Thana Alexa
Grammy-Nominated Jazz VocalistBiography
Born on March 19, 1987, in New York City, Thana Alexa Paveli is an American jazz vocalist, composer, arranger, and producer with Croatian heritage. Her musical journey began at the early age of three when she was discovered playing melodies on a toy piano at a birthday party, displaying an innate musical talent that would shape her future career.
Though she initially focused on the violin as her primary instrument, her path took a significant turn when her family moved back to Croatia after her elementary school years. In Zagreb, she began taking voice lessons at the Rock Academy and was mentored musician and club owner Boko Petrovi, who introduced her to the world of jazz and encouraged her to attend regional workshops and perform professionally.
Alexa’s educational background is as diverse as her musical influences. She studied psychology at Northeastern University before transferring to the New School in New York City, where she completed both her psychology degree and received a fine arts degree in jazz performance. During this formative period, legendary drummer Bernard Purdie served as an important mentor.
Now recognized as a Grammy-nominated artist, Thana Alexa has established herself as a boundary-pushing creative force in contemporary jazz. Her innovative approach to vocal jazz, which incorporates electronic elements, looping techniques, and socially conscious themes, has earned her critical acclaim and a growing international audience. She is also known for her significant collaborations, most notably with her husband, four-time Grammy-winning drummer Antonio Sánchez.
Musical Journey
Thana Alexa’s professional career began in Croatia, where she performed at local festivals and venues, developing her voice and stage presence. After returning to New York to complete her education, she gradually established herself in the competitive jazz scene of the city, collaborating with numerous musicians and developing her unique vocal style.
Her debut album as a leader, “Ode to Heroes,” was released Jazz Village in 2015, showcasing her compositional skills and introducing her to wider audiences. However, it was her 2020 album “ONA” that truly marked her breakthrough. This deeply personal project, inspired the cross-generational and cross-cultural stories of the immigrant women in her family, received two Grammy nominations, including Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Key milestones in her career
- Early 2010s: Began collaborating with Antonio Sánchez, appearing on his album “New Life”
- 2015: Released her debut album “Ode to Heroes” on Jazz Village
- 2018: Contributed to Antonio Sánchez’s “Lines in the Sand” album
- 2020: Released “ONA,” which earned two Grammy nominations
- 2020: Co-founded “Live From Our Living Rooms,” the first virtual jazz festival during the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2022: Formed the vocal trio SONICA with Nicole Zuraitis and Julia Adamy
- 2023: Co-founded and became artistic director of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival in Croatia
- 2024: Premiered “Existencia,” a commissioned piece written with Antonio Sánchez for voice, drums and physical movement
- 2025: Awarded the prestigious Creative Capital Award for her project “RESONANCE”
- 2025: Preparing release of a new album of duos featuring collaborations with Bill Frisell, John Patitucci, and others
Discography
- Forthcoming Duos Album (2025) A collection of duets with renowned artists including Bill Frisell, John Patitucci, Ben Wendel, Nicole Zuraitis, Joel Ross, and Adam Rogers.
- SONICA (2022) Self-titled debut album with the vocal trio SONICA, featuring Nicole Zuraitis and Julia Adamy, produced Thana Alexa.
- ONA (2020) Her Grammy-nominated sophomore album exploring stories of women across generations and cultures.
- Ode to Heroes (2015) Her debut album as a leader, featuring original compositions and vocal arrangements.
Collaborations:
- With Antonio Sanchez: “New Life” (2013), “The Meridian Suite” (2015), “Lines in the Sand” (2018)
- With Gene Ess: “Fractal Attraction” (2013), “Eternal Monolith” (2015), “Absurdist Theatre” (2016), “Apotheosis” (2018)
- With others: Matija Dedic, “Friends” (2010)
Live Performances
Thana Alexa is renowned for her captivating live performances, where her powerful vocal technique and innovative use of electronics create immersive musical experiences. Whether performing with a full band, in intimate duo settings with her husband Antonio Sánchez, or with her vocal trio SONICA, she brings a unique blend of technical virtuosity and emotional depth to each show.
Musical Abilities
Thana Alexa possesses a remarkable set of musical abilities that distinguish her as one of the most innovative vocalists in contemporary jazz. Her approach to vocal jazz extends far beyond traditional singing, incorporating technology and various vocal techniques to create unique sonic landscapes.
- Vocal technique – Demonstrates exceptional range, control, and expressivity, moving effortlessly between delicate nuances and powerful declarations
- Electronic integration – Expert use of looping technology and vocal effects to create textured, multi-layered performances
- Compositional skill – Writes complex, emotionally resonant compositions that blend jazz traditions with contemporary influences
- Improvisation – Displays remarkable improvisational fluency, interacting dynamically with instrumentalists
- Instrumental foundation – Background as a violinist informs her melodic sensibility and musical understanding
What truly sets Alexa apart is her ability to use her voice as both a traditional jazz instrument and as a tool for sonic exploration. Violinist Regina Carter notes that “Thana isn’t afraid to take risks. Her vocal performances are powerful, vulnerable, joyful, spiritual and genuine. Her use of rhythm, textures and intricate harmonies is unique and at times, complex.”
Artistic Style
Thana Alexa has cultivated a distinctive artistic style that pushes the boundaries of vocal jazz:
- Fusion of jazz traditions with contemporary electronic elements and global influences
- Integration of social and political themes, particularly focusing on women’s experiences
- Use of vocal looping and effects to create rich, layered soundscapes
- Balance between technical virtuosity and emotional expressiveness
- Collaborative approach that embraces cross-cultural musical dialogue
- Genre-fluid compositions that draw from jazz, world music, electronic, and alternative influences
“Thana Alexa’s ONA is an exquisite work embodying boundless creativity and genre that stretches to every corner of the Earth, and the imagination. ONA is a story of strength, authenticity, and the deeply grounding nature of the divine feminine.” — Becca Stevens, Grammy nominated Singer and composer
Watch Thana Alexa
Watch full performance: Thana Alexa – Ona – Live Concert
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Thana Alexa – “The Resistance”
A powerful performance of her original composition at Jazz Standard in NYC, showcasing her vocal prowess and compositional skills.
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Teardrop Massive Attack – Thana Alexa arrangement
Thana’s innovative arrangement of this contemporary classic, demonstrating her unique approach to vocal interpretation.
