Thea Lissi: A Rising Country Star with a Story to Tell

Thea Lissi isn't just another voice in Country music - she's a storyteller, a soul-baring artist who turns life's highs and lows into songs that hit straight to the heart. Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, Thea blends the raw honesty of classic country with the rich, swampy soul of her Southern roots. Her music isn't just heard; it's felt.

With her single, BAD GUY, set to release on February 28, 2025, Thea takes listeners on an emotional journey through heartbreak, self-discovery, and the courage to walk away. The song, a bold anthem about refusing to be cast as the villain in someone else's story, showcases her signature blend of powerful storytelling and deep, authentic emotion.

In this article, we'll dive into Thea's artistic journey, her songwriting process, and the inspiration behind BAD GUY. From her Louisiana upbringing to her evolution as a country artist, Thea Lissi is proving that music isn't just about melodies - it's about truth, and she's here to share hers.

Your single, "BAD GUY," has such a powerful message. What was the defining moment that inspired you to write this track?

Thea: At the time I was going through a breakup and I wanted nothing more than to keep things civil and peaceful because at the end of the day I still cared about that person. But I guess he needed to hate me to move on. So this song was basically me coming to terms with the fact that he needed to make me out to be the 'bad guy' even though him and I both know. I am not. As a people pleaser by nature…. that was hard for me to accept lol

You have a unique sound that blends swampy soul with classic country storytelling. How did you develop your signature style?

Thea: Being born and raised in south Louisiana I feel like the soul and "cajun spice" in me is something that will always come out in everything that I do. And something that I've always loved and admired about country music is the storytelling aspect of it. So I've done my best to stay true to my roots and what feels natural to me sound wise but to also push myself to get creative with my songwriting to make sure that I'm telling my story in the best way possible while maintaining the integrity of my personal sound.

Can you take us inside your songwriting process? Do you start with a melody, lyrics, or a personal experience that sparks inspiration?

Thea: Honestly for every song it is different. Sometimes I hear a track and I'm inspired to write to it, other times I'm just going through something and in that moment, the lyrics start just pouring out of me.(probably sounds crazy but its true) and other times, I think of a melody and then put the lyrics to it. Whatever the inspiration is, I try to just allow myself to ride the wave, because you never know when it's going to come.

Is there a lyric from "BAD GUY" that hits the hardest for you personally? Why?

Thea: I would have to say it would be the line in the 2nd verse where I say "you played with fire so how the hell'd we both get burned" because at the end of the day he kept repeating the same mistakes knowing it would push me away. So in the end we both got burned and I got blamed. :/

What's one song - other than your own - that you blast in the car with the windows down?

Thea: Depending on the mood I am in it can be anywhere from "So Can I" by Austin Snell to "Hate you + Love you" by Cheat codes and everything in between.

Every artist has pre-show rituals. What's something you have to do before stepping on stage?

Thea: Pray! If God isn't giving me the strength and wisdom in each step I take then I will surely fail at it all!

Growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, how did your roots shape your music?

Thea: I think cajuns just have a unique perspective on life and we grow up influenced by so many different styles of music in general. Which ultimately has helped shape who I am today and the music I make.

What message do you hope people take away from your music, especially "BAD GUY"?

Thea: That it iss okay to be honest about how you feel and what you're going through. It will change! There will be good days and there will be bad ones. There will be good relationships and there will be outright awful ones and I think being honest and vulnerable with yourself and others is refreshing and necessary!

With "BAD GUY" dropping soon, what's next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises fans should watch out for?

Thea: Well I do have quite a few songs in queue to be released with the next one being a song called "Sweeter". Hopefully if these songs do well then I'll get the green light to move forward with recording an album of songs that I've been dying to release and hopefully many more live shows along with that!!

For new fans just discovering Thea Lissi, what's one song of yours they should start with to really understand who you are as an artist?

Thea: Man, that is a hard question. I feel like my song "Best Mistake" really captures my soul and my voice in a light that I'm really proud of but then I also love "I don't" & "Pass Me the Lighter" and I think they are very relatable for anyone going through either a divorce or just a breakup in general. And then for anyone who has dealt with childhood trauma, especially with their father, there's "Little White House" and "Pain Made Me" from back in my Pop/R&B days.

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@thealissi

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