Hailing from the East Coast and now based in Los Angeles, alternative pop artist Jess Elise is sharing her stunning sonic output under the Bashlow moniker. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Bashlow made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles during the peak of the pandemic, bringing her unique sound to the heart of the music scene.
Since her arrival, she’s linked up with some of the city’s leading songwriters and emerging producers, including Charlie Curtis-Beard, Sleeping Lion, Miette Hope and Alex Venegas. March 2022 saw her make her entrance with the debut single “Self Destruct,” which she’s since followed up with a string of well-received singles that have won over fans and racked up tens of thousands of spins.
With pure songwriting honesty, Bashlow shares her struggles and emotions, drawing inspiration from her influences like Halsey and Phoebe Bridgers. Her performances at renowned Hollywood venues, such as the Moroccan Lounge, Townhouse and the Blackrose, coupled with appearances at artist discovery showcases like We Found New Music, have confirmed her status as a rising artist.
Now she brings us her latest release with her brand new single titled “Pretty Crier,” a track co-written and produced by Will Carpenter of Ships Have Sailed. Leaning into the indie rock side of her sound, with “Pretty Crier,” Bashlow lays down a delicate fabric of smooth melodies, airy guitar tones and mellow rhythm.
The song serves as a therapeutic reflection on sarcastic compliments, specifically addressing the disconcerting phenomenon of being told she’s “actually really pretty” when she cries. Casting a dreamy soundscape with laid back energy, elegant strings and lush backing vocal lines, the single showcases Bashlow’s tender songwriting wrapped up in a dazzling arrangement.
Flowing from the intimate backing of soft twang of guitar as Bashlow’s soulful voice glides above beautifully, the song gradually builds up with hints of percussion before the full kit brings in swaying rhythm as lilting vocal leads drift across the song. As silky layers of backing voices and bright plinks of piano raise the energy, the song flows to a subtly anthemic sound driven by the crash of cymbals, stretched string lines ad intricate guitar notes. It’s a truly spectacular song that swells throughout to deliver an enchanting and memorable listening experience.
Commenting on the single, she shares, “Pretty Crier started as a song that lived only in my head as melody and lyrics. When I got into the session with Will Carpenter, that’s when the song really came to life. It is a cathartic, slightly tongue-in-cheek recollection of my first college relationship, which was really unhealthy and emotionally abusive. Writing this song is one way I’ve been able to reflect and heal (along with a lot of therapy), I think because in a way it helps me to see how ridiculous his behaviour was and find humour in an otherwise humourless situation.”
Listen to Pretty Crier below
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