Hēir is the model-cum-musician who’s taking her artistry to new heights. Off the back of her sultry electronic ballad ‘Sentimento’, she talks her creative journey and where she wants to take her music next.

Meet Hēir, the stage name of Patricia Manfield, an artist whose creative journey is a lush tapestry woven from the colourful threads of her life, her passion for music, and her flirtation with the fashion world. Growing up in the bustling streets of Naples, Italy, Patricia was immersed in classical music, from a young age. This early exposure to artistry and performance set the stage for a life that dances between genres and identities, ultimately bringing her to where she is today.

 

Hēir’s childhood was anything but ordinary. With her parents constantly on tour, she often accompanied them travelling the world, “I was surrounded by musicians 24/7”, she recalls. However, the vibrant energy of Napoli—where the streets pulse with life and music—shaped her outlook on creativity, instilling a drive and determination that would fuel her artistic ambitions. “Napoli taught me to be a go-getter. Everyone in Napoli is hungry to make their dreams come true; it is like the underdog city in Italy,” she asserts.

 

Transitioning from the world of fashion to music was no small feat. Known as an It-girl in the fashion scene, Hēir faced the challenge of redefining herself in a new artistic light; one that wouldn’t come with any preconceived assumptions of her fashion persona. She chose to adopt a stage name, Hēir, to carve out her identity separate from her fashion fame. “I want it to be taken seriously,” she explains, highlighting her desire for authenticity. For Patricia, Hēir is a way to establish a genuine connection with her musical audience, rather than simply relying on a previous reputation.

Musically, Hēir blends alternative pop with a cinematic flair, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time. “Classical music was such a big part of my life that the first type of music I started making was very cinematic and very long. I love instrumentation and I always will.” Her creative process often begins with melodies that come spontaneously, which allow her to explore emotions and ideas freely: “Piano is my instrument, it’s very close to my heart.” Alongside her classical music roots, she finds solace in the art of the likes of Bon Iver or James Blake, “Bon Iver is my favourite band of all time. Justin Vernon is a genius. I’ve researched every single plugin that they’ve ever used.”

 

Despite her admiration for contemporary artists, Hēir has an obsession with ‘90s music. ”I’m obsessed with the ‘90s musically. Pop music was so powerful and didn’t need to tick a box, which I found so interesting. Sometimes I think of ‘Frozen’ by Madonna and I’m like how was a seven-minute song considered pop back in the days?” she shares, ”I feel like I don’t really get inspired by new music as much, I’m still romanticising what used to be.”

 

When it comes to writing and creating, her approach to songwriting is instinctual, built from her library of voice recordings on the go, “I’m on 1,984 recordings, so almost 2,000 for this phone.” Whether it’s a melody for a chorus or a bunch of words strung together, her phone is where it’s all hidden away, “Wherever I am, I just record it. I feel so lost without it, so I guess thank god for phones. Hēir’s dedication to musicality and storytelling is evident in her work, where lush instrumentation and emotive lyrics intertwine, “I always come up with melodies first and any kind of word I get attached to I leave it in there. From there, I just start writing and understanding what the song is about.”

Living between London and Los Angeles, Hēir experiences a stark contrast in artistic scenes. Los Angeles, with its laid-back charm, offers a landscape bursting with connections, yet its scene can sometimes feel transient and insubstantial. “There isn’t an underground scene in Los Angeles,” she observes, pointing out the unique social dynamics of the city: “Everything closes early so everybody’s up at 5 am hiking around with their green juice.” In contrast, London provides a more edgy, urban energy that resonates with her creative spirit. “I miss the rain a little bit,” she confesses, “Sometimes it’s just too sunny in LA, so when you’re writing about something depressing, the visuals just don’t add up, they don’t match.” As a performer, Hēir truly shines. On stage, she finds a sense of empowerment that is hard to replicate elsewhere, “I really love being on stage because it’s the only time I actually feel in control.” With a disciplined approach to her vocal health—avoiding damaging foods and sticking to a strict pre-show routine—she takes her craft seriously. “The type of food and drinks I want backstage when I perform is Manuka honey and ginger, so my pre-show ritual is just taking care of myself.” Yet, despite the preparation, it’s the connection with her audience that brings her the greatest joy. “I love having a crowd that is there to listen to music instead of being on their phones the whole time,” she says, capturing the essence of what makes live performances so special, “It’s just the best feeling when everybody’s singing back. We have a ritual post show too, which is a tequila shot and a cigarette.”

As a public figure, navigating the world of social media presents its own challenges and opportunities. Hēir is acutely aware of the pressure to conform to trends and algorithms, but she rejects the notion of vitality. “You’ve got to make sure that everything you make fits you and that you love it, don’t think of the algorithm,” she advises, reminding herself that creativity is a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on creating meaningful connections with her fans, instead of temporary moments of virality, she’s cultivated a supportive community that values artistry over superficiality. “I DM a lot with my fan base,” she reveals, “It creates this little community. That’s one thing that I think social media is amazing for. You can create your community over there and not be too detached.”

 

As Hēir delves into her upcoming EP, she’s excited to push the boundaries of her sound, incorporating more guitar-driven elements and live instrumentation. “I would say there’s a lot of myself in it. Before, I would step away from myself and write about other people’s stories.” she acknowledges, “I feel like it’s time that I address certain things that I’ve gone through.” This new direction marks an evolution in her music, reflecting her growing confidence and willingness to embrace the raw, emotional depth of her music. This upcoming project promises to reveal a more personal side of Hēir, one that intertwines her experiences with themes of love, heartbreak, and mental health, “My favourite song on the EP is called ‘Fire’, it’s a ballad and I’ve never really written a ballad like that before.” she reveals. Alongside writing everything, she’s planning on directing her music videos and cover shots too “It’s very special, directing all of the visuals. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

With her sights set on exploring these complex themes, Hēir seeks to articulate the nuances of the human experience. “There’s a lot of love, but there’s also a lot about mental health,” she shares, hinting at the emotional landscape her new music will traverse. In a world increasingly consumed by digital distractions, she aspires to address the realities of navigating a society that often feels overwhelming. “We all put these little characters on every day,” she reflects, emphasising her desire to connect on a deeper level with her audience.

 

With a rich background and a unique artistic vision, Hēir is poised to make a lasting impact in the music industry. Her journey—from the sun-drenched streets of Napoli to the bustling creative hubs of London and Los Angeles—illustrates her resilience and dedication to her craft. As she continues to evolve and share her story through her music, Hēir is an artist to watch. She is a powerful voice, inviting listeners to join her on this beautiful, unpredictable journey.