Sister Ray’s ‘Believer’ finds beauty in vulnerability
Sister Ray image via Vanessa Heins
Sister Ray, the project of Toronto-based artist Ella Coyes, marks a return with the captivating new single ‘Believer,’ the title track from their forthcoming sophomore LP, set for release on April 4, 2025, via Royal Mountain Records.
Building on the minimalist foundations of their debut Communion while embracing a more expansive and refined sonic palette, ‘Believer’ showcases a striking evolution in Coyes’ sound. The track balances patient, heaving guitar lines with shimmering keys and steady percussion, all anchored by Coyes’ unmistakable voice. This introspective, alternative-folk composition dives into the complexities of self-assurance, reflecting a maturation in artistry and emotional precision.
Recorded in Brooklyn with frequent collaborator and producer Jon Nellen, as well as notable contributors like Marc Ribot (Tom Waits) and Paul Spring (Fleet Foxes), the song emerged from a raw and experimental creative process.
Coyes elaborates on the track’s theme:
“I’ve always been the kind of person that wants to believe in some kind of salvation or truth and can’t quite make myself believe all the way. When I wrote this song I wanted to write about the liminal space that exists there and the way it weaves itself into the beginnings of love; wanting to know this kind of all-encompassing safety and trust, but feeling alienated by my own skepticism.”
With ‘Believer,’ Sister Ray creates a poignant and immersive listening experience that serves as a promising prelude to the upcoming album.
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