Thyra Hilden’s journey from visual artist to dream pop musician is nothing short of fascinating. A celebrated graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Denmark, she has dazzled the world with her visual art, gaining recognition from outlets like BBC, CNN, and Reuters. But in 2021, she took an unexpected turn, swapping paintbrushes for melodies, and in just a few years, she has made an indelible mark in music. Her unique blend of humorous and psychedelic indie pop has landed her tracks on curated playlists such as The Edge of Dream Pop and Daylist while earning her a place in Spotify’s coveted New Music Friday.
Her newest single, “Laughing At Our Fears”, showcases her distinctive ability to mix lightheartedness with emotional depth. The song, released on November 15, dives into the blurry space where laughter and tears coexist. It’s a reflection on how humor can bond us, yet also create moments of painful misunderstanding. Thyra herself describes it as a piece where “joy, fear, laughing, and crying get mixed up and become difficult to distinguish.” Its alt-pop energy paired with sharp lyrics ensures listeners will find themselves smiling—even as they confront the complexity of human connection.
The single continues the momentum built by her 2024 album Sentimental, which achieved a remarkable 20,000 streams in a single day and attracted over 40,000 listeners in April. That release cemented her place as a rising star in the indie dream pop scene, drawing comparisons to bands like The Marías, Tame Impala, and Mac DeMarco, while carving out her own niche with a brighter, more humor-infused approach. Tracks from Sentimental found homes in an impressive range of playlists, from chill mixes to trippy indie collections, reflecting the broad appeal of her sound.
Thyra’s lyrics resonate with a deep understanding of the human condition, filtered through her signature lens of wit and introspection. As she explains, “I’ve learned that survival responses can be flight, fight, or freeze—but mainly I use fun.” This philosophy underpins her work, turning laughter into a tool for analysis, reflection, and resilience. It’s a theme she’s continuing to explore in her upcoming EP Lost in Laughter, which captures the essence of her artistry: humor with a dark twist.
Though relatively new to music, Thyra has proven her ability to create art that connects deeply, whether through her previous career in visual arts or now with her band THYRA. With “Laughing At Our Fears,” she invites listeners to embrace the messy, emotional contradictions of life, offering a soundtrack that is equal parts dreamy, energetic, and thought-provoking.
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