ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: THERA
At just 19, THERA is turning bedroom dreams into global pop moments. With over 8 million streams, a million streamed debut album, and stages shared with Loreen and Jason Derulo, the Czech rising star is moving fast. From Spotify spotlights to Times Square billboards, their pop invites listeners into real.
You are only 19 and already past 8 million streams. When you look at those numbers, does it feel surreal, or are you already thinking about the next milestone?
It honestly does feel quite insane how much I have achieved so far. I feel like only now I've finally had a moment to kind of look back and really allowed myself to process it. I'm really proud of it all, and really grateful for all of the opportunities i've received these past two years, however, I am always looking ahead and planning the next thing. That's also what's so fun about this career, just always look ahead.
You are joining Jason Derulo as main support on the European leg of The Last Dance World Tour. What was your first reaction when you found out you would be stepping onto stages like OVO Arena and O2 Arena?
Honestly, I was in pure disbelief. I feel like it's difficult to even process that information, that your dreams are becoming a reality. I remember feeling so many emotions in that moment, but I was just excited for the whole process to begin. For the planning, rehearsals, and getting the team together to go on tour together. It was just amazing.
From supporting Loreen on a sold out European run to now sharing arenas with Jason Derulo, how has your stage presence evolved?
I've become a lot more confident, and a lot more sure of who I am as THERA on stage. I would also say that it's allowed me to enjoy it more. I used to have crazy stage fright, but now I just go out there and sing and tell the stories of my songs to the audience. It's a really freeing feeling.
Spotify spotlighted you as a rising talent, and you appeared on a Times Square billboard with a feature alongside FC Barcelona. Did that moment change how you see your global impact?
That moment really showed me that dreams can become reality. I started this whole journey by just singing and writing in my bedroom, and never thought they could reach so many people. The support from Spotify almost reassured me that I was doing what I was meant to do. I'm just grateful I get to share my music with my angels.
You were named EQUAL CZ and SK Ambassador and became the first Czech EQUAL Global Ambassador. What does representing Czech artists on that level mean to you?
I am really grateful that I get to represent the Czech Republic with all of my music and achievements. It's an honor that I am able to get more recognition for the country, and hopefully for more Czech artists too! My goal is to just get the Czech Republic to as many places as possible, but being the first Czech EQUAL Global Ambassador is something I will hold with me for the rest of my life.
Your debut album I Wish I Called has surpassed 1 million streams. Looking back, what part of that project feels most personal to you now?
I would say the album as a whole. I wrote that album because I was going through a lot of my own problems, and it was almost a diary of my thoughts and feelings. I love looking back at it, and seeing how it not only helped me but now has helped so many people and continues to. 'rain' is probably my most personal song on the album, as it was the first song I wrote at 12 years old, and really reflects where I started to where I am now.
Songs like stain, DLTTI and the viral guardian angel have connected strongly on Spotify and TikTok. Did you expect any of them to take off the way they did?
No I really didn't. I don't think I ever expected any of them to resonate with so many people as they did.
Your single rewind dives into love, pain and emotional push and pull. Was that song written from personal experience, or observation?
Most, if not all, of my music is written from personal experience. I wrote it about a very toxic relationship I went through.
The KNWLSY remix of rewind adds a fresh energy to the track. What do you enjoy most about hearing your music reimagined in a new way?
I love hearing how different people interpret my songs. It's really fun seeing how you can tell one message through so many different ways.
You have collaborated with Grammy winning songwriters Steve Diamond and Jeff Cohen. What is one unforgettable lesson you took from those studio sessions?
Just the power of songwriting. I wrote a couple songs during those sessions that were so emotionally charged, and really allowed me to feel the emotions I needed through the songs. So, I would say the fans should expect some really sad, heart-breaking songs on this new album with the sexy confident ones too.
After being discovered by UK management team Sounds Inc., your career quickly expanded beyond the Czech Republic. How did that shift shape your ambition?
I've always wanted to aim for the international market. I feel like that was a given for me, since I also sing in English rather than in Czech. However, since being discovered by Sounds Inc I feel that I've been given the proper place to do so. Being able to work with a management that understands the industry has helped me with a lot of steps in my career, and if it wasn't for Brian Harris, I wouldn't be where I am today.
At 18, with over 8 million streams and international recognition, do you feel more freedom, or more responsibility, as your audience expands?
I wouldn't say I feel more responsibility. Of course, my aim is to create music that acts as a safe space for my fans, but I've realized that being vulnerable in the lyrics I write is what makes it so relatable. So there's quite a lot of freedom, because I just write about what I feel and try to make it relatable to my whole audience.
Your debut album I Wish I Called arrived as a bold introduction to your artistry. If you had to sum up that era in 3 words, what would they be?
I would say: youth, self-discovery, emotion
Fans often compare you to Billie Eilish. Do you take that as a compliment, motivation, or something to gently challenge as you build your own lane?
I honestly do take it as a compliment, I mean who wouldn't? She is a phenomenal artist, and if I am connecting to people in a similar way, then I think that's amazing. Of course, there will always be comparisons, especially as I am still at the start of my career, so I don't mind at all.
If you could rewind to the very start of your journey at 15 and give yourself 1 sentence of advice, what would it be?
To believe in myself more, and trust my intuition.