Vera Ellen releases new song “Thaw” as 13th Floor featured track

Vera Ellen, a multi-award-winning artist and songwriter, has recently unveiled her latest single titled “Thaw” from her upcoming album “Heaven Knows What Time,” set to be released on May 1st through Flying Nun Records. This new track follows the release of the anthem “Gayfever” and the duet “When It’s Over” with Hemi Hemingway, both from the same album.

In discussing the inspiration behind “Thaw,” Vera Ellen revealed that the song emerged during a songwriting residency when she encountered writer’s block. To overcome this obstacle, she sought a change of environment, visiting a local barber shop where she engaged in a conversation about music and guitars. This experience fueled her desire to create a track with a fresh perspective, leading to the creation of “Thaw” characterized by a departure from conventional writing processes and a reliance on instinct and emotion. The song explores infatuation and self-assurance, featuring vocals from her bandmate, Ben Lemi.

The music video for “Thaw” is a unique collaboration with Daniel Fletcher, blurring the lines between a music video and a short film. Deliberately surreal and thought-provoking, the video delves into themes of identity, love, dating, and generational patterns. Filmed in Auckland with support from NZ On Air Music, the video offers a visually engaging and multi-layered viewing experience.

Three years since her last project, “Ideal Home Noise,” for which she received the prestigious Taite Music Prize in 2023, Vera Ellen finds herself immersed in a realm of creativity, embracing the unpredictability of being an independent artist in today’s fast-paced culture. Her latest album, “Heaven Knows What Time,” encapsulates her journey of navigating chaos and discovering meaning within a supportive community.

The title of the album, inspired by a moment of clarity during Vera Ellen’s time in Buenos Aires, reflects the notion that creativity cannot be rushed but rather must be nurtured under optimal conditions. Produced by her longtime collaborator Ben Lemi, the album embodies a fusion of frustration and acceptance, illustrating Vera Ellen’s introspective journey of self-discovery and artistic expression.

Throughout the two-week songwriting residency in Greytown, which she received through the NZ Pacific Studio Artist Residency Programme, Vera Ellen found solace in solitude and space. Immersed in nature, she reconnected with herself, allowing her to reflect, observe, and create with a renewed sense of presence. The residency also instilled a sense of accountability, motivating her to produce tangible results and reaffirm her identity as a songwriter.

Vera Ellen’s upcoming album, “Heaven Knows What Time,” slated for release on May 1st, captures her evolution as an artist, blending themes of love, joy, and self-assurance with introspection and observation. Embracing contradiction and vulnerability, the album serves as a testament to Vera Ellen’s growth and maturation as both a musician and storyteller. Available on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms, “Heaven Knows What Time” promises to be a poignant and evocative addition to Vera Ellen’s discography.