Thala

Thala follows last year’s critically-acclaimed EPs ‘In Theory Depression’ and ‘twotwentytwo’ with a new single, ‘don’t want u to die’, an uplifting parable filled with modern-day melancholy, it’s a cathartic cut of pop that surges with dramatic heft and executed with pinpoint precision. 

“It’s reminiscent of a very dark place I once used to gravitate towards and I think a lot of people can relate to that,” she explains, “You just submerge yourself in all sorts of vices so you don’t have to see or feel your own pain until it eventually becomes a coping mechanism in itself. When I wrote the song I realised that it had turned into an anthem for anyone who needs to hear that they’re great; that they’re loved and never truly alone, as cheesy as it sounds.” 

Thala is a transient person, who spent a number of years working on the Canary Islands juggling odd jobs. It was in the Canaries that the roots in her music began to take hold, drawing on shimmering early 90s shoegaze – a measured and cerebral style of music, emulated by the hours spent underwater as a diving instructor. Returning to Berlin, she threw herself into the full-blown pursuit of music.

Since then, her sound has developed into a widescreen dreamy cinematic experience as first displayed on the emotional indie pop of last year’s releases. Now, ‘don’t want u to die’ goes much deeper with its ticking rhythm and enormous chorus. It’s Soccer Mommy meets Mazzy Star melancholy through to the gorgeous off kilter guitar break; it’s a euphoric moment of release in a bittersweet story that evolves into an upbeat paean of hope and positivity. 

“We have to become more open minded and vulnerable as a society and start sharing so that we can exercise empathy,” she concludes. 

“Music is the fuel to heal ourselves in whatever way we need” she says of her relationship with her craft.

And therein lies the heart of her music  – a cathartic, wildly empowering, self-explorative from a future indie heartbreaker at her gutsy best.