Music Industry News

Celebrated singer and songwriter Theia has reworked version of her hit song ‘Roam’. Today, she releases the exquisitely ethereal ‘Roam (Alternative Version)’.

The original ‘Roam’ was released in 2016 and went on to become one of the biggest New Zealand singles on radio that year. It has since accumulated close to 15 million streams on Spotify alone.

Known for her vibrant and hard-hitting alt-pop anthems, such as ‘Crucified By U‘ and ‘Dollhouse‘, last year Theia stripped back her songs and played them with a live band on the GIRL IN A SAVAGE WORLD Tour. The songs were presented alongside the waiata of her award-winning reo Māori project TE KAAHU.

The reworked version of ‘Roam’ was met with such warmth, that Theia decided to record it with longtime collaborator, Jol Mulholland.

“I’ve loved being able to give a new interpretation to ‘Roam’. I will always love the original, but I also love the tender and gentle organic instrumentation of this one. It really brings the topline and lyricism to the forefront. She’s now as relevant as ever to me and gives me grounding and wairua as I embark on my travels,” says Theia.

Theia is currently in North America for a string of shows that will see her perform at Babes on Babes in Vancouver on March 28; Miami Beach Pride on April 14; Belltown Bloom Festival in Seattle on May 4 and 5, with more dates to be announced. Meanwhile, stand by for brand new Theia music soon!

There is an undeniable strength that runs through all that Theia does. Somewhat of an enigma, she straddles the two worlds of her edgy, alt-pop namesake, Theia, and her alt-folk Māori language project – the beautiful and award-winning TE KAAHU.

Her work as Theia has attracted a loyal fan-base across the globe, receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Pigeons & Planes, Rolling Stone, Clash and Billboard Magazine. She is a three-time nominee at the New Zealand Music Awards and has had significant commercial radio play in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, alongside local chart success. Theia has also toured extensively throughout NZ; played at many of the country’s largest music festivals, as well as performing at international festivals and events.

Meanwhile, Theia continues to make her mark with TE KAAHU. The project’s debut album TE KAAHU O RANGI was released to critical acclaim in 2022 and saw her awarded the coveted Taite Prize for Best Independent Debut in 2023. Accolades also include nominations in the Rolling Stone NZ Awards, the NZ Music Awards (AMAs), the APRA Maioha Award, the Waiata Māori Music Awards and the Student Radio Network Awards. TE KAAHU has toured and performed throughout NZ and Canada.

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Photo credit: Frances Carter