Hope Tala Reminds Us to Rise from the Ashes in “Phoenix”

Hope Tala is gearing up to bring us into her new and most vulnerable era with “Hope Handwritten”- her debut album; which after nearly 3 years of work, will be ours on February 28th. In “Phoenix”, which is the seventh track of the album to have been revealed thus far, Hope doesn´t aim to overcomplicate things and delivers a beautiful song. 

Backed by a simple melody of an acoustic guitar being picked, as well as a violin adding a stunning depth to the track, Hope's voice rings true. With a mix of her signature soft-spoken and melodic voice in combination with hints of her British accent poking through; Hope sings of someone she loves, reminding her to stay strong in tough times. In the track's background an ethereal sounding Hope echoes back some of the main lyrics. “Don't break, just bend”, she says, echoing Pink´s song “Just Give Me A Reason”; however, Hope's song isn't about a complicated romantic relationship and instead talks about the complicated relationship we can have with life. Even though we love to be drama queens some times and we think our lives will be over each time something doesn´t go our way, this song is a true reminder to do the best that we can and to keep trying. 

As the song lightly picks-up, Hope tells us to “take a breath in and let yourself shout”. In fast-paced times and in the midst of the confusion of growing-up; having lyrics that remind you to slow down, let go and enjoy the moment is a necessary thing. More importantly, the song teaches us to “get by with a little help from our friends” and to be there to support eachother when the going gets tough. 

The title of her upcoming album “Hope Handwritten” literally stems from her handwriting her lyrics, but more so leans into the great vulnerability that Hope has placed into each of the words in her songs. “Phoenix” will without a doubt be song that stays stuck in your head and can be an uplifting reminder to keep your head up. 

You can listen to the track here:

Related Articles

corook x Whale Songz On the Art Of Following The Fun [Q&A]

corook x Whale Songz On the Art Of Following The Fun [Q&A]

September 28, 2026 For our 11-year anniversary, we asked OnesToWatch alumni to nominate the next wave of artists on the rise. Beloved Pittsburgh singer-songwriter corook chose Whale Songz—the musical duo of Olivia Barton and Annika Bennett.
Author: Ariana Tibi
pop
Maria Fuell Is Bringing the Sounds of the Andes to a New Generation [Q&A]

Maria Fuell Is Bringing the Sounds of the Andes to a New Generation [Q&A]

September 28, 2026 OnesToWatch chatted with Fuell to talk about her music, her roots, and her accomplishments in her career thus far.
Author: Sarah Ruiz
pop
On ‘IS THIS THE END?’ Chelsea Cutler Embraces Every Era

On ‘IS THIS THE END?’ Chelsea Cutler Embraces Every Era

September 28, 2026 IS THIS THE END? Is a big-hearted, unapologetic record from an artist who sounds more comfortable in her own skin than ever.
Author: Matt Keenan
pop