Theia announces debut album and releases haunting new single ‘Patupaiarehe’

The enigmatic NZ-born, LA-based Theia has announced that her highly anticipated debut album Girl, In A Savage World will be released on Friday November 7. Today she’s teasing the record with a haunting new single Patupaiarehe – listen HERE

Pre-Save the album on streaming platforms HERE

Patupaiarehe is a powerful waiata, which takes its name from the mythological forest and mountain dwelling ‘folk’ known as Patupaiarehe and alludes to Aotearoa’s colonial history.

“Patupaiarehe are extremely tapu and known for having sweet, ethereal voices and for being consummate players of the kooaau and puutoorino flutes,” explains Theia. “I love the imagery of Patupaiarehe as kaitiaki (guardians) of the whenua (our Earth Mother, Papatuuaanuku). Stories from the past, of their hostility towards intruders, mirrors the ongoing battle and tensions we are still experiencing today.”

Pairing Theia’s trademark angelic vocals and haunting harmonies with poetic lyricism, Patupaiarehe is a glorious fusion of ethereal alt-folk and art-rock. It gives fans a glimpse of Theia’s upcoming debut album Girl, In A Savage World, which has been several years in the making. But it’s been worth the wait!

“The record has been a long time coming, but I really wanted to take my time with these songs. I’ve pored over every lyric, every melody, and every harmony,” says Theia, who co-produced the record with Abraham Kunin (Te Kaahu, Jujulipps, Home Brew).

The sonics of Patupaiarehe, as well as many of the not-yet-heard songs on Girl, In A Savage World, may catch some by surprise, particularly those who have come to know and love Theia through her trailblazing alt-pop catalogue, which has seen her nominated for multiple awards; played on commercial radio in NZ, Asia and Australia and praised by the likes of Billboard Magazine, Clash and Rolling Stone. However, for those who have followed Theia’s musical journey over the past five years, including the phenomenal success of her award-winning alt-folk reo Māori project Te Kaahu, the album is a natural progression, in which she fearlessly treads uncharted ground, while imparting poignant messages that are resonating with audiences around the globe.

Mark Friday November 7 in the calendar, Girl, In A Savage World is an epic body of work from one of Aotearoa’s most gifted songwriters. The album will also be released on vinyl on November 7.