Maxim Meyer-Horn

11 Mar 2023
Music

Interview: Italian Fashion Darling Patricia Manfield Talks About Her Music Project Hēir and Her Upcoming EP

Patricia Manfield is among Italy’s most beloved fashion darlings and is also successful in the music industry under her moniker Hēir. On April 7, she will release her new EP ‘is that all there is’ as an independent artist, freeing herself on many levels. On the one hand, from pain and heartbreak, and on the other hand, from her record deal in which she felt trapped. It already yields captivating pop songs, which have a catchy effect on us thanks to their rock undertones. She’s the kind of artist more people should know about.

To start, let’s rewind very quickly. Who was the first artist you were obsessed with?

I think Kurt Cobain was my very first crush. Nirvana was definitely my favorite band growing up and grunge and rock music, in general, was the first genre of music I used to listen to.

Is there a big difference between Patricia and the artist HĒIR?

Huge. They’re two different people. Patricia is all out; she’s outgoing and a social butterfly, while Hēir is a total introvert, highly sensitive, and a loner. It doesn’t get more Gemini than me.

What made you realize that you wanted to make music?

I’ve always known ever since I was a kid. My parents are classical musicians, so I grew up in a household where my mom was rehearsing in the bathroom and my dad in the kitchen. I think I took it for granted growing up because my parents never really wished for me to have their same path but instead tried to protect me from the lack of stability that comes with the industry. I ended up doing it anyway.

Look by Yves Saint Laurent. Shoes by Isabella Mars.

Your debut EP, DADDY ISSUES, came out in 2020. How was the experience of releasing your first body of work?

My debut EP was very experimental in every way and yet very special because nothing was overthought. It came out literally in the week the pandemic was announced, so I didn’t get to experience the release of a first EP in any way. I couldn’t perform it … I couldn’t promote it … It felt very surreal. I am happy I get to finally celebrate my next EP and will celebrate the first one as well because it got me here.

You decided to continue as an independent artist. Did that new freedom trigger your creativity?

I think the worst feeling an artist can have is being trapped. There’s something empowering about making your own decisions and being in control of when and what. The EP, is that all there is—that will be released on April 7—came out in a flow because I needed that sense of control again. I needed to feel heard. I am the most creative when I can be honest. I keep the honesty for the songs—anything from my depression to my heartbreak—you’ll find it all in the music, but I probably won’t ever admit it in a conversation.

Many people also know you for being a fashion icon. How does your fashion inspire your music and vice versa?

It is definitely so inspiring. The world of fashion is more than just clothes; it can be an art installation, a vision, a message, a concept … So I get inspired by fashion when it comes to my visuals and shows. It’s another form of expression for me as an artist.

What can you express in your music that you can’t express with fashion?

This is an easy one: pain.

Is there a specific designer or fashion icon that you look up to the most?

Maria Callas is one of my biggest fashion icons. Everything about her was timeless.

How would you summarize the whole visual identity of HĒIR?

A pseudo-extrovert Neapolitan Gemini.

You’re releasing a new project soon. What’s the most exciting thing about the new music for you?

I’m excited about performing it. It’s some of my favorite music that I’ve done so far, and I’m excited for live shows. That’s when the songs will have their final form.

Full look by Acne Studios

What’s the newest single, “Rewind”, about?

“Rewind” is a song that I needed for myself. It’s about restarting and going back to the basics. I had a very tough six months before writing “Rewind”; I was going through depression. I had to cut people out of my life and start saying no. I needed a song to put a smile on my face and tell me everything was going to be ok.

What else can we expect from you soon?

I guess you’re gonna have to stay tuned and see. I’m looking to surprise myself as well.

‘is that all there is’ will be out on April 7. 

Hēir is photographed by Raffo Marone
Hair by Brady Lea
Make up by Andrew Denton
Styling by Hēir and Jahnavi Sharma
Set design by Hollie Peck
Lighting assistance by Dominic Compton
Location manager by Cate Holmes

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