Start Listening To: Theo Bleak

Painting her emotions with the colours of life.

Theo Bleak's music is a mirror to the multifaceted nature of human experience. This captivating figure, has gracefully walked the fine line between introspection and expression through her evocative melodies. Today, we have the privilege of delving into the soul of Theo Bleak, as she takes us on a journey through her music, inspirations, and the introspective landscapes of her mind.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

My artist name is Theo bleak and I live in Dundee, Scotland. I make music from my garage about my life in the styles of alt-rock, folk-rock and shoegaze.

We love your gorgeous upcoming EP Pain. Can you share more about the themes and inspirations behind this collection of songs?

Thank you! If I was to explain it in one sentence, the EP is to say sorry for hurting people whilst I was hurting, including myself. It’s a critical look at myself as usual, but specifically how out of control I’ve felt emotionally in relationships and my general fear of men and trying to live with the reasons why.

‘I Look Like A Fool To You’ is a captivating single from the EP. What is the story or sentiment behind this particular track, and why did you choose it as a single?

This song is a love song in essence. The line that becomes blurred in friendships, but on this occasion it was a friend I fell out with and it saddens me that there will never be opportunity to explain myself or set it right. A love song about being gravely misunderstood.

Your journey as Theo Bleak has been characterised by self-discovery and transformation. Can you tell us more about the evolution of this project and how it has allowed you to explore your creativity?

I think I’m innately always a few inches out of my body and look at life at myself really critically so creating ‘Theo’ as a character was transformative for my writing style. The first EP I did feels a million miles from my vision, but I think it’s good to see physical evidence of transformation. Artists should be allowed to make mistakes, cringe at earlier work and ultimately grow. I’m now pulling from all sorts of inspiration that I maybe wouldn’t have earlier on. When I cared too much about what other people thought.

You mentioned that you have a background in cognitive science and initially planned to study Medicine. How did your academic pursuits influence your music, if at all, and what led you back to your artistic path?

Around the same time I started Theo I was around 26 years old and worrying about money and societal perception, so decided to apply for medicine. I think I technically could have got through the course and felt satisfied with my choice, but a part of me would always have regretted not giving art everything I physically and mentally have. I had many bizarre living situations and my general chaos kind of got in the way of me finishing my applications so the path almost forced itself. I think to be a psychiatrist you have to be 100% present, and my heart would always have been elsewhere. I think everything we do has an impact on our art, so my academic background is most likely present somewhere in there. More likely philosophical concepts though, I think.

In your own words, you wish to be perceived "in earth tones and a manner of familiarity." How does this concept translate into your music and the image you aim to project as an artist?

I think the way Theo bleak looks but more importantly, feels, is priority to me. Music has always filled me with so many mixed emotions and I want to out a part of myself into every aspect of my band.

Can you share any memorable moments or highlights from your recent All Points East performance and other live shows you've done?

I brought my best friend with us to All Points East and that weirdly filled me with pride I could give the people I love most experiences novel to music. I love performing live so I try to absorb every show, best I can.

As an artist, you explore themes of self-esteem, love, detachment, and more. What message or emotions do you hope your listeners take away from your music?

I don’t really have a lot of answers and don’t claim any sort of healing journey, but I try to promote balance in my outlook. I’m pretty honest about my complexity, that I’ve been capable of harm aswell as being harmed. I would like to feel safe and relatable to others.

What role does nature play in your creative process, especially considering your connection between music and the natural world?

I grew up in Perthshire so that landscape is home to me more than anything. Particularly when I’ve been really depressed, I used to ask my boyfriend to just drive me round where I grew up. There was a level of living too in the past, but I think now I can visit it as a release. Nature is utterly non-judgemental and I think I feel really weird if I’m away from it for too long.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

‘The Software Slump’ by Grandaddy. Reminds me of being little in the car and when the world felt really big and bright.

What do you love right now?

I love Autumn, I love Harry Potter and I love my bed.

What do you hate right now?

Supposed Social Currency.

Your UK tour dates are approaching. How do you prepare for live performances, and what can audiences expect from your shows, especially those attending the upcoming gigs in Manchester, London, Dundee, and Glasgow?

We have been perfecting our performing all year and I’m so so excited to perform this EP for people. We have levelled up so much and I just want it to be an entirely immersive experience. I’m hoping people will come out for these shows, we’ve put the tour on ourselves so fingers crossed.