Thena Dare: News

This video was shot in September of last year at the Los Angeles Music Academy. It was such a joy to have the opportunity to sing with such an amazing singer, but even more, such an honest soul. I didn't plan on it, but Rachelle ended up taking me to church during our improvisational session, as I shared my heart and my testimony with the students. Such a beautiful moment!

Hello friends!

I am so thrilled to let you know about our new project. Ted Beam and I have officially undertaken our first combined album effort, which will be an EP, hopefully released by late this year. The synergy of our songs and vocals is something we can't wait to share with everyone. We're excited about where the music is heading, and we definitely feel we are hitting our stride with this collection of songs.

Peace,
-thena

102.3 WGOW, the main f.m. talk radio station in Chattanooga Tennessee has been airing Thena's songs... Thanks, Jeff Styles!

We are pleased to announce that Thena's album "Under the Radar" is now available for download on iTunes.

Thena is proud to announce 2 new additions to her band: Steve Gregory and Corrie Covell. Steve, an amazing guitarist, brings sensitivity and genius to Thena's music, and has played with the likes of Ray Charles and Leonard Cohen, to name a few. Check him out at www.myspace.com/stevegregory. Corrie, a phenomenally talented violinist and cellist, perfectly compliments Thena's intelligent pop songs with color and spark. Thanks to Steve and Corrie for making Thena's music better than it could possibly be without them!

This song is my love letter to America. It comes from my heart. I hope it speaks to you - enjoy!

In addition to teaching the vocal pop performance class at the Los Angeles Music Academy (college), Thena is also teaching the Songwriting course, starting this Fall quarter. She is thrilled at the opportuntiy to share her knowledge and experience with students, and hopes they will take something invaluable from their time together! Thena has thoroughly enjoying her time teaching at LAMA, and is incredibly thankful to be doing something that she can both give to, and receive filfilment from. http://www.lamusicacademy.com/

It may seem out of the ordinary, but the truth is, Thena has had it in her heart to teach for some time now. Upon being approached to teach by friend and former USC vocal instructor Tierney Sutton, thena gladly accepted. Sutton, a 2-time Grammy nominee, comes from a successful and considerable run as head of the USC Vocal Jazz department, and now is taking the reins of L.A.M.A.'s vocal department. Thena will be teaching an Rock/R&B/Folk Vocal Performance class, as well as several others, TBA, and hopes to bring spunk, inspiration and a joy of learning to her students!

After auditions and call-backs, Thena finally found out that she made it into the first ever USC Music Industry Showcase. It was a great honor to be selected by the USC faculty to represent her school, and a great opportunity for Thena to be heard by some top names in the music industry. Thanks to USC, and the Music Industry School for a fantastic and successful evening of talent!

Check it out! The video for Thena's appearance on Open Mic TV is now available for viewing... Share with your friends too!

Check our this video our church community and dear friends put together, and see what's going on with the people of the Amazon, Brazil. Many have been forgotten by their government, and are in need of schools and care. Ray of Hope and Gloria Santos have been a huge blessing to these people, and to me. Visit our Links page to see how you can give to this amazing project through Ray of Hope. To watch the video, click here:

http://www.tandemarts.com/video/qt/082a_terrapreta_rev14_large.mov

In this last season, I have been through so much craziness, I don’t even know where to start. Suffice it to say that you should be very careful about who you meet online, and possibly subsequently work with. You may think you know these people, but be honest with yourself – you really don’t know them from atom. They could be criminals, and sometimes they are. Also, beware (musicians in search of producers) of those who have “had” great success in the business in the past, and are now middle-aged, and hitting their mid-life crisis. -They will love what you do, but then try to change it completely, in order to make a “comeback,” or to make a name for themselves. If they mention hit-men, take a mental note, and quietly back out the door. You may want to find another producer. Or you may want to just forget about this whole music-industry mess altogether. Maybe start a family and just write songs for your sweetie, and dance like a fool for your kids. That could be a good option.

I may have been through the ringer, friends, but I am still here, and still making music. Who knows where I will go from here, but the possibilities truly seem opened up to me. Now that I am “over it” – the dream to be famous, recognized – whatever, well- the sky’s the limit! Just do what brings you and those around you joy. Oh yeah- and don’t work with crazy people!

After much anticipation Thena's third album entitled UNDER THE RADAR is finally here! The album is a landmark for Thena, showcasing her undeniable growth as an artist, and proving that she has truly come into her own as a songwriter. The album features 12 new originals songs, which you can listen to by visiting our MUSIC section. To purchase UNDER THE RADAR, go to BUY. Thanks for supporting Thena!

2 of Thena's songs recently appeared in the successful independent film, First Morning, which won best feature at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. First Morning was released in major theatres across the country for a limited run, and is now available for purchase at Amazon.com, or by visiting www.firstmorningthemovie.com.

Thena recently performed at the benefit for Heart Education, the non-profit spear-headed by Leila Steinberg, Tupak Shakur's former manager. Over $100,000 was raised to help support the arts in schools, and the night was also brought to life by well-known comedian Mike Epps' brilliant stand-up routine. Also notable was the Tupac original poem that auctioned for $20,000. www.hearteducation.org