While Canadian folk-roots music is our bread and butter here at GDW, when new tunes land in our laps from across the commonwealth, this British fella (Martin) will often sit up and take notice. With our occasional Commonwealth Connections features, we’re always on the lookout for some great new music to share from around the globe – and better yet, when the tune arrives courtesy of an emerging artist previously unknown to us, there’s a strong likelihood of it jumping to the top of our playlist.
Hailing from Dundee, Scotland, indie alt-pop artist Theo Bleak released “In My House” just last Friday, her second single of the year, which very quickly got under my skin, leaving the poor ‘repeat’ button receiving plenty of abuse in the process. An innovative songwriter, composer and producer, Theo’s music resonates with a profound sense of place and reflection, weaving a sonic tapestry that captures the beauty and complexity of the world around her.
Co-written with bandmate Mark Johnston and collaborator Dan Gautreau, “In My House” examines the feelings that bubble up once you are left to your own devices within your own space. For Theo, being home alone can be a source of solace, but opens the door to rumination that only time with yourself brings. “In My House is a lighter song about how much I love being alone,” Theo shares. “I felt so uncomfortable in January of this year. I just had a bad feeling. A really important friendship had broken down and I knew it was close to the end.”
Inviting listeners into a soundscape of quiet introspection, Theo’s distinct soft-spoken vocal style will quickly draw comparisons to peers such as Lorde and Phoebe Bridgers – while Theo’s melodies demonstrate both a sense of confidence and vulnerability, backed by some airy, acoustic guitar and swirling production. “I went into the studio and thought about escapism, the safety of my romanticized perception of life. Somewhere that their disdain of me couldn’t reach,” Theo adds in closing. “In My House is about the person I actually am, shielded from even the worst interpretations of my personality.”
Photo Credit: Mours
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
