The voice of Thea Sørli Paulsrud carries the message in a delightful way.
It’s tough, appropriately raw, and she conveys the message in a manner that
makes me believe in her – she conveys something genuine and credible.
– Tor Hammerø, Nettavisen, on Soft City’s album Settle for the Moon (2022)

Thea Paulsrud is a vocalist, storyteller, and artist known for captivating audiences with powerful vocal performances and witty, thought-provoking lyrics. Her music is rooted in traditional soul, with a striking edge and melodic nods to the jazz standard repertoire. In spring 2025, Paulsrud released her long awaited debut full-length album Lay With Me For A While, praised by critic Øyvind Rønning as “a highly successful marriage between soul and jazz.” Critic Tor Hammerø stated upon the album’s release that he was “very happy to have discovered Thea Paulsrud already.” Chances are you’ll feel the same after experiencing her live.

In her self-titled band project Thea Paulsrud, she is joined by exceptional musicians:
Vegard Staum – drums (Orbits, Gouldian Finch, Vegard & Ivar Band), Øyvind Kløve Kjernlie – guitar (Klöve, Emelie Hollow, Ole Kirkeng), Andreas Svabø – bass (Gabriela Garrubo, Rino Sivathas, Lyder Røed Quintet, Bård Berg), and Matias Steinnes Christoffersen – piano (Ragnhild Og., Fabeldyr, Brainchild). Not only are they remarkably tight as an ensemble, they also shine as distinctive soloists. Together with Thea, they create a playful, acoustic soundscape that moves both the dance floor and the heart.

Thea Paulsrud’s musical journey spans soul, blues, big band, rock, pop and Norwegian “viser,” showcasing her versatility and passion for diverse genres. Since 2019 she’s been a vital member and lead singer of Soft City, a band celebrated for their dynamic performances across the European field of blues. By the release of their debut album, Nettavisen stated that “Soft City confirms with “Settle for the Moon” that the blues legacy, with accompanying glories, are taken care of in the very best ways”. In connection with the release of their second album Such A Nice Guy (2025) Thea’s sound and presence was associated with the legend vocalist Radka Toneff (Bluesnews).

Thea’s musical prowess extends beyond bands; she frequently collaborates with other artists, and delivers mesmerizing solo performances. From intimate weddings to prestigious blues festivals, Thea’s voice resonates with audiences, leaving an indelible impression wherever she performs.

Among her former collaborations are Damer i Blues, Tor Einar “Dr.” Bekken, Reb Parker, Heimevernets musikkorps (concert band), Glommasvingen Janitsjar, Leif Anders Wentzel Big Band, Magnolia Jazzband and S. Møller Storband (big band).

Thea holds a bachelor’s degree in musicology (NTNU, 2019), and a master’s degree in musicology from University of Oslo (2021). Throughout her studies she learned from musicians and composers such as Tone Åse, Heidi Skjerve, Tracee Meyn, Even Skatrud, Knut Anders Vestad, and Roger Arntzen.

Confident, delightful, and self-assured, and Thea’s voice is the icing on the cake.
– Radio Revolt on the song Safe Haven (2021)

(…) at the forefront is the power vocalist Thea Paulsrud, with characteristic intonation and a typical vocalist aura.
– Audun Vinger, Dagens Næringsliv, on Soft City’s album Settle for the Moon (2022)

As in the title track with its danceable, vigorously retro riff, one of the band’s winning weapons is Thea Paulsrud’s false-innocent singing.
– Edoardo Fassio, Rock and Blues International (2023), on Soft City’s album Settle for the Moon (2022)

Booking

Concert bookings: theapaulsrudbooking@gmail.com
Corporate events: glenn@tadoslo.no