In a time when streaming has made decades of music history instantly available, how does an artist craft songs that feel both modern and reflective of the influential talents that paved the way before them? Amy Winehouse did it. Adele too. And Rihanna dabbles. Now the spellbinding Elise LeGrow explores those contrasts in her own inimitable fashion with her new single ‘Evan’, which similarly blends apparently disparate elements into a more powerful whole.
‘Evan’ is a deeply moving, slow-burning tribute to LeGrow’s friend who was killed over a decade ago and whose murder has never been solved. The poignant track highlights LeGrow’s peerless vocal power with broken-hearted lyrics that lament the loss of her friend and reflect the mourning she continues to do for him, juxtaposed against light, airy melodies. The song was produced by the award-winning Angelo Petraglia (Kings of Leon).
“The song doesn’t come from a place of vendetta,” says LeGrow. “It was really an act of reflection, and when I sing it, I hope that feeling will be shared by others, maybe about a friend they lost.”
Already added to key playlists including Spotify’s Contemporary Blend and Indie All Stars, Apple’s New in Pop and New in R&B, and Amazon’s Brand New Music. The release is accompanied by an equally affecting, reflective video directed by Adrian Vieni.
‘Evan’ represents the first taste of LeGrow’s forthcoming album as well as the release of her first original song. The album will follow her critically acclaimed debut ‘Playing Chess’, which features LeGrow’s interpretations of classic material from the legendary Chess Records. It inspired fans as diverse as Action Bronson and Jools Holland, while earning praise from Mojo, Billboard, Okayplayer, Salon and Relix.
More details on LeGrow’s new album will follow soon.