Walking into a room where Téa is playing, you will find a sultry, soulful, and powerful voice gracefully floating over the black and white keys. Her radiant passion for music and extensive musical background are so obvious, you have to try hard not to be instantly drawn in.
Born into a musical home in Belgrade, Serbia, Téa's fascination with music started early. At the young age of seven, she was introduced to her other half - the piano. She started taking lessons and shortly after began performing at classical music concerts and competing - and winning prizes - in local, national, and international competitions. At twelve, Téa learned to play the guitar, at thirteen, she wrote her first song, and at fifteen started her first band. At nineteen, she got an A.R.C.T. diploma in piano performance, and at twenty-three a B.A. in music from UBC.
In her early teens, Téa and her family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she continued to pursue her music. She found herself writing more frequently, whenever and wherever the inspiration would strike. Whether it be at home or on the go, Tea is always creating. - "I don't have a radio or a CD player in my car so I tend to come up with a lot of melodies and lyrics while I'm driving."
Even in casual conversation, her deep passion for music shows. - "I went to the Rolling Stones concert last year and the second they walked on stage I started crying. They hadn't even played one note and I was in tears." And just like the Rolling Stones, Téa's music captures your ears and leaves your foot tapping to an ever so catchy beat.
In the past, Téa has worked with producer John Webster (Tom Cochrane) and collaborated with award winning singer/songwriter Annette Ducharme (‘Sinking Like a Sunset'). She has also worked with Troy Samson of Hipjoint (Corry Lee, Kelly Rowland). Then, after hearing ,and liking, an album produced by Howard Redekopp (Tegan and Sara, 54-40, New Pornographers, Mother Mother), she thought it was time for a new experiment. The collaboration between Téa and Howard resulted in an EP well worth the wait and very well worth the listen. ‘Method to the Madness' was born.
With her european jazz infused pop soul songs and enticing vocals sitting comfortably in space and time where the old world meets the new, it's hard not to notice the pure talent that dances behind those black and white keys. A multitasking artist with one hand on the keyboard, the other on a pineapple shaker, and a voice projecting melodies you later find yourself humming to, it is no wonder why this young musician draws such a crowd.
Tea is playing at the New Music West on Wednesday, May 14th (doors 8pm, show time 12:30am) at the Plaza Club and the Vancouver International Jazz Fest on Saturday, June 21st at noon at the Aberdeen Center. 'Fire & Flame', off 'Method to the Madness', won a prize at the Music BC Songbird West Songwriting Competition.