It's TEINA's time
Single Art & photo by: Jade Clift
Perth-based indie artist TEINA has revealed his new single titled ‘FMY’, his first release for the year and a deeply personal one at that, and sees TEINA remaining authentic to his brand of “heartfelt hip-hop”. We caught up with the rising artist to discuss the new track, the pros and cons of being an artist based in Western Australia and who is on his collab wishlist.
Thank you, TEINA, for taking the time to answer some questions for Music Kingdom Australia. How have you been? Is life treating you well?
Life has been well, lots of ups and downs as usual but we keep the ball rolling and thank God everyday for his blessing and my wellbeing. Hope you guys have been well !
For those who haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe your sound? What genre do you label yourself as?
The first thing I usually say is it’s different; not a lot of people are doing the same thing as me. I have a unique sound. It’s a mix of indie/hip-hop/rnb, is what I’d say. The last thing I’d say is have a listen, and let me know your thoughts.
You have just released your first single for 2025, ‘FMY’. Tell us about the new song.
This song is a meaningful song to me, my most meaningful song. It’s a song for a couple of people I don’t get to see anymore. I hope they hear it every time I play it or perform it.
“I do love the solo at the end. It hits a sweet spot every time”
Is there a special line or part of the song that you listen out for?
Nothing in particular, because I’ve made the whole song, so I know every part of it, but I do love the solo at the end. It hits a sweet spot every time. Shoutout to the brother Jake on that one.
What did the writing / creative process look like for this track?
This one started with the guitar. I came up with the verse first, and then the chorus came second. It changes all the time, but I remember in particular for this one, it was guitar first. The structure came from playing it so much.
“There were many tears and emotions on the way to getting this song completed in my room.”
Given that the subject matter of ‘FMY’ is so sensitive, were there any challenging moments or struggles you faced during its creation? Is it hard for you to perform live?
The biggest challenge was dealing with the actual situations that this song came from; it’s hard losing someone, let alone multiple people. There were many tears and emotions on the way to getting this song completed in my room. I remember the first time I played it live around 2 years ago. It almost brought a tear to my eye. I’ve performed it a whole lot since then, so I’m now used to it.
Did you play a part in the production, or do you prefer to leave that to professionals?
No part in the producing; I leave that up to the big dawgs lol.
“I’m an artist for the people; if they want it, they get it.”
Will FMY feature on an upcoming album or is it a stand-alone single? Can fans look forward to an LP release in 2025?
No album in the planning as I don’t think I’m at that point in my career yet. If the people show me I’m there, then it will be planned. I’d love to get an EP done at some point, but then again, it’s really up to the fans and how much attention it all gets. I’m an artist for the people; if they want it, they get it.
Are there plans to tour or do any live shows for the new single?
Yes, I am planning something in the background; lots to look forward to.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
There are a few key influences to the people that made me love music and wanna make it, There were Sticky Fingers, Daniel Ceaser, Jimi Hendrix, and Rex Orange County. A very wide variety. I think they’re all unique, which is what I like to think my music is, very in its own style.
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or a flop?
I had a gig at a local pub called The Henley Brook in the Swan Valley. It was my first time singing in front of more than 3 people in my room. I had just turned 18 and thought it was time with my song ‘End of the Night’ coming out. I had around 20/30 people come, and there were around 50-70 people at the pub, so it was a good turnout. It definitely gave me the confidence to go on and do it again.
“I’d love to do some work with the boys from South Summit, whether it’s an Instagram collab or a YouTube thing. ”
Collaborations are big at the moment. Is that something you would like to do in the future? Who would be your ultimate Collab Partner?
I’d love to do some work with the boys from South Summit, whether it’s an Instagram collab or a YouTube thing. We’ve talked about it for some time, but it’d be great to actually get it done. I’d also love to get around Tha Kid Laroi as he’s one of the Gs in Aus music, and after that, it would be Justin Bieber and Jorja Smith.
“Perth needs to up their game, in my opinion. Show your locals some love.”
You're based in Perth. What are the advantages and disadvantages to being a musician on the western side of the country?
I don’t really think there are too many advantages, unfortunately, however,r I do think if you’re good enough, you will stand out because there’s not a lot recognition around Perth city. I’m not really in with the music scene in Perth. I stick to myself, but I do give respect where it’s due. The disadvantages are definitely bigger than the advantages. Being a small city, the word doesn’t really get out there as much as you’d like it to. People don’t really support and show love where it’s deserved. Fewer people mean fewer opportunities, but it shouldn’t be used as an excuse not to get to where you want to be. Perth needs to up their game, in my opinion. Show your locals some love.
Where would you like to see yourself career-wise in a year's time and five years down the road? What do you hope you have achieved?
I’d hope to be where I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid. The music game definitely isn’t an easy one, you have to give it your all for very little return a lot of the time. It’s a lot of hard work, focus and money. I hope to be doing Aus tours and playing in big festivals with huge crowds singing my songs back to me. Living off music and enjoy the fruits of my hard work and dedication to the music game.
“I couldn’t name one without the others, the crew I have here took a couple years to get so I’m very grateful for them”
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
I couldn’t name one without the others, the crew I have here took a couple years to get so I’m very grateful for them, they all do their part and all have their own kind of magic. I have endless respect for the people that help me turn my visions into a reality. Shoutout to my crew, I love ya’s, you know who you are.
Do you have a message for the TEINA fans and supporters?
Dream big and work hard; God’s always watching and rewarding his best soldiers. Other than that, thanks to everyone who keeps me going. I couldn’t appreciate it more, fkn love yas. This year’s gonna be the biggest and baddest one yet !! #teina2theworld
Interview by Michelle Symes
April 2025