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Photo: Issa Scanlon

Bedroom pop singer-songwriter and producer Ayleen Valentine has begun previewing her upcoming project with its intense lead single. “ask nicely” indicates a shift in her upcoming music, sure to excite fans with its captivating production and intriguing subject matter. The shift sees Valentine returning to the alternative scene while retaining her signature production-heavy style and enticing vocal arrangements.

“ask nicely” is a release of pent-up confusion and frustration with an essential touch of softness. On the inspiration behind the single, Valentine shares, “'ask nicely' was written during a time where i was thinking about how social constructs affect us. i started to notice that men aren’t as aware of other people’s emotions like women are and that was frustrating to me in my relationship. i felt like men around me were constantly thinking about themselves and everyone else was an after thought, where as women are always taught to put other people first. so 'ask nicely' was me pleading for somebody to put me first. but even if i asked nicely, i would be met with disappointment."

Grappling with this realization was key in creating a track that perfectly depicts the agony of feeling misunderstood, especially as a girl. The dichotomy of asking “nicely” while belting in a scream-like fashion represents how women are expected to be polite and docile even when begging for simple consideration.

One of the more notable choices in “ask nicely” is the way Valentine uses her unique voice to deliver each lyric. Her vocals perk up at the end of each line in the chorus, creating a bouncing echo and high-pitched call to attention. Paired with the strong belting in the chorus that showcases a new side of her vocal abilities, the song is dynamic in a way that is typically hard to achieve while still being cohesive.

Throughout Valentine’s discography thus far, the vocals and production tend to exist together without putting one in front of the other. “ask nicely” chooses to bring her voice and the lyrical content to the forefront, and the payoff is sweet. We’re hearing Valentine sing like never before, emphasizing the personal topic and how heavy it hangs in her mind. It also rejects traditional song structure; with a long intro into a singular verse, one killer chorus, and a mesmerizing outro. None of these sections are repeated but still have the power to stay stuck in your head and prompt an instant response. Even with this small taste of new music, Valentine is making it clear that she’s ready to break the rules and create her own.

Watch the "ask nicely" video below: