artist whose eclectic musical style and poignant storytelling have been captivating audiences. Claire, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Claire Martin (CM): Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to talk about Theodora and her remarkable journey through music.
TNE: Let’s start with Theodora’s background. Growing up in various countries, how do you think her experiences shaped her music?
CM: Theodora’s upbringing in Congo, Switzerland, Greece, and eventually France brought a rich tapestry of cultural influences into her life. This diverse background is palpable in her music—she effortlessly blends French song, rap, electronic sounds, Afrobeat, and even West Indian bouyon. Her eclecticism reflects a broader narrative of diaspora and the interplay of cultures, highlighting both the challenges and the beauty of a multicultural identity.
TNE: You mentioned her eclecticism. How does this diversity resonate with listeners, and what does it say about the current musical landscape?
CM: In today’s globalized world, listeners are increasingly drawn to artists who break genre barriers. Theodora embodies this trend perfectly. Her music speaks to a generation that values authenticity and experimentation. By incorporating elements from different genres, she creates a sonic experience that is both fresh and relatable, allowing listeners from various backgrounds to find something they connect with in her work.
TNE: That’s a great point! Her first mixtape, Bad Boy Love Story, flips the narrative of danceable melancholy to one of joy and celebration. What do you think motivated this shift in her musical direction?
CM: It’s fascinating! Artists often go through phases where they explore different aspects of their identity and emotions. For Theodora, this mixtape seems to be a declaration of empowerment and optimism. By embracing upbeat sounds and vibrant rhythms, she’s not just reflecting her personal growth but also encouraging her audience to celebrate life’s victories, no matter how small. It’s a beautiful contrast to the struggles she’s faced.
TNE: Speaking of emotions, her lyrics are described as rich with personal experiences—love, disillusionment, and joy. How important do you think storytelling is in her music?
CM: Storytelling is essential, especially in contemporary music where listeners crave connection. Theodora’s lyrics draw listeners in, allowing them to see reflections of their own experiences in her narratives. By sharing her journey, she fosters community and intimacy, which are crucial in resonating with audiences in a digital age dominated by fleeting content.
TNE: Very true! As we witness her rise, what do you think lies ahead for Theodora? How can she continue to evolve as an artist?
CM: The future looks bright for her! As long as she remains true to her roots while embracing new influences, her potential is limitless. I believe she could continue exploring collaborations across genres and cultures, allowing her musical palate to expand even further. Additionally, she could leverage platforms like TikTok to engage with fans in creative ways, turning her music into a social experience.
TNE: Those are insightful suggestions! Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to highlight about Theodora or the themes her music brings to light?
CM: Theodora’s journey embodies resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. She shows us that music can be a powerful vehicle for expression. I also think she sheds light on the broader narratives of the diaspora experience, demonstrating that our identities can be multifaceted. I encourage everyone to listen to her mixtape; it’s a true celebration of diversity and hope!
TNE: Thank you, Claire, for your enlightening insights on Theodora and her music. It’s clear that her story is just beginning, and we’re excited to see where it takes her next!
CM: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see how Theodora continues to evolve and inspire others with her artistry.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Stay tuned for more engaging discussions about music and culture.