A few weeks ago, the EP ‘Ganhar Voz’ was launched, marking Dreia’s debut in the music world following the release of some promising singles. A ‘listening party’ held in Lisbon celebrated this release, providing the young artist with one of her first opportunities to connect with the public and establish herself as a name to watch.
Notícias ao Minuto spoke with Dreia, the stage name of Andreia Monteiro, through a video call about this launch.
Now 28, the singer has previously worked in journalism but decided to return to an old passion that had always been present yet not nurtured to its full potential.
It is from this journey that the title of the EP, ‘Ganhar Voz,’ emerged—a first work comprising six (promising) tracks. Dreia shared insights about her beginnings in music, the creative process, future plans, and her main influences.
Read the full interview below.
How did the EP’s listening party go? Was it your first time having so many people engage with your music?
It went well! It was wonderful to celebrate the EP, share stories, and be with people… It was good. Many friends were there, but there were also people I didn’t know. While it was a bit strange, it felt good to know that people resonated with the messages and songs.
Did many people talk to you about your songs? How does this feedback make you feel as an artist?
Very good. Many people told me they related to the experiences I shared in the songs and enjoyed hearing the stories behind each song. I think this is one of the main reasons I make music—to echo what so many of us feel. We all feel more or less the same things; it’s the details that change. Sometimes it’s easier to know we are not alone.
Although you have released a few songs already, this is your first EP. What does this step mean to you in what you believe is your journey as an artist?
I think it’s an introduction of myself as both a person and an artist. It is a very true and autobiographical work. It’s very exciting because the theme ‘Ganhar Voz’, which is the title of the EP, has existed for some years now. The EP consists of six songs, each representing something I’ve learned in recent years in the process of finding my voice. Whether in the most literal sense—that is, living believing I couldn’t sing and then reconnecting with my voice, overcoming those thoughts, studying music, starting to sing and deciding I wanted that to be my life.
There’s also gaining voice as a person, metaphorically. I remember being a child with all the dreams in the world, where ‘impossible’ was a word that didn’t make much sense. But then we start living, interacting with others, facing societal limitations that seep into our subconscious… I distanced myself from some things and got lost along the way. In recent years, I’ve been, in a way, rebuilding my voice, returning to what I was, to the things that made sense to me, and what I wanted initially—to be an artist.
What led you back to that ‘essence’ you had when you were younger? Was there any event you can point to?
Yes. I started studying music because, as a journalist, I was interviewing many musicians, which further ignited my passion. But when I decided to quit and focus on music, it was because I became ill, dealing with depression and burnout, questioning many things at that time. I realized being sick shouldn’t be an option, especially not for a dream that isn’t mine.
That’s when I understood I had to do something for myself and what I want, stop living the life chosen for me and give it a try. While still young, so I wouldn’t reach 70 and feel bitter for not having even tried. I took that step thanks to my support network. It’s a brave move, but courage sometimes comes with privilege. I knew I had a network of people who could support me, and I decided to take that step.
After releasing an EP, it’s only natural to start thinking about the next steps, such as releasing an album. Is that on the horizon for you?
I don’t know. I need to see what comes up. Right now, I’m thinking more about another EP, not an album. But who knows? Things can change, and I might have the means to make an album. I’d love that [laughs]. I really want to have an album one day, with more songs.
Some artists prefer the creative process of composing and writing lyrics, recording, or performing live. Do you belong to any of these groups?
I’m not sure I can answer that because I don’t have much experience singing live…
But is it something you’d like to pursue in the future?
I very much want to, even though I suffer a lot from anxiety [laughs]. I get very, very nervous when I have to sing live, but I really like the stage. I know that because I’ve done theater and sung live; even though those moments before going on are nerve-wracking, after one or two songs, I feel at ease and don’t want to leave the stage. I love sharing with people, the energy of the stage.
But I also love creating. I wrote the songs with Rita Onofre, and it was beautiful because working with her is so rewarding. I also love sitting down and sharing stories with someone to create a song that makes sense and best serves the themes. I enjoy recording as well, although the challenge can be that when recording final vocals after composing, the emotion might not be there. Some songs on my EP experienced this, but I always managed to turn it around, and that, too, is a good process and a test of overcoming hurdles.
Regarding your writing process, it’s interesting you were a journalist because there, you have to tell stories, and not often about yourself. How do you see the merging of your journalist side—telling stories other than your own—with writing new songs that aren’t about you?
I’m not sure if that will be my next step, but I think, as a songwriter, sometimes I’ll write about my experiences and other times about stories I hear around me that I want to incorporate into a song. I’d like to eventually include stories from other people because it’s something I continue to do—gather stories that aren’t mine and write about them. It’s something I really enjoy, and it enriches me. Perhaps one day this will appear in my songs.
After listening to the EP, I was curious about your influences. What artists or bands—both national and international—would you say have influenced your music?
Some influences may seem unrelated [laughs], but there are several. The influence of nearly everyone: Billie Eilish. There’s also Willow, especially her jazz album—which I wish I had written [laughs]—and I really like Jacob Collier.
Now I listen to more Portuguese music. Obviously, Rita Onofre, Iolanda, Ana Lua Caiano, a bit of Cláudia Pascoal, Maro… In terms of performance, I also enjoy Salvador Sobral, Cordel, José Mário Branco, Rio Grande… I’ve revisited Madredeus, which I listened to as a child.
As you can see, there are many and varied influences [laughs].
You mentioned many female artists, like Ana Lua Caiano, Maro, Iolanda, among others, who have been making significant strides in recent years. Even though you are starting your career now, do you feel that, thanks to the relevance of such women, it is easier for a female artist to carve out and establish her path today?
I think so. But being easier doesn’t mean it’s that easy. Certainly, many have paved the way for these artists and for someone like me who is just starting. I owe them for opening the path. Artists like Carolina Deslandes, Bárbara Tinoco, or Luísa Sobral have blazed a trail, especially in composition, so that there’s more than one woman being heard. But there’s still much to be improved.
