Premiere | EllaHarp – Bittersweet

Last month, For Folk’s Sake readers were introduced to EllaHarp as she took on our ongoing ‘FFS 5’ interview series. Therein, we were given a window to peer into the life of Ella Dawn Jenkins—the woman behind the multifarious folk, blues, and pop of the project. Now, the singer-songwriter and harpist returns with a brand new single, ‘Bittersweet’.

Releasing today, ‘Bittersweet’ offers indelible pop sensibilities wrapped in subtly ominous blues textures. Donning her trademark aluminum harp, EllaHarp commands the song’s varying, sweeping melodies with captivating and emotive precision. It was produced and recorded by Andrew Herringer in Los Angeles, California, with the single’s cover photo credited to Dawn Jenkins.

On the tune, EllaHarp reflects, “When I was 19, I moved from sunny Los Angeles to Glasgow, Scotland to study harp. I knew nothing and no one there, but jumped at fairy tale possibilities of the old country. They speak English, how different can it be? (ha. ha ha) Cue culture shock and 4, somewhat miserable years of challenging education and social disconnect. Not the cup of tea I thought I’d poured, but it brought me to where I am today. ‘Bittersweet’ is about observing the difference between reality and idyllic imagination, and following through with the choices you’ve made.”

Words by: Jonathan Frahm