Empowerment with Ella Mai
Most of us have listened to the artist, Kehlani. Her feminine yet refreshing voice is portrayed so beautifully throughout her songs, ranging from contemporary R&B to hip-hop, pop, and even neo soul. As a fond listener of Kehlani, I want to introduce a different artist who you might just love as much. Still on the rise, the artist, Ella Mai, has definitely caught not only my attention, but others with her strong female voice. She has actually been on the SweetSexySavage World Tour with Kehlani, and maybe for that reason her music style initially reminded me of Kehlani despite having a completely different voice.
Ella Mai is originally from London, England, and her very first appearance was on The X Factor. If you listen to her released songs, you can definitely hear her strong voice. Not just literally, but rather in terms how she has a noticeable charm about her. Speaking generally, artists who work together have the potential to be able to influence one another during the music process. It’s almost like an insider collaboration.
Similarly to Kehlani, most of Ella Mai’s songs tend to be sweet. What I mainly love about not only Kehlani, but also Ella Mai, is that they both produce music that embrace the empowerment of women’s individuality. The lyrics in their songs emphasize on being comfortable in your own skin, and resisting to change in order to fit another person’s or society’s mold. It’s genuine, and it’s important to have such songs in the industry today with all the influence people, especially teens and millennials, are receiving. As these singers are millennials themselves, their words have a lot of weight to them; particularly if people are listening to their music unconsciously. Ella Mai also produces songs about love, and the struggles of wanting love and freedom at the same time; notably in her song “10,000 hours.”
“Than somebody who loves me naked
Someone who never asks for love
But knows how to take it.”-Ella Mai, from “Naked”
Her recent release, “Naked,” is a very relaxing song when you just listen to her voice. However, it’s more than just relaxing, it’s inspiring, as she is basically singing about how she wants someone to love her for simply her; regardless of all the flaws. That’s how it should be with everyone when it comes to finding the right person. She reminds us of the significance of true love, and how important it is for us to value ourselves enough to look for someone to compliment us; she does this solely through her music.
Just as inspiring and lovable as Kehlani’s music, Ella Mai is another rising star who makes sure to reach her audience through her music. Her lyrics will touch you, and that’s what makes it so relatable. Her songs are not superficial or shallow. She should be recognized further because her music has the ability to encourage individuals to respect themselves. And, honestly, I love to listen to music like this. Maybe you will too (check her out).
-Chloe