Valerie Teicher Barbosa creates music that defies simple labels. Born in Buenos Aires and raised across continents, this artist brings a global perspective to her work. She studied at Berklee College of Music before settling in New York City.
Her stage name Tei Shi (pronounced “tay-shee”) emerged in 2013. The singer quickly gained attention for her intimate, atmospheric tracks. She blends indie pop with alternative R&B and art pop experimentation.
Valerie Teicher controls every aspect of her creative vision. As both songwriter and producer, she builds intricate soundscapes from conception to final mix. Her soprano vocal range floats through layered productions.
She playfully describes her work as “mermaid music.” This term captures the fluid, ethereal quality of her sound. The music feels both minimal and lush, intimate yet expansive.
This introduction explores how heritage, education, and artistic courage shaped one of indie music’s most distinctive voices. Her journey reflects a commitment to honoring roots while pushing boundaries.
Exploring Tei Shi’s Early Life and Cultural Roots
The resilience embedded in her family history became a silent force behind her creative courage. Her identity was forged across continents, creating a rich foundation for her art.
From Buenos Aires to Vancouver: A Global Upbringing
Valerie Teicher Barbosa was born in Buenos Aires to Colombian parents. Her childhood unfolded in Bogotá before a move to Vancouver.
This journey across the Americas meant constant adaptation. She learned to observe new social worlds with a sharp eye.
These diverse environments shaped her artistic sensibility. Each city contributed a unique piece to her creative puzzle.
| City | Country | Life Stage | Cultural Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Argentina | Birthplace | Initial South American roots |
| Bogotá | Colombia | Childhood | Family heritage and language |
| Vancouver | Canada | Adolescence | Adaptation to a new world |
Her Jewish Heritage and Musical Beginnings
As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she carries a deep understanding of displacement. This heritage informs her perspective on belonging.
She pursued formal training at Berklee College of Music. There, she honed her skills in composition and production.
Berklee also introduced her to collaborator Gianluca Buccellati. After graduation, New York City became her creative base.
Her cross-cultural identity is not just a backstory. It is the core of her artistic world.
Artistic Evolution: From Saudade to La Linda
A series of carefully crafted releases built the foundation for a distinctive and evolving artistic identity. Each project marked a new chapter in sound and scope.
Debut EP Saudade and the Rise of a Unique Sound
The 2013 debut EP, Saudade, introduced a vocalist unafraid of vulnerability. Its six tracks layered harmonies and loops into deeply emotional soundscapes.
Standout song “Nevermind the End” earned praise for its cascading vocals. The release established a signature style of minimal instrumentation and breathy, atmospheric vocals.
Her second EP, Verde, arrived in 2015. Its lead single “Bassically” became a breakout hit, racking up millions of streams.
Crawl Space and the Transition to Full-Length Albums
The debut album, Crawl Space, arrived in 2017. It represented a full-length artistic statement. Singles like “Keep Running” demonstrated significant growth.
The album’s title reflected personal history, transforming childhood vulnerability into creative fuel. This release showed a confident move into album-length narratives.
She released her second studio album, La Linda, in 2019. Inspired by a cross-country move, it featured collaborations that deepened her R&B influences.
Track by track, these works chart an artist refining her voice. She expanded her production palette while maintaining compelling intimacy.
Tei Shi’s Influences and Collaborations in Music
Musical alliances reveal an artist who thrives in creative exchange with diverse talents. Her collaborations span genres and showcase her distinctive vocal approach.
Guest Appearances and Cross-Genre Partnerships
The singer’s 2014 feature on Glass Animals’ “Holiest” demonstrated her seamless genre blending. Critics praised her delicate, airy vocals against the band’s textured production.
Blood Orange became a significant creative partner. She co-wrote and performed on his “Hope” track from Negro Swan.
The partnership deepened when he appeared on her “Even If It Hurts.” Their Coachella 2019 performance cemented this artistic kinship.
Unique Production Techniques and Indie Pop Elements
As both producer and songwriter, she builds tracks from vocal ideas outward. Her approach favors emotional structure over formula.
She employs looped live vocals during performances. This creates layered, hypnotic textures that define her sound.
Collaborations with Gianluca Buccellati and recent partners show her evolving production style. Each partnership reveals new dimensions of her artistry.
Final Reflections on Tei Shi’s Ongoing Musical Journey
The journey from a major label to full independence defines the most recent chapter of this artist’s career. Her 2020 EP, Die 4 Ur Love, captured the raw urgency of that transition.
Subsequent releases like the Bad Premonition EP and the self-released album Valerie cemented her control. Each new song felt like a statement of self-reliance.
Looking ahead, the 2025 album Make Believe I Make Believe promises a culmination of this evolution. Lead singles “Best Be Leaving” and “Drop Dead” preview a focused, collaborative sound.
Tei Shi’s music continues to evolve, honoring its roots while embracing the freedom of what comes next. Her career is a testament to building an artistic world on one’s own terms.
