THERA releases debut album

Coming out of the Czech Republic’s music scene, newcomer THERA is a rising star with a unique sound and a relentless creative drive. Despite her youth, THERA has already proven that she has the clarity of vision and the work ethic necessary to make an impact in the world of modern music. Her songs reflect an emotional honesty, drawing from real-life experiences and her willingness to be vulnerable in her lyrics makes her music all the more compelling.

Inspired by pop and R&B artists such as Madison Beer, SZA, Tate McRae and Rihanna, THERA has been able to craft her own original sound that blends heartfelt reflection with catchy melodies and bold production. Influenced by American music during her numerous trips across the Atlantic, her sound carries the the shining appeal that could easily place her alongside her idols on the global stage.

In 2021, THERA began recording the material for what would become her debut album, I Wish I Called, collaborating with producer Martin Prikryl as well as Matej Moravek and Matej Belko. This period set in motion the beginning of her professional career, with a series of recording sessions that captured the emotional intensity and sonic textures that define her music.

THERA officially stepped into the spotlight earlier this year, after being discovered by the SOUNDS INC management team. Her debut single, “stain,” dropped in April, introducing her sound to the world. However, it was her follow-up single, “DLTTI,” that truly put her on the map by going viral on TikTok and racking up over three million plays.

Now she brings us her most ambitious release to date with her first full-length record, the debut eleven-track album titled I Wish I Called. From the opening introduction piece “ringing…,” the ambient, lo-fi beat and smokey sonic atmosphere gives way to “fate” where the downtempo snap of the drums ushers in THERA’s hushed yet impassioned vocals to form an immersive, dark pop scene. Building with grooving rhythms, layers of synths and gripping vocal performance carrying R&B-inflected melodies, it’s an enthralling sound to get he album fully underway.

The delicate twang of clean guitar follows on “erase” as THERA’s gentle voice applies soft leads above the minimal arrangement. Swelling with driving energy, a pop rock aesthetic takes hold with lively percussion and guitars underpinning her defiant vocals to form a rousing musical experience.

Previous hit “DLTTI” serves up an enveloping display of alternative pop with rattling drums, intricate plucked strings and commanding vocals. Full of catchy hooks and infectious rhythm wrapped up in slick sound design, it’s an empowering anthem that showcases the cutting-edge sonic vision of THERA in a spectacular way.

The album’s lead single “guardian angel,” which has already secured slots on Spotify Editorials playlists such as New Music Friday and EQUAL, reveals the more tender and elegant side of THERA’s artistic output. With a heartfelt, piano-led ballad, her vocals drift beautifully above the instrumentation to thread blissful melodies into the charming sound. Bringing the album full-circle with “dying tone,” airy piano tones, lush vocalisations and an emotional voicemail sample combine to produce a moving and dreamy finale to THERA’s sensational debut record.

Listen to I Wish I Called below