Words: Rachel Moorhead
If anyone reading this knows me well, then you will be more than familiar with my love for Nieve Ella, and her latest release ‘Sugarcoated’ marks an exciting new chapter in her music.
‘Sugarcoated’ is a track that instantly grabs you in with its groovy 90s guitar and crashing cymbals. The instrumental provides the perfect foundation for Ella’s distinctive and raspy vocals. I would argue that Nieve Ella has some of the best vocals in the indie pop genre at the moment and ‘Sugarcoated’ really proves this. The tone in Nieve’s vocal is so delicate and the range is so satisfying to listen to with the ambiance of the instrumental.
My favourite thing about Nieve Ella is her authenticity and vulnerability in her lyrics. Being 21 like Nieve, I feel she accurately represents the difficulties and emotions of being a woman and trying to figure out relationships and find your place in the world. ‘Sugarcoated’ is an exploration of imposter syndrome and dissonance between online personas and your personal identity. The track openly explores how it’s okay to celebrate your dreams after working so hard to achieve them and that although life may appear as a highlight reel online you’re the same person you always were, just with a little bit of sugar-coating.
Speaking about the track, Ella explains, ‘’Sugarcoated’ is written about my struggle with imposter syndrome, how people see me online compared to how I see myself. I had an experience where I met an old friend on the train who I hadn’t seen for years and the conversation we had inspired this song.’
Following on from her sold-out headline tour earlier this year and supporting massive acts like Inhaler and Dylan, Nieve Ella is rising to the top of the indie pop genre. If you haven’t listened to Nieve Ella before, then ‘Sugarcoated’ is the perfect place to start.
stream the track below.
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