Meet Thea The Band | 9-5er by day singer-songwriter by night

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thea The Band and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thea The Band, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
No matter how much the curtain gets pulled back, the music industry is still full of magic.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Something a little different about me? I didn’t start singing, songwriting, or playing guitar until I was 28 years old. I was previously working on getting my Marriage and Family Therapist License after graduating with an MA in Clinical Psychology and would NEVER have thought my path would change to the degree that it did. But God had another path and plan for me, and it took a called off wedding to break the ice on my discovering just what that was. Nothing short of magical soul searching led me to music – which was the love that I was missing in my life – and in that sense, love is never too late, but always right on time.
That said, learning about the music industry, booking gigs, writing songs, forming a band, recording and releasing songs, and then trying to get people to care about them- it’s a craft that I’m constantly trying to get better at. It’s not easy! But just when you feel like giving up, something magical happens; a listener tells you a song you wrote gets them through the day or you have a really good show, or a great opportunity lands in your lap, and it feels like music is telling you to keep keeping on. One of the most exciting things to happen, I have my own whiskey! In a partnership/ licensing deal with San Diego Sunshine distillery, I had the honor and pleasure of releasing both an EP ‘Whiskey Revival,’ and a single malt whiskey (‘Whiskey Revival). I must admit, that felt pretty darn cool.
The main lesson I’ve learned? You can’t lie in music. That’s part of what I love so much about it. It demands being honest about who you are.
What’s funny is, I walked away from a career in Psychology to do music, and music has turned out to be the only brand of therapy that I think would’ve worked on me. I’m a work in progress, but am thankful everyday music is my vessel for self discovery.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well! I’m a Ramona gal now, so I would have to hog them in my little town for at least a few days of that week to show them all my favorite local spots. There is live music almost every night of the week here, so it would be tough to narrow it down! But I’ll do my best.
A nice hike in the morning (there are so many great ones around Ramona), brunch at Marinade On Main, grab some live music at Reds Whites and Brews, Smoking Canon, or Pamo paired with pizza from Mamma’s, a tour of the wineries then dinner and live music at Barn in “the lounge” with it’s speak easy vibes and curated listening room.
Another day hiking at Torrey Pines and consignment shopping, and some classic San Diego nightlife at Lulu’s for amazing ambiance and live music/ dancing. Maybe a drink at the one and only Live Wire classically paired with a late night burrito from Colimas.
And then to bring the week to a close, a night or two at the Hotel Del in Coronado, days spent on the beach followed with gelato, and a stop in McP’s Irish pub.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Huge shout out to my husband and family that have been supportive over the long haul, through all the depths and peaks of being a creative. Gratitude for the San Diego music scene, and huge thanks and love to the local Ramona music community. From the venues to the musicians, the promoters, and most importantly to the show goers. Their support and dedication is second to none.

Website: https://www.theatheband.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theatheband

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtheatochihara/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theatheband

Image Credits
John Hancock, Julie Bennett, Rob Knauff