Ahead of her latest EP, we catch up with the South London soul singer about the project, her sound, and what’s next for her.
“At sixteen,” Tertia May recalls, “I just wanted to be a soul singer. So I scrapped the rest and decided to go for it.”
Having released her EP “Kind of Purple” in June last year, South London singer Tertia May is set to continue her ascent, with her next EP, “Not From Concentrate” out today, featuring promising single “Twenty-Two’”.
The EP is the follow-up to “In My Head” , released in in February, in which velvet piano laced with the audio crackle of vintage vinyl set the mood for May’s dramatic vocal, shivery and smoky like a torch singer, echoed by a verse from UK hip hop duo Cold Callers. “They really give the song that bit of glitter and passion the beat needed,” she says.
Read our interview with Tertia, and listen to the EP below.
What’s your earliest memory of music?
Probably around 5. We had the jukebox on all the time. It Had many music legends on it; Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Madonna, Marvin Gaye etc.
Who was your favourite band or artist growing up?
Britney Spears.
When did you know you wanted to do this full time?
At the age of 15 I decided I didn’t want to be an actress anymore but a singer. Let’s hope I made the right choice.
How would you describe your sound?
Imagine, ‘church meets new wave soul, jazz and hip-hop.
You’ve got a new EP on the way, can you tell us anything about what it’ll be called?
What do you read usually on the front of orange cartons? Hint hint!
What are some of the themes that run through the EP?
Maturing, growing up, having sour moments in life but also empowering, positive ones!
What’s your favourite song on the EP, and why?
Probably Jealousy. This song it’s very powerful and strong. It’s also a song that can be relatable to everyone, even if you don’t want to admit it.
If you could collaborate with one person, who would it be?
Barry white.
What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
I don’t think there’s one answer to that question. I guess I want people to bond with the records, I want people to see truth in what I do, and if that makes them feel a certain type of way then I’ve done my job. Would be a shame if they felt angry because that would suck!
What’s your favourite of your lyrics?
‘Graffiti melts like tears in the rain’.
What’s the best live gig you’ve ever done?
My first headline show. That shit was amazing.
Are you inspired by London?
Massively .
Who is one band/musician killing it right now? Greentea Peng. One of the best voices I’ve heard in ages.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always treat others how you would like to be treated. I stick by this with everything I do.
What’s your goal for one year from now?
To headline electric Brixton.
If today was the last day on earth, what would you do / where would you go?
I would muster up all my musician friends, family and non music friends and go have a massive play/jam in a sick location!
What are you motivated by?
Knowing that one day I can treat my family for the rest of my life.