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Written bySaien Benjamin
Nellie releases ethereal new single “Garden” in the build up to her upcoming EP.
Brooklyn Singer-Songwriter Nellie released the beautiful Dream Pop track “Garden“, the first single from her upcoming EP “Carousel”. The production is layered and picturesque led by gentle acoustic guitar riffs, a light, ethereal synth line, and a steadily building drum pattern. This stripped-down instrumentation provides the perfect platform for Nellie’s hauntingly beautiful vocals to shine, floating shimmeringly atop. Her lyricism is frank and diaristic in style, bringing the listener into her mind. “Garden,” offers a poignant glimpse into her transformative journey, weaving her experiences into a truly special song.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the song captures the intimate essence of her surroundings, drawing listeners into her introspective world. The expansive production by Charles Myers, known for his collaborations with Mark Ronson, creates a powerful contrast between the lushly layered instrumentation and Nellie’s delicate, reflective vocals. “Garden” sets the stage for Carousel’s narrative of self-discovery and emotional resilience, resonating deeply with anyone who has navigated the turbulent waters of personal change.
“Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the song captures the intimate essence of her surroundings, drawing listeners into her introspective world. ”
What truly stands out in “Garden” is Nellie’s ability to translate her environment’s sensory experiences into a universal language of music. As Novena Carmel noted, the song feels like a breath of fresh air, capturing the essence of Nellie’s Brooklyn neighbourhood with a palpable sense of place and community. This raw authenticity not only earned her a spot on NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf of 2024 but also showcases her growth as an artist who finds inspiration in reflection. “Garden” is a testament to Nellie’s evolving artistry, a beautiful reminder of the power of observation and the unexpected ways in which our surroundings can fuel creativity and hope.
“Garden” has had me hooked on Nellie’s unique and enchanting soundscape from the first listen. If this track is anything to go by I am sure that “Carousel” will be well worth the wait. For fans of Dream Pop and ethereal Alt Pop artists like beabadoobee, Lucy Dacus and Clairo this is the perfect track to add to your rotation. Give this track a listen on Spotify or Apple Music as soon as you get a chance, I promise you won’t regret it.