It’s been four years since we’ve heard much from Zsela, but get ready for a lot more coming this year from the New York singer-songwriter. Zsela self-released her debut EP Ache of Victory way back in 2020, and earlier last week (April 23) offered up “Lily of the Nile,” the second single off of newly-announced debut album Big For You, due June 14 via Mexican Summer. The record will also include March single “Fire Excape.”
“Lily of the Nile” opens softly, with Zsela singing alone over a gentle guitar line. The track builds with grace and tact, with background vocals and supplemental instrumentation easing their way into the fold. The song ebbs and flows, at times growing admirably intricate before easing back into highlighting its central star of Zsela’s rich, low vocal delivery. Three-quarters of the way through, “Lily of the Nile” gives way to a poetic monologue partnered with tasteful bass before fading out entirely, a gentle end to a powerful musical movement.
The push-and-pull effect may be a result of Zsela’s artistic process when creating the track.
“It was important for me to stay open in this process, finding the truth of what the songs want to be,” Zsela says. “That meant breaking them down and building them back up again and again, not being precious and trying to listen.”
Along with the album announcement and single, Zsela also made time to share a smattering of late summer tour dates, which include Seattle, New York, and Chicago — just not Boston (as of yet). If Big For You is anything like its singles, the show may be worth a quick road trip; in the meantime, check out “Lily of the Nile” below and hold on for a Boston date to hopefully show up on the itinerary.