The Fundamentals of Being Twenty-something: Ashley Elle and Her Debut EP ‘Say Something’

Pop singer-songwriter Ashley Elle unveils her debut EP, ‘Say Something’, where she delves into the raw, emotional experiences of a twenty-something navigating lust, love, heartbreak, and pain. Told from an intimate yet anonymous perspective, the EP forges a deep connection between Ashley and her listeners, offering shared moments of vulnerability and self-discovery.

Ashley Elle, originally from a small town in Wisconsin, took a bold leap and now calls Los Angeles home. In 2019, she signed with Given Entertainment, a pivotal moment that allowed her creativity to flourish. This sparked a wave of emotional vulnerability, channelling her feelings into infectious tracks that capture the highs and lows of life. 

‘They Always Come Back’ features an uplifting track featuring a whimsical guitar arrangement, subtle beats, and Ashley Elle’s delicate, airy vocals. The song explores the frustration of someone who breaks your heart, only to realise the grass isn’t greener on the other side. Just as you’re beginning to move on, they come back, disrupting your progress and it's almost as though the clock resets. This emotional tug-of-war is captured in the lyrics: “It’s like you know when I’m doing better / Right when I let go / I finally hear from you / You say that I’m better than the next girl.”

‘Say Something’, the titular track opens with an ethereal soundscape, blending sparse guitar strums with Ashley Elle’s haunting vocals. The song captures the questioning whether someone wants you or not and the want for them to say something, leaving you unsure of where you stand. This push-and-pull dynamic is encapsulated in the lyrics: “I see it on the weekends / Couple of drinks in / And you’re all over me.” ‘Say Something’ builds from a hypnotic, dreamlike atmosphere into more ardent instrumentals and a catchy melody, mirroring Ashley’s journey from confusion and fragile hope to the shattering realisation of a truth that has been both elusive and inevitable all along.

‘Falling’ is a meticulously crafted pop track with an eclectic flair, showcasing Ashley Elle’s vulnerability and intense longing when confronted with an unexpected attraction. Her delicate vocals convey raw emotion, while the upbeat guitar and passionate drumbeat infuse the song with a sense of positivity and excitement, reflecting the thrill of these unforeseen feelings.

‘One More Night’ paints a vivid picture of the difficulty of letting go and despite the toxicity of the relationship, it is hard letting go. Ashley Elle captures this emotional conflict with tender acoustic elements, bringing the internal battle to life.

‘Save Us’ starts with muffled instrumentals, a subdued backbeat that gradually intensifies as Ashley Elle’s earnest vocals kick in, building to a powerful wave of instrumentation. The track reflects the lingering pain of waiting for someone to invest more in a relationship. Emotionally charged lyrics like “Nothing left to save us / Nothing to save / If you don’t wanna save us too / So go and break every love you make / Cause soon enough she can’t save you” serve as both a silent plea and a poignant acknowledgment that somethings are beyond repair. 

Ashley Elle delivers a compelling debut EP in ‘Say Something’, where she finds strength in vulnerability and weakness in optimism. Through her heartfelt lyrics, delicate vocals, and thoughtfully crafted instrumentals, Ashley effortlessly creates relatable, cathartic art through her music. This EP marks a promising start for the singer-songwriter, inviting listeners on her journey of raw emotion and shared humanity. 

Ana Joy King

@anajoyking

Image: ‘Say Something’ Official EP Cover 

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