On motherhood, the creative process and loneliness.
TT, also known as Theresa Wayman, released her debut solo album LoveLaws last month.
You may recognise her enchanting voice from Warpaint, but the release of her first solo project has allowed TT to delve deeper into the creation of her own musical sound. The result of which is pure melodic harmony and layers upon layers of hazy goodness.
The album is best described as downtempo, broody and soulful pop. It’s the type of music that’s perfect for staring out the window and reminiscing about past or current relationship woes. Producing the entire LP herself – with help from some music industry heavyweights – Theresa has well and truly flexed her creative muscles.
Phoning in all the way from London, we talked to TT about motherhood, the creative process and loneliness.
Tell me a little bit about your debut album. What does it mean to you?
It’s been a liberating feeling for myself, to do this thing that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, showing myself that I can follow through and get it done. It’s been therapeutic in the subject matter as well.
How long have you been working on LoveLaws?
I’ve been working on it for a while, learning how to record myself and make what I’m hearing in my head. Some of the songs I started a really long time ago – [some of] it started as a beat or sample combination and over the years I’ve added to it. For the last year and a half, my brother and I took all the bits and pieces that I had already and put it together to finish the album.
Have you found the solo album-making process different, compared to when you’re collaborating with the Warpaint crew?
Well, initially everything we did [with Warpaint] started from a jam and then we would arrange things together and it’s a collaborative process. But with my album, it feels much more personal to me, because it’s only in my head. It took a while because working, touring and making albums, and being a mum, it’s been hard to find the time. It’s been busy, but it’s definitely been worth it for sure.
I read that loneliness as a musician on the road was an inspiration behind the album, how did this impact your process? Do you think it’s important, as an artist, to be lonely at some point?
Yeah, I do in a way. I think it’s important for artists to really experience what they’re experiencing and not push things aside. It comes with all the key inspiration. Maybe it’s not loneliness, maybe its something else. Whatever it is, the point of being an artist is to explore it and think about it. Some people could say you’re spending too much time on the subject matter, which could be true. But it’s the role of the artist to dwell on things.
A lot of people probably don’t realise you’re a single soccer mum. Has motherhood changed your approach to music?
Its switched my preferred work hours to early morning, before any of my friends or anyone I know is up. I like having the new energy of the day and that purely came from the fact that I had to get up and take my kid to school. I can’t stay up late because I’ll be incredibly tired in the morning and not be present as a mother. I definitely have a sense of security having my kid and knowing our relationship is solid. It’s a good foundation to build from.
What is next for TT?
I would love to have my own tour, in the fall probably. I have a couple of songs that didn’t go on the album that I want to finish as well. I just want to keep expanding visually and musically. Visual aspects are things I have never prioritised, but I think are important as well. I have some ideas. I want to go home and learn how to record the drums better, so I can get to the next step of independence in recording.
LoveLaws is out now via Caroline Australia. Listen to it here.
ttlovelaws.com
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