The Story
Thea Tochihara's musical journey began in Denver, Colorado, where she discovered her songwriting voice later in life. Relocating to San Diego, she transformed her personal struggles and strict Catholic upbringing into a powerful musical narrative that defies traditional genre boundaries. Her path to music was unconventional, marked by a determination to overcome internal doubts and external expectations.
In 2022, Thea The Band released their debut LP 'American Honey', which immediately garnered critical acclaim with a San Diego Music Awards nomination for Best Country/Americana Album. The follow-up single 'Hitchhike To Heaven' further solidified her reputation, earning a 2024 San Diego Music Awards nomination for Best Folk/Acoustic Song. Her most recent release, 'Whiskey Revival', showcases her innovative spirit, even securing a unique licensing deal with San Diego Sunshine Co.
Thea The Band is a fluid musical collective, sometimes performing as a solo act and other times expanding to include her husband Jeff Litzmann on bass, Erik Frank, and guitarist Chico Medina. This flexibility allows for intimate acoustic performances and full-band experiences that showcase the depth and versatility of Tochihara's songwriting. Collaborations with artists like Katie Leigh, Ashley Reynolds-Montano, and Ashley E. Norton have further expanded her musical landscape.
Rooted in the Ramona music scene and an active member of the Ramona Music Alliance, Thea Tochihara has developed a reputation for raw, honest storytelling that explores themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and spiritual struggle. Her 'Cosmic American' sound blends country/folk authenticity with soulful blues and indie rock textures, creating a unique musical experience that invites listeners to embrace vulnerability and find connection through music.
