Kat Harlton
Photos provided via PR team
Produced by Terez, Chaos Era is the musical embodiment of its name. The seven-track EP revels in unexpected mood swings as it effortlessly flirts with genre boundaries, and gives a sly nod to the refined side of grunge. It discusses topics like bullying, dating a narcissist, living free from judgement and much more. A dynamic rollercoaster of sound and emotion, it is a soundtrack for navigating the ups and downs of life with a rebellious spirit.
Included on the EP, is the irresistibly catchy tune “Fuck Boy,” and recent single “All My Exes Are Dead,” which tells the story of moving on from past relationships with a darkly humorous twist. Another new addition is the single “Ruin My Life.” Co-produced by Terez and Elias Edlund, “Ruin My Life” is a cheeky anthem about that level of intoxicating attraction that turns your common sense into a stand-up comedian.
Terez is a fiercely creative artist whose talent knows no boundaries. Still in her twenties, she is also a creative director, women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ advocate, and ranks among the 2.1% of female music producers in the industry today. With nearly a lifetime of songwriting and performances under her belt, she has performed alongside Keith Urban and opened for Canadian artists such as Ria Mae and RALPH.
Recently, Terez was selected to be one of six participants in the Music Publishers Canada’s coveted Women in the Studio National Accelerator Program. She was also a panelist at BreakOut West, speaker and performer at the HEADSTRONG Summit in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and was an Honourable Mention Prize Winner at the HER Music Awards. She has been commissioned to write songs for dozens of artists around the world, creative direct music videos and artist’s brands in Toronto and Calgary, and much more.
In addition to her impressive accomplishments in the music industry, Terez has also expanded her creative pursuits in the TV and film industry. She was brought on as a social media coordinator for the show The Sugar Mama, produced by IndigeKin Productions, and quickly proved her talent and dedication by excelling in her role. Her contributions were so impactful that she was promoted to Casting Director, and eventually, Producer. Terez’s natural creativity and ability to connect with diverse communities has allowed her to seamlessly transition into this new industry, bringing fresh perspectives to every project she takes on.
I had the opportunity to chat with Terez, about her musical journey so far, what fans can expect from her new EP and more.
Kat: Can you share with us a bit about yourself and your music journey so far?
Terez: I actually started my journey in music as a country songwriter and spent quite a bit of time in Nashville. After a few years of writing for other artists I felt like I wasn’t enjoying songwriting as much as I used to and decided to start writing solo without a genre in mind and that’s when I found the sound I have now. I still write for other artists and am back to absolutely loving songwriting as I also pursue my own artist career.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new EP “Chaos Era”?
Terez: This EP stemmed from the most chaotic time in my life. I was experiencing so much loss and uncertainty and didn’t know how else to cope other than songwriting. This EP helped me find parts of myself I hadn’t met yet and really pushed me as a creative to break out of my comfort zone. I was also travelling a lot during the creation of this EP and was inspired by all the cities I got to work in like Amsterdam, Manzanillo, Nashville, Toronto, and more.
Kat: What do you hope fans connect with from the EP?
Terez: I hope they take whatever they need. Whether they scream-sing to All My Exes Are Dead or cry to Mars or get ready for a night out to Chaos Era – I hope this EP can be a soundtrack to giving themselves grace through hard times and knowing they’re not alone.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Terez: The perfectionism, holy moly, can be so crippling at times. There’s a little gremlin in me that thinks everything could be better or more ‘perfect’. I just have to remind myself in those moments that I got into this industry because I LOVED music as a kid. I was just a little girl in her room with a dream and a guitar and now I get to do all these cool and amazing things that little girl never dreamed of. Reframing it that way helps the perfectionist Gremlin find its way back to its little perfectionist cave.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Terez: I was in a writing session with an extremely accomplished producer that I deeply admire and respect (which was already a highlight). Someone came into the studio we were writing in and was applauding that producer for how great the track sounded. It was such a beautiful moment when that producer corrected them and said that it was actually my work they were complimenting as I was the one that created the track. Some people might take it personally to have their work mistaken for someone else’s but for me this was SUCH a highlight and one of the best moments of this past year.
Kat: What else can fans expect from you for the balance of 2023?
Terez: There might be a fun little video coming so keep your eyes peeled. I can’t believe how fast 2023 flew by, we only have a month and a half left but I promise there’s still some goodies on their way before 2024 hits.
Connect With Terez
Instagram: @terezmusic
Twitter: @terezmusic
Facebook: /Terezmusic
Website: https://www.theterez.com