Nieve Ella Is Back With Another Heartfelt Hit on “Sugarcoated”

“Sugarcoated” cover art and article cover photograph by Mollie Mckay

Released on June 21, “Sugarcoated” is Nieve Ella’s latest release. It follows “The Things We Say,” which came out back in March and holds true to her honest songwriting.

In addition to the honest lyrics, “Sugarcoated” combines a catchy chorus, crashing drums, and exciting guitar rhythms to create a song that is uniquely Nieve Ella. Her captivating indie-pop songs have rightfully earned her a dedicated fan-base that has really picked up over the past year.

Written at the end of last year, “Sugarcoated” was inspired by an interaction Nieve Ella had on a train with an old friend. “‘Sugarcoated’ is written about my struggle with imposter syndrome, how people see me online compared to how I see myself,” explains Nieve, “I had an experience where I met an old friend on a train who I hadn’t seen for years, and the conversation we had completely inspired this song. So, this is me explaining to them how I am still the same person as they knew me at home, but also still celebrating how hard I’ve worked for my dreams. It’s kinda me just saying, ‘sometimes things have to be sugar coated.’”

Part of what I love about the 21-year-old emerging star is that she manages to authentically capture what it feels like to grow-up, including all the good, bad, and mid-ground that comes with it. We’re only a couple of months apart in age, and even though it’s cliché to say, I truly feel like I can relate to her songs. They share emotions related to adolescence and new adulthood that can sometimes be hard to find in pop songs – songs about friendships and internal struggles unrelated to any romantic infatuations, such as impostor syndrome!

The track features other rising talents as well, with Alessi Rose, Siobhan Winifred, Darcey Beth, Hannah Grace, and Kai Bosch singing “looks like you’ve gone and made it,” in a backing mantra, as if to remind Nieve that she really has made it. The inclusion of these talented artists makes the song feel all the more wholesome, it’s a beautiful display of musicians supporting other musicians through their craft.

Having just finished a smashing headline tour in Europe, Nieve will continue to be busy throughout the summer. She will be playing a slew of festivals, including Festival Beauregard in France, TRNSMT in UK, Pukkelpop Festival in Belgium, and Electric Picnic in Ireland. See all the dates below!

Sun 30 Jun – United Kingdom, British Summer Time Thu 4 Jul – France, Festival Beauregard Fri 5 Jul – United Kingdom, Lytham Festival Sat 6 Jul – Poland, Open’er Festival Fri 12 Jul – United Kingdom, TRNSMT Sun 21 Jul – United Kingdom, Brighton Beach Fri 26 Jul – United Kingdom, Truck Festival Sat 27 Jul – United Kingdom, Tramlines Festival Sun 28 Jul – United Kingdom, Latitude Festival Sun 4 Aug – United Kingdom, Y Not Festival Fri 16 Aug – Belgium, Pukkelpop Festival Sat 17 Aug – Germany, MS Dockville Sun 18 Aug – Ireland, Electric Picnic Fri 23 Aug – United Kingdom, Victorious Festival