Katie Lynch aka Theo Bleak is a musician based on the East Coast of Scotland in Dundee but has lived in Glasgow and the Isle of Skye throughout her twenties. Having recently released her EP iliad on May 18th, Theo is a definite up and coming Scottish artist to look out for. Theo has performed at many live shows and a run of dates supporting fellow Scottish Singer Songwriter Joesef's Permanent Damage Tour earlier this year in March.
When did your love for music begin?
I loved music from the start, most of my key memories are tied up with music. I loved performing in my room, to my classmates and to my parents. I think I was lucky to have parents who loved great music. There was always something on, in the car, on the stereo and we went to a lot of shows. I initially pursued musical theatre and classical brass but when I met my main collaborator (to this day) in school, the path sort of changed and my need to be in a band began.
"I loved music from the start, most of my key memories are tied up with music"
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing?
Just before my project got busy, I had began my applications for medicine. I had just finished a masters in psychology and philosophy of mind and was considering psychiatry. It was gonna be another difficult decade of studying and I’m not entirely sure I’m cut out for that world.
How Culture Inspired Your Sound
Typically, how does your songwriting process take place?
There is no set process for me, I believe I’m directly inspired by whatever has been going on in my life so the timeline can be chaotic. I think songs come to me in flashes, whether that be lyrics or part of a melody. I will often just sit with my guitar and see what happens. If I apply pressure to the act of songwriting nothing will come at all, so I have to just trust that it’s inside me somewhere
When you’re inspired by something, how does it translate into music?
Primarily with Theo Bleak, I’ve tried to capture the ‘feeling’ of things. That’s what I have tried to translate most into sound, the multi dimensional senses of our experiences. I think there is so much of human life which is difficult to put into words.
"I think there is so much of human life which is difficult to put into words"
Does inspiration come first, followed by songwriting or do you purposefully seek out inspiration for your music?
Inspiration first, and often when I didn’t expect it. I think our subconscious does a lot of work behind the scenes and it’s after a period of ‘processing’ I’m usually able to write. I definitely am inspired by every day life, but I am trying to sort of live presently.
What is your biggest inspiration culturally and why?
I love the artistry of Anohni, she for years has joined together art, politics, social issues and music in the most novel way. I think she creates an extremely layered artistic experience. I love reading so a lot of books have inspired me, especially writers like Mina Loy. I think she was so ahead of her time. I’m also a huge fan of movies, and people will laugh but I absolutely love the first two Twilight films. I think they genuinely create such a vibe and I love it haha.
You have two philosophy degrees, do you think your studies affect how you think and create?
Philosophy has definitely had an effect on my life, I mainly worked on ‘phenomenology’ so the study of experience itself. I think this caused some serious meltdowns over the years I won’t lie. Some things don’t need that much thought, it just causes unhappiness. However, I think philosophy is the fundamental of life, so I love that it’s made me a more insightful person.
How do you combat writing blocks, if you have any?
I would consider that a time where I just have nothing to say yet, and I certainly wouldn’t force it. I hate nothing more than work I’ve done when I’ve felt under pressure. I think just waiting it out, your subconscious is doing the work.
"I hate nothing more than work I’ve done when I’ve felt under pressure. I think just waiting it out, your subconscious is doing the work"
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
In music, so many I couldn’t even count. Working within a system which values women differently to men pisses me off to no end. In my personal life, I have OCD and endometriosis. These have contributed to destroying my life at points.
Tell us about your proudest moment in your music career?
Recently, we did a sold out show to celebrate my recent EP ‘iliad’. The vibe was genuinely flawless, everyone wanted to be there and I just have never felt so much kindness in a room.
Do you have any wise words or advice for any musicians starting out?
Have you any goals for the near future?
Trust yourself more than whatever the ‘industry’ person has to say, you shouldn’t do anything that feels wrong. Write about your life and what makes you feel things. Don’t write to please others. Rivalry always exists, so try your best to look past it. You can be talented as hell, and still not get good opportunities. The industry is extremely difficult and fucked up, so do it for love.
"You can be talented as hell, and still not get good opportunities. The industry is extremely difficult and fucked up, so do it for love"
Have you any goals for the near future?
Perform live as much as humanly possible. Release as much music as I can. My biggest long term goal is to perform at the Marryat Hall in my hometown. I will get there though, I’m sure.
Quick fire Round
Which musician would you love to collaborate with?
What are your top 3 songs of all time?
Mojo Pin by Jeff Buckley, Dime Quarterback by Mk.Gee and Heavy Water/I’d rather be sleeping by Grouper.
How do you put your stamp on things?
Leaning into my own personality, accepting I’m not perfect and neither is my project and creating a novel world through Theo Bleak based on my life as Katie Lynch.
Check out Theo's work
Theo's Website
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