Hey there, music lovers! Imagine this: It's one of those late-night scrolls where you're half-doom-scrolling, half-dreaming of tracks that hit you right in the feels. Then, bam—How to Stay Alive by Thea Sass-Ainsworth pops up. If you've ever stared into the mirror and wondered which version of yourself is staring back—the wide-eyed kid, the battle-scarred warrior, or that shadowy figure you're too scared to name—this song is your anthem. Dropping on June 17, this shimmering adult contemporary ballad isn't just a release; it's a lifeline wrapped in raspy vocals and gothic-tinged melodies. As someone who's been geeking out over Thea's alt-rock edge since her 2022 EP Manderley, I can tell you: this one's got me clenching my heart and nodding along like, "Yeah, we've all been there."
In a year where adult contemporary is leaning hard into introspective vibes—think Teddy Swims holding down the Billboard AC chart with raw emotional cuts like Lose Control, or the genre's ongoing love affair with big romantic ballads that double as therapy sessions—How to Stay Alive fits like a glove. Trends in 2025 are all about that hazy blend of pain and joy, where survival anthems aren't just pop fluff; they're razor-sharp reflections on mental health and self-love. Thea's track rides that wave perfectly, turning personal storm-chasing into universal hope. It's the kind of song that makes you pause your playlist and text a friend, "You gotta hear this."
So, let's dive into the magic of Thea Sass-Ainsworth, shall we? Born and raised in the wide-open spaces of Minnesota, this LA-based powerhouse brings a raspy voice that's equal parts vulnerability and fire. Her sound? Picture the eerie wonder of gothic tales crashing into the lush, life-affirming swells of baroque influences, all filtered through a fierce feminist lens. Themes of memory, longing, and loss are her bread and butter, but she pins them down with lyrics that feel like cold drinks in smoky rooms—intimate, hazy, and impossible to shake.
Over 2023 and 2024, Thea kept the momentum rolling with four killer singles: Love Me Lonely, Safe and Hollow, Was I Wong?, and Higher. Each one built on her debut EP Manderley, a twisting tapestry of lost love and late-night confessions that culminated in sold-out gigs at LA's Star Love and NYC's The Sultan Room. Fans raved about her live energy—raw, unfiltered, like she was spilling secrets just for you. Now, with How to Stay Alive, she's leveling up. This isn't background noise; it's a lesson in resistance, a gasping ballad that clenches your chest with second-hand pain while whispering, "Hey, if I made it through the storm, so can you."
Musically, it's pure adult contemporary gold. The production is soigné—think gentle, introspective builds with a brilliant foundation that elevates her vocal performance to center stage. That raspy timbre? It cuts through like a warm knife, carrying lyrics that shimmer with hazy simultaneity: pain and joy coexisting, solitude bleeding into togetherness. The melody's romantic and nostalgic, a rock ballad that speaks straight to the soul, per one glowing review from the rock spotlight scene. It's intimate yet universal, a guide to inner survival that transforms agony into light. And the video? Directed with that signature Thea flair, it visualizes those shadowed figures in the mirror, making the whole thing feel like a cinematic exhale.
Thea nails the explanation herself: "The aching truth of ‘How to Stay Alive’ is that we carry each version of ourselves with us wherever we go. Are we our youngest, most vulnerable self? Are we our wisest, oldest self? Or the version of ourselves that we are most scared of? Survival, in this song, is what we see when we hold up the mirror—the figures in shadow, the things that appear in chest-constricting clarity—and the agony of learning that pain and joy, solitude and togetherness exist in hazy simultaneity and as the distinct, razor-sharp puzzle pieces of who we are and the lives we have lived. This shimmering, gasping ballad is about if we can make peace with what survival has shaped us to be." Chills, right? It's self-reflection at its most poignant, echoing the genre's timeless pull toward songs about resilience and identity. In a world obsessed with quick-fix positivity, Thea reminds us that true survival means embracing the mess—the gothic terror, the baroque abundance, the everyday scrutiny.
What I love most? How this ties into broader adult contemporary currents. We're seeing more artists like Thea blending alt-rock edges with AC's smooth, un-distorted heart—think mellow pop-rock anthems that prioritize vocal virtuosity and love-focused (or in this case, self-love-focused) lyrics. It's a nod to the 80s and 90s heyday when AC was all about second chances and enduring hits, but updated for 2025's mental health conversations. Tracks like this aren't dying on the vine; they're getting that glorious second life on playlists, urging us to live fully amid the chaos. If you're into survival songs that double as self-reflection mirrors—à la Mariah Carey's Hero or Queen's Who Wants to Live Forever—this is your next obsession.
Alright, real talk: Listening to How to Stay Alive feels like a hug from an old friend who's been through the wringer and come out wiser. Thea's not just singing; she's sharing her blueprint for peace, and damn if it doesn't make you want to grab a notebook and jot down your own puzzle pieces. It's hopeful without being cheesy, raw without being overwhelming—a perfect entry point for anyone dipping into adult contemporary's emotional depths this summer.
If you're an artist with a story like Thea's—full of longing, loss, and that unshakeable spark—don't sleep on getting your music out there. Platforms like DistroKid make it a breeze to hit Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond, keeping more of your hard-earned royalties in your pocket. Plus, snag a sweet 7% off your membership with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It's the no-fuss way to turn your hazy truths into tracks that resonate, just like Thea did.
What about you? Does How to Stay Alive hit that survival sweet spot for you, or spark some self-reflection of your own? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to chat and maybe even shout out your faves. And hey, if you're digging this vibe, check out my spotlight on rising indie rock voices [internal link placeholder] for more heart-clenchers.
Keep rocking those late nights and slow discos, friends.
