Essy Sparrow embraces humour and catharsis on new single ‘Dead 2 Me.’
Indie pop singer-songwriter Essy Sparrow captures the essence of Autumn with her latest single, ‘Dead 2 Me,’ a track that combines grunge-inspired instrumentals with her witty, relatable style to explore themes of letting go, in the most unbothered way possible.
Since making a name for herself with music that explores the messy, often bittersweet side of relationships and growing up, Sparrow has built a loyal following online. Known for her honest lyrics and indie pop sound, she’s been compared to artists like Maggie Rogers and Lorde, but her voice and approach feel distinctively her own. ‘Dead 2 Me’ was inspired by a comment from actress and musician Renee Rapp, who joked about an ex-friend by saying, “She’s not dead, but she is to me.” The line sparked Sparrow’s creativity, leading to a track that pairs humour with a grunge-pop edge. Produced by Jemima Coulter of Hailaker, the song’s layered sounds hint at the more reflective themes Sparrow will explore in her upcoming EP, Still Upset About It Actually.
Lyrically, ‘Dead 2 Me’ is both lighthearted and raw, capturing the difficult decision to let someone go. Essy’s conversational lyrics and mellow vocal style give the song an intimate feel, making it one that you return to almost instantly. The lyrics flow effortlessly, blending indie pop melodies with subtle folk undertones. Essy’s voice takes centre stage, especially in the outro where layered backing vocals create a haunting, immersive effect that brings out the depth of the song’s emotion.
“Don’t know how to say it but that night really spun me out, felt like I fell right back into the mess.
Is it too weird to ask this, is there something that you haven’t said?”
I’m particularly a sucker for big outros in songs, and this one was amazing. It’s such a great choice for how the track closes, and the power in Sparrows’s voice is something I absolutely adored—she really gets the humour across, making it almost unbelievable that she’s singing those words. It wraps up ‘Dead 2 Me’ perfectly, leaving listeners with a memorable and impactful final moment that captures the playful spirit of the song.
