Paris newcomer Ethel has shared new single ‘Passing Ships’.
Released on +1, the independent label home to artists such as Rejjie Snow, Anna of the North and Nate Husser, ‘Passing Ships’ diverges from the dreamy, cascading bliss of previous single ‘Pixie Dust’. Backed by muted, moody production courtesy of long-time collaborator Banshee (The Great) – known for his work with Pop Smoke, Isaiah Rashad, and Lil Uzi Vert – Ethel delivers a hushed prayer for the disaffected and disenchanted.
Speaking of the inspiration, Ethel says: “‘Passing Ships’ explores commitment issues, insecurities, and the impossibility to hold secure relationships due to anxiety and depressive states. It is about being stuck in patterns of self-sabotage as we deliberately run away from things we know are good for us. This song is like a warning, almost a prayer dedicated to a loved one for them to stay, despite the many cries that may arise.”
Hailing from a long line of artists in her family, Ethel’s influences have been shaped by her travels between her native Paris, and London where she studied. She was raised on a soulful confluence of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, and Solange, alongside the next generation of artists she cites as her “breakthrough”, like James Blake, Noname, The Internet and Kendrick Lamar.
‘Passing Ships’ marks the second release from Ethel; a preview of her upcoming body of work. Stay tuned for more.
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Photo credit: Victor Jacques Sebb
