Los Angeles-born singer-songwriter Ashley Elle knows how to spin emotions into gold. Imagine sitting on a sunlit hillside with the world slowing down around you as her voice sweeps you into stories of love’s joyful highs and destructive lows. That’s what listening to “Say Something,” her latest EP, feels like. It’s Ashley’s moment, and with seven carefully crafted songs, she invites us into a space where desire, hope, and heartbreak coexist like old friends. Rising from Los Angeles, Ashley Elle’s ability to blend the whimsy of folk-inspired narratives with the sleek textures of modern alt-pop places her in a league of her own. She paints clear soundscapes where we (listeners) feel every beat of the emotional journey. Collaborating with producer Josh Lovell (whose impressive résumé includes work with K.Flay and Benson Boone), “Say Something” feels ethereal and grounded.
“They Always Come Back” opens the EP with a haunting, bittersweet anthem about the cyclical nature of heartbreak. The track flows like a late-night confessional, with lush acoustic guitar strums intertwined with airy synths. Her voice is delicate yet piercing as she sings of lovers who can’t seem to let go. There’s vulnerability here—an acknowledgment of past hurts wrapped in shimmering production. The melancholic melody lingers like the echo of footsteps you didn’t want to hear again.
The title track, “Say Something,” hits like a fresh breeze, filled with flirtatious energy and playful confidence. This is where Ashley shines brightest—her vocals are coy and spirited, capturing the restless feeling of wanting someone to just say it already. Josh Lovell’s production adds irresistible rhythms that toe the line between alt-pop and indie sparkle, layering vibrant beats with crisp guitar riffs. Ashley’s delivery is charmingly impatient, like a diary page brought to life. This is a standout anthem, tailor-made for that “won’t they” moment.
In “Falling,” Ashley Elle slows things down to explore the vulnerability of surrendering to love. Her voice floats over a soft bed of dreamy instrumentation and subtle percussion, evoking the sensation of weightlessly drifting. The lyrics reflect the thrill and terror of falling headfirst into something that could break you—“Is it worth the risk? Do you feel it too?” Ashley’s delivery is gentle yet poignant, turning a delicate question into a soul-stirring ballad.
“Save Us” hits with a darker, introspective tone. The production leans moody, with pulsing basslines and echoing percussion setting a somber atmosphere. Ashley’s vocals carry an aching depth here—pleading yet resigned—as she sings about love on the edge of collapse. It’s a raw reflection of two people desperate to salvage what’s left of a crumbling connection. The tension in both the lyrics and instrumentation builds beautifully, showcasing Ashley’s ability to turn heartbreak into art.
“October” feels like flipping through a memory book—warm, nostalgic, and tinged with sadness. Ashley’s vocals are wistful as she recounts moments of a love lost to time. The production is stripped back, leaning heavily on acoustic guitar and gentle string accents, allowing her storytelling to take center stage. It’s a perfect autumn soundtrack, filled with bittersweet longing for something fleeting yet unforgettable.
In “Conditions,” Ashley Elle delivers a raw take on conditional love, unafraid to lay bare the rules and barriers we place on relationships. Her voice sways between softness and intensity, perfectly mirroring the song’s emotional rollercoaster. The production builds steadily, layering atmospheric synths with dynamic beats, creating a cinematic backdrop for her lyrics. There’s an edge to Ashley’s delivery here—a powerful and relatable defiance.
The EP closes with “One More Night,” a shimmering yet melancholy track about holding onto love’s final moments. Ashley’s voice is soulful and heartfelt, carrying the weight of desperation and inevitability. Lovell’s production features twinkling acoustic guitar riffs and gentle drum patterns, enhancing the song’s ethereal quality. This closer feels like a last dance—beautiful, fleeting, and lingering long after it’s over.
Ashley Elle’s vocal delivery is a highlight across “Say Something.” She strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and confidence, allowing each track to hit home. Her voice dances between soft, breathy highs and grounded, emotive lows, creating a dynamic, raw, and personal performance. Whether she’s flirting through the infectious hooks of “Say Something” or unraveling heartbreak in “Save Us,” Ashley makes every note count.
Overall, Ashley Elle’s “Say Something” is a master of emotional honesty, dreamy alt-pop soundscapes, and magnetic storytelling. Across its seven tracks, she explores the complexities of love—lust, longing, heartbreak, and hope—with refreshing authenticity. It’s the kind of EP that invites us to lose ourselves in its melodies while simultaneously finding pieces of ourselves in Ashley’s words. This is my first encounter with Ashley Elle, and she has proven herself to be a storyteller who knows how to turn life’s most universal feelings into something magical. And with “Say Something,” she speaks straight to our hearts.
Listen to the “Say Something” EP on Spotify
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