There are a few layers that deserve to be uncovered in ‘On My Mind’. First of all, we should acknowledge Static Ella’s intimate, meaningful songwriting. Delving deeper into the gloomy state of mind of a sleepless night filled with anxiety and irrational fears, the Brighton-based songstress manages to deliver such dark lyricism with a rather poised and elegant tone. We suspect that Static Ella’s upbringing as a singer-songwriter plays an important role here. While the sonic references have shifted, her ability to hypnotise listeners with her vocals hasn’t changed.
The second layer worth analysing is the record’s detailed, cathartic production. Developed by Static Ella herself through a bold DIY approach, ‘On My Mind’ flourishes on a wealth of electronic textures, vocal samples and downtempo beats, making it the perfect companion for such an atmospheric song. The overall feeling is quite leftfield too, with synths and beats never overpowering the record, which instead gets guided by Ella’s ghostly, poignant tone.
Originally from New Zealand, Static Ella now calls the UK her home, slowly conquering her foothold on the local music scene. Her appearance at The Great Escape Festival earlier this year has taken the project to a wider audience, and we suspect it’s just a matter of time before she walks onto bigger stages. For now, though, we’ll stick with ‘On My Mind’, a piece that’s incredibly personal and purposeful; it’s not made for quick consumption, instead aiding an introspective listening experience.
Recommended! Discover ‘On My Mind’ on Spotify: