Sydney-based songwriter Esmé treads the space between genres on smooth new single ‘Ella’. Initially a jazzy guitar demo, the track was furnished with sumptuous production elements by Royce Wood Junior, Twilite Tone and Chris Penny. A bright beat is accompanied by sizzling synths and expansive, layered harmonies. Indubitably infectious, the melodies are striking, settling on the pop side of neo-soul. Esmé’s writing style shines through, delivers a passionately personal narrative that drifts effortlessly along her stunning vocal.
“I was always drawn to a certain kind of jazz voice growing up, Esmé reveals, a breathy sound that almost seems fragile, but it isn’t, and often reminiscent of a horn instrument, like Chet Baker. Listening to voices like Ella Fitzgerald always took me to a lighter place when I was young; this song kind of pays homage to that feeling, and to her.”
UNRECORDED 