Credit: Rachel Turley
(New York, NY – June 21, 2019) — Indie-pop DIY songstress, songwriter, and novelist Skelatoday debuts the track and music video for her latest single “Elvis,” available on all digital streaming platforms now via HERØ Records/RED MUSIC. CLICK HERE to listen to the track and HERE to watch its cinematic visual.
With “Elvis,” Skela’s songwriting evolves and her soulful voice takes center stage, as she sings alongside a catchy, country-pop track. Skela’s collaboration with multi-platinum songwriter and producer Mario Marchetti–whose credits include Demi Lovato‘s Billboard Top 10 platinum hit single “Neon Lights”–marks this promising artist’s return with a strikingly bold and new sound.
Skela is fresh off the heels of 2018’s Project 10, her ambitious DIY visual collection of 10 songs and 10 music videos that she starred in and wrote, directed, and produced alongside two of her girlfriends in her hometown of New York City. Project 10 cemented Skela as an important indie artist on the rise earning her critical acclaim and a legion of new fans – including BROCKHAMPTON star Kevin Abstract – as well as an opening slot on pop star Greyson Chance‘s recent tour and a nomination for an American Association of Independent Music Award.
Upon first listen, it’s hard not to be taken by the indie songstress’ celestial vocals, but Skela‘s real anchor is burrowed in her thoughtful and inventive lyricism. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Skela began singing when she was young, spending hours mimicking the songs on her mother’s cassette tapes. When she was a teenager, she used her subway commute to school as time to write down the thoughts in her head. She didn’t know it at the time, but this was the beginning of her music education.
The self-taught artist made her breakout in 2015 after she was featured on Josh Jacobson‘s “Not Alone,” which has accumulated a million streams. She spent the next year cultivating a sound and message unique to herself and amassed a dedicated fan following. In October 2017, Skela released her self-titled debut EP and poetry zine that captured the ears and hearts of her listeners who delve into her lyrics as if it were a scavenger hunt.
A year later, Skela issued the ambitious Project 10, a collection of 10 songs and 10 music videos that she starred in and wrote, directed, and produced alongside two of her girlfriends in her hometown of New York City, Upon its release, Skela revealed she was working on a parallel project – an original novel entitled Building You Up – to be released in 2019. The first chapter is available for free now at byskela.com.
Outside of performing and writing, Skela has collaborated extensively with the feminist community by aligning with companies like Pro Mujer, What’s In Your Box?, and UnboundBox. She has received support from feminist focused channels and companies like Feminist Voice, Dolores Haze, and Glazed NYC.