The Curious George Questionnaire: #8
What's on the Herizon? George hears from music writer Thea Wood, that's what!
MM: I first encountered Thea Wood’s Substack (linked below) while confabbing with other music writers back in my early forays with music writing in 2022-23, also on Substack. Herizon Music is, as Thea states on her About page, “a music industry publication and podcast spotlighting women's contributions to modern music and industry trends affecting women who work on stage, on air, and behind the scenes.” I’m happy to say Thea has become a good friend and I’m always interested in what she’s got going on in her world. George got curious (as he’s wont to do) and was grateful Thea answered his call!
She: When it comes to amplifying women in music, Thea Wood has understood the assignment and swung for double extra credit. She’s not only steadily illuminating the art and artistry of women making music, she’s also aiming her megawatt insight, intelligence, and savvy on the trends, politics, and shifts inside the biz itself. For so many women coming up in this art form knowledge is power and Thea is handing out Wonder Woman utility belts left, right, and center. Her First Ladies of Music: A Rockin’ Activity & Coloring Book was just announced to land on shelves in 2026, promising a fun, inspirational and educational must-have for every generation of music lovers. No wonder she caught George’s curious gaze!
Thea Wood Answers the Curious George Questionnaire!
To me curiosity is…
An innate compulsion to discover something new. It can be tempered with fear, complacency, or the ego. Untethered, curiosity is a direct path to awe (my favorite experience) with an ever-present chance of disappointment.
Describe a road not taken. Any regrets?
Too many alternative roads to count! But I do wonder what would have happened if I had tried my hand as a professional lyricist versus pursuing journalism. Regrets? Only that it took so long to stop living as a people-pleaser. So much wasted energy spent focusing on what makes others happy instead of myself. This mindset is still a work in progress.
Tell us how you fill your curiosity well
Discovering new (to me) talent in the music business exhilarates me. It’s that “awe” factor. Reading biographies has become an inspiration in the past couple of years. What experiences can I learn from and grow? How can I make the world a better place through writing and sharing these stories? That’s where my book concept First Ladies of Music: A Rockin’ Activity & Coloring Book came from and why I started the new premium series Hidden Tracks on Substack. Peering behind the scenes in the music industry, especially with regard to women and POC, shows that we’ve come a long way but still have a long way to go in the humanities and society as a whole.
Wonder or awe? Why?
Funny, I’ve been speaking of awe without even knowing this was a question! They are so similar in nature and by definition. I think awe is more important yet elusive for adults. We’re jaded, carry loads of baggage, and have learned/practiced rules and reserve. So when we stumble into something like a live show or a painting or the Northern Lights that awes us… for one magical moment… we shed the chains and live blissfully present like a child.
How would you spend your last day on earth?
This was very emotional to consider. I would get up early, pop on a playlist of my favorite artists then go for a walk around the lake and through my neighborhood with my girlfriends. Perhaps resting here and there and soaking in the scenery, the warmth of the sun, the breeze, and floral scents. Then, I’d gather my family and closest friends for a feast with lots of storytelling followed up by an outdoor concert—Tedeschi Trucks Band and a Dead cover band like JRAD or Brown Eyed Women would be fitting. After that, I’d settle in by the fire and Christmas tree, with my husband and kids, sharing stories and I love you’s before crossing over to the next great adventure.
My life philosophy is_______.
Some people are lucky enough to know and follow their purpose from an early age. Child prodigies are shining examples. Some of us spend decades figuring out our purpose. That’s not a bad thing, unless you are held captive by thought patterns and habits that harm yourself or others. I would say you’ve found your purpose when your talent and vision become tangible action that brings you joy and uplifts others. Your talents and vision may evolve, but the formula stays true.
You can find Thea Wood on her Herizon Music Substack:
Nice to see the talented activist Thea Wood and get to know more about her.