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Etheria’s Music Is a Healing Practice Rooted in Love, Lineage, and Truth

Etheria—pronounced Eh-theory-uh—moves through music with intention, heart, and a deep sense of knowing. She defines herself as “a theory of someone who heals and loves everything and everyone they touch,” and that philosophy isn’t just branding—it’s embedded in her voice, her writing, and her journey. Raised in Rockaway, New Jersey and now based in Newark, Etheria’s artistry is rooted in lived experience, cultural duality, and a lifelong commitment to self-expression and emotional truth.

Her upbringing shaped everything. Raised in a vibrant, multicultural household with Russian, Jamaican, and African American roots, Etheria grew up surrounded by love, music, storytelling, and chosen family. Her home was loud, welcoming, and alive—filled with grandparents, extended relatives, friends who became siblings, and elders who modeled resilience and joy. From her Baba’s bold fashion and fearless confidence to her mother’s steady encouragement and belief in her creativity, Etheria was taught early to speak up, celebrate life, and use her voice. At home, she felt safe enough to be fully herself—curious, expressive, and unapologetically alive.

Outside those walls, the world was more complicated. Growing up in predominantly white spaces, Etheria often felt questioned and mislabeled—too much, not enough, too Black, too White. Those tensions pushed her inward, toward journaling, dance, athletics, nature, and eventually music as grounding forces. Choir, theater, dance classes, open mics, and quiet moments at the piano became places where she could breathe, explore, and accept herself long before the outside world caught up. Writing poetry in middle school evolved into songwriting by her mid-teens, as music became both medicine and mirror.

Etheria truly found her footing when she entered Rutgers University–Newark. The city embraced her, and Newark’s artist community became a second home. She performed at open mics, jazz centers, and campus spaces, co-hosted creative events, and joined collectives centered on healing and artistic support. Her debut single, “Resonate,” released in 2020, was born from a freestyle during an open mic after a painful experience with workplace racism. Recorded live in the moment, the song marked the first time she fully voiced her story without restraint. Even during lockdown, she kept creating—shooting cover art in her backyard, performing virtually, and staying connected to community through music.

Sonically, Etheria lives in an ethereal neo-soul R&B space—airy, intimate vocals floating over minimalist production. Her mezzo-soprano voice carries a siren-like quality, shifting naturally with emotion and intention. Lyrically, her work centers on healing, self-honoring, storytelling, and emotional alignment. Influenced by artists like Lauryn Hill, Sade, Erykah Badu, India Arie, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Solange, Frank Ocean, and Joey Bada$$, she blends singing and rap seamlessly, drawing from soul, hip-hop, jazz, and spiritual tradition.

Her most recent release, “Waiting” (2025), marks a powerful rebirth. After years of loss, growth, travel, prayer, and self-reflection, the song captures the quiet strength of choosing yourself after pouring too much into others. Born from a freestyle session following a difficult family moment, “Waiting” is about reclaiming time, safety, and power—learning that the reassurance we seek often has to come from within first. Soft yet commanding, the track reflects Etheria’s evolution and emotional clarity, rising like a phoenix without forcing the moment.

Looking ahead, Etheria is preparing to release an EP this spring, alongside singles like “Birthright,” “Potion,” and “Divinely Protected.” She isn’t chasing trends or quick wins—she’s building a body of work meant to last. Her approach is patient, intentional, and spiritually grounded. Etheria isn’t just making music; she’s offering something real. An invitation to heal, to listen closely, and to return to yourself.

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