PELA

“Despite their newcomer status, PELA are flexing their musical prowess already, and their ability is clear” - Notion

Today, February 23rd, hotly-tipped Brighton pairing PELA (aka singer/songwriter Hannah Coombes and producer/instrumentalist Olly Shelton) share their stunning latest outing: ‘Tell Me’. Marking their much-awaited return to the musical fold for the first time since a run of superb self-released singles throughout 2020, ‘Tell Me’ is the first tranquil step into a new cohesive structure and direction for this wholly authentic outfit. 

The first glance into an upcoming, soon-to-be-announced EP project, ‘Tell Me’ is a simply gorgeous insight into the ever-developing PELA sound. A woven tapestry of reflective, introspective lyricism and infinitely danceable alt-pop/electronic soundscapes, it’s laden with versatility and charisma. As is the foundation on their releases thus far, Hannah’s dreamy vocals are underpinned by layers of expertly-crafted production and vocal manipulation, putting a glistening shine on the already-glowing proceedings.

“Tell Me is about learning to interrupt the spirals we find ourselves in and how to navigate unhelpful thoughts” PELA reveal, “It was the first track we wrote after moving to Brighton and embodies the sense of a fresh start.” It’s a powerful, intentful fresh outlook indeed; always thought-provoking and intimate, yet intertwined with an artistic concoction that’s a wonder to behold.

“The track is a bit of a juxtaposition - sonically it’s uplifting yet lyrically it’s about being in the throws of anxiety” the duo say, speaking more on the contrasting emotions of the new single. It’s a real journey, but Coombes & Shelton are at their evocative best here, shining a light on the ups and downs of life’s anxieties and struggles, whilst bravely dressing them up with positivity as so many of us do. Simply put, PELA always manage to find a wonderful balance - they produce an equilibrium through their music, bringing the sunshine through in full; they’re a catalyst for a brighter day, connecting with the listener along the way.

As seen on prior singles such as ‘Reverie’, PELA’s collaborative nature is in full flow here. Now focusing on this forthcoming full body of work, they’ve teamed up with much-loved British singer/songwriter Liz Lawrence on ‘Tell Me’. “Working with Liz really brought it alive” they say, “she’s a sensational writer. A lot of the early production was done in our flat, then we got into the studio with Daniel Moyler and that’s where we really shaped it into what it is now.” Here, we’re also treated to more magic from “honorary PELA member” and close friend Dom Walker, who adds stellar saxophone lines into this melting pot of pop-fuelled goodness.

“We’re working in all the different corners of what we can do” PELA reveal, flourishing as they move into this new avenue. One of these exciting new ventures is the incredible accompanying video, filmed on location at the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Kemptown, Brighton. It really puts the icing on the cake, showcasing PELA (accompanied by Dom Walker) at their very finest, but also highlighting their presence as a new, exhilarating live act. 

“Musically, it was a chance to revisit the songs for a live setting and switch them up. You need a danger to get a good performance out of it!” - you can be sure PELA aren’t a band who are just going to press play on a backing track. Comprised of a bespoke performance of the single, the video is directed and produced by Grow Up Sad, and really captures the essence of both PELA and ‘Tell Me’ as a whole. As we move through 2022, the long-form, interconnected nature of PELA’s visual output will begin to unveil itself, as they themselves begin their long-awaited transition onto the live circuit. For that, this is the perfect foundation for the infinitely talented pairing, and a true show of their artistic capabilities.

With an eclectic slew of well-received singles already out in the open, PELA have gained a wide variety of readily-earnt plaudits from their previous work, with support from a plethora of press, radio and tastemaker publications including BBC Radio 1, 1xtra, Notion, COLORS, 1883 Magazine, John Kennedy (Radio X) and more, as well as being hailed by HMV in their ‘Next Big Thing’ feature.

They look set to continue and cement that trend on ‘Tell Me’ and, after taking a break from releasing last year, the stage is now set for a scene-leading charge throughout 2022 - there’s plenty, plenty more on the horizon.