ALEIA drops “Pretty When I Cry”

Perth-based artist ALEIA is known for her meaningful songwriting and a knack for capturing the complex beauty of modern relationships. With a style based in indie pop and coloured by folk and rock influences, she draws inspiration from artists such as Boygenius, Lizzy McAlpine and Fiona Apple. Her music pairs confessional storytelling with delicate melodies, resulting in a timeless sound that’s won over fans across Australia and beyond.

Since making her debut with “Had Your Fun” in May, ALEIA has firmly planted herself on the map of must watch artists on the rise with her graceful vocals and the context of what she describes as a recovering romantic. Her songs strike a chord with listeners because they speak directly to the anxieties and contradictions of dating in the modern era; the frustration of low expectations, the awkwardness of intimacy and the battle between wanting connection and guarding yourself from hurt.

She writes from a place of self-awareness, making her music both relatable and profoundly personal in equal measure. Now, with the release of her brand new sophomore single titled “Pretty When I Cry,” ALEIA offers perhaps her most affecting work to date. Co-written and produced by Dylan Ollivierre, who’s known for his work with The Money War, EDIE, Joan & The Giants and Siobhan Cotchin, the track is a stripped-back, heartfelt folk pop outing that perfectly balances emotional impact with intricate musical detail.

From its warm opening moments, Pretty When I Cry draws listeners into an intimate space with gentle guitar strums and elegant vocal leads. As the track progresses, flourishes of electric guitar, soft percussion and keys are gradually introduced, mirroring the song’s emotional arc, creating a slow build that swells without ever overwhelming the central focus, ALEIA’s utterly alluring voice.

Her tender, aching delivery carries the weight of longing as she confronts the pain of watching a relationship slowly fall apart, as if she’s caught between holding on and letting go. Wrapped in a soft acoustic arrangement, carried by a laid back lilting sway, her stunning vocals spin absorbing melodies throughout to form a charming and poignant listening experience.

With just two singles to her name, ALEIA has already shown an impressive ability to craft songs that are emotive, engaging and original all at once. As she continues to share more of her delightful musical vision, we can’t wait to see what comes next on what’s sure to be ALEIA’s breakout year.

Commenting on the single, she shares, “Pretty When I Cry was written about the desperation of clinging to the believe someone has your best interests at heart when they don’t. When you have to tell yourself a lie until you trust it as the truth, even when all the sign suggest otherwise.”

Listen to Pretty When I Cry below