With her latest single “I Don’t Mind”, Kilkenny, Ireland-based Elise delivers a track that feels soft and like a gentle breath of fresh air-indie and wholly unapologetic. A lush blend of evocative sounds and personal storytelling, “I Don’t Mind” is all about embracing yourself when others may not be able to fully see you as such. It’s a song that can feel intimate and empowering at the same time-perfectly appropriate as a soundtrack for anyone trying to reclaim their sense of self.
I Don’t Mind” is full-on Elise. Since the release of her 2019 debut EP “These Thoughts”, she’s established herself as one of the stand-out voices of the Irish indie and alternative-folk scenes.
With this new single, she brings in listener-friendly maturity to shine through, showcasing an artist who has made a promise to herself to live by her own rules. Again, the airy instrumentals merge with soft and highly expressive vocals from Elise as she invites you into her world, where softly unravelling themes of resilience and quiet confidence take centre. It launches with a dreamy intro, vibrant, plunging the listener into the leftover warmth of a late summer evening, one that’s comforting but shrouded in mystery. The melody builds in and carries Elise’s vocals with it, at once cool around the edges-several subtle reminders of her strength. There’s something magnetic in the way she says each line, firm but unforced; it’s as if she speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt the weight of others’ expectations. “I Don’t Mind” gives that much-needed feeling of freedom-of finally exhaling after holding it in for far too long.
In the lyrics of Elise, every line of this song breathes life and weaves empowerment into each verse. But she hit the core of self-acceptance sans yelling from the rooftops, a fresh appeal in this judgmental world of social expectations. And while she sings about being true to herself, it’s hard not to feel a sense of solidarity: “I Don’t Mind” being the anthem of quiet rebellion and the song that championed inner strength, power in being simply yourself.
This single is the lead release from her forthcoming EP “I’ve Been Here”, due early 2025, representing a new chapter for Elise as she digs deeper into her sound and identity. Notable past performances throughout festivals and support slots for the likes of Ailbhe Reddy and Rozi Plain have made her a known and loved presence in the Irish music scene. One can even say that her song “Rattling Brain” was one of the tracks from the Irish movie The Hurler: A Campion’s Tale, which exposed listeners to the realistic ability of her creation.
“I Don’t Mind” bursts with vibrancy, expressiveness, and, for certain, coolness – a well-accomplished song that manages to resonate both on a personal and a universal level. Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery or just dig a really well-crafted indie tune, Elise’s latest single is one you’ll want on repeat. So hit play, take a breath in deep, and let “I Don’t Mind” be the background track to embracing the person you’re meant to be.
You can find more of Elise at:
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You can listen to “I Don’t Mind” below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.