Tessa Hills: from Gisborne to the global stage

Massey alumna Tessa Hills, also known as DJ Messie, is making significant waves in the global music scene. A graduate of Massey University’s Bachelor of Commercial Music programme, Tessa’s rise to fame has been rapid and impressive, as is her innate talent with the education and support she received during her studies.

A spark for musical passion

Born and raised in Gisborne on New Zealand’s East Coast, Tessa’s journey into music began later than most might expect. “I only started getting into music when I was about 15,” she explains. Unlike many musicians who show early signs of their calling, Tessa’s childhood was with various hobbies and sports, including football and karate. “I always had a passion for something, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that music took over.”

Her initial interest was a fascination with drums. “I wanted to learn how to play the drums because I liked a lot of music that centres on drums,” she says. After a few lessons, Tessa took it upon herself to master the instrument. “I bought my own electric kit and later a guitar. I would stay up late every night, learning songs and practising,” she shares. This self-driven approach laid the foundation for her future career, with many of her high school years spent in the music practice room, refining her skills.

The Massey University experience

Tessa’s passion for music led her to Massey University, “I just really enjoyed music and drumming. It was the class I looked forward to the most every day.” Massey provided Tessa with a comprehensive education combining practical skills and academic knowledge.

“I was fortunate to receive a music scholarship, which helped me financially,” Tessa shares. “The teachers were all industry professionals, and they were incredibly supportive of our own music careers,” she adds. “The support from Massey was instrumental. They understood that our practical experience was as important as our academic achievements. They were flexible and supportive if I had a rehearsal or an important gig, which made a huge difference.”

Breakthrough with Fred Again

Tessa’s big break came in an unexpected but life-changing way when UK star Fred Again discovered her during his Australia tour. The collaboration began when Tessa submitted a mix through Fred Again’s social media. He was seeking a local DJ to open his pop-up show at the Coroglen Tavern in the Coromandel. Impressed by her talent, Fred invited Tessa and her friends to join him on his B stage at his show. A few days later, Tessa was on a flight out of New Zealand to play his final Perth show, which he invited her to come play following her successful set at the Coroglen Tavern.

“I started out opening for him, and he liked it so much that he asked me to come and play in Perth with him,” she recalls. Performing to a crowd of 35,000 people in Perth was a turning point. “It was very intimidating. My usual crowds were about 250 people, so it was a huge jump.” Despite the pressure, Tessa’s performance was a success, leading to an invitation to play at Glastonbury’s Shangri-La this June.

“Glastonbury was surreal,” Tessa says. “I don’t know how many people were there, maybe 5,000 or something like that. It was a good-sized crowd and really sunny, with wholesome energy.”

Glastonbury and beyond

This performance marked her first-ever show in the UK and was a pivotal moment in her career. “The moment I found out I would perform there, I was just hanging out with friends. I was really excited,” she shares. Preparing for such an iconic stage involved excitement and nerves. “I didn’t get nervous until maybe an hour beforehand. I just tried to stay focused on what I knew I could control,” she explains. Her set at Glastonbury was a triumph, drawing a large crowd and receiving great feedback. “It was just lots of fun,” she adds.

Tessa describes the experience as a mix of emotions. “Initially, I felt rushed trying to organise my backstage pass and everything. But once I was on stage, I saw a crowd of New Zealanders and Kiwis coming towards the stage. They didn’t know me, but they came to support me,” she recalls. This sense of community and support became a recurring theme throughout her performances. “It worked out well; the stage didn’t get overcrowded, but I still had a sizable crowd watching my set. Before going on, I felt nervous because it was just me. I’m used to having friends on the corner or on stage with me, but getting a ticket to Glastonbury at that time was impossible,” she explains.

Future aspirations and advice for aspiring musicians

Looking ahead, Tessa has big plans. “I’ve definitely got more music coming out in the future. Doing my own stuff but also collaborating with other artists,” she reveals. A European tour is also on the horizon, offering a chance to reflect and recharge. “I’m just going to take a break and have a fun time, embracing the culture as part of the audience,” she says.

For young musicians, Tessa has valuable advice: “Every musician should learn how to produce for themselves. It’s such an important tool.” She emphasises the importance of self-reliance in the creative process and actively engaging in the desired scene. “You need to make those connections and meet people. Even though I had Fred’s support, I had to pursue it myself initially – submitting forms, sending DMs, and following up after the show. Using my initiative and taking the extra step made all the difference.”

Kindness is another key component of her philosophy. “Be kind to everyone you come across. You never know what relationship you might get out of that.”