PleasePrettyLea – Ohheycide (2021)

While there are a plethora of genres and sub-genres nowadays, some artists are beyond definition – PleasePrettyLea is one of them. Determined not to be pigeon-holed, the otherworldly songstress uses obscurity to push her controversial concepts. Having graced our virtual pages twice already, we are not new to her music but she continues to surprise us with her provocative sound.

Influenced greatly by hip-hop and pop musicians, UK-based PleasePrettyLea embraced her natural gift for music at age six. She retained a passion for music and was honing her singer-songwriter skills before leaving secondary school. As the years progressed, PleasePrettyLea collaborated with DJ Moky and DJ Apostle, and it was the connection with DJ Apostle landing her time in a recording studio. The rest, they say, is history.

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Not fearful to approach taboo issues without abandon, PleasePrettyLea takes on the concept of suicide in her latest single ‘Ohheycide’. Her final appearance as Voldermoritis, PleasePrettyLea acknowledges the complexities of the character and explores a highly controversial theme – suicide. Similar to the haunting, gritty sound of ‘You’re Finally Home’ (read our review here), ‘Ohheyside’ has a spine-chilling and ethereal melodic arrangement.

Using her operatic vocals, PleasePrettyLea shares the “ultimate display of vulnerability” in this intriguing song. Insightful and introspective with a sense of brutality in its honesty, ‘Ohheycide’ oozes intimacy but with an overwhelming intensity. PleasePrettyLea explains that her “songs are brutally honest with hints of fun. They are always different and exciting, so I think it’s about me really utilising my uniqueness to create a different sound with relatable content” – this is completely evident in the latest single.

In addition to her single, PleasePrettyLea released an official music video for ‘Ohheycide’. An exceptional visual representation of the single’s themes of vulnerability and isolation. While I was unable to view the video in its entirety because of the strobe effects, but I was lucky enough to see the majority of it. Simplistic in its representation of suicide, PleasePrettyLea embraces the more intimate elements in this black and white music video. Confusion, fragility and angst are noted in her facial expressions and actions; however, there is a sense of “do you really care” attitude as well. I must note that ‘Ohheycide’ is graphic with regard to suicide and can be difficult to view. Watch at your own discretion.

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Due to the controversial nature of ‘Ohheycide’ and exploration of her personal experiences with mental health, the single comes with a bit of a warning. She has released a statement and interview regarding the topic making people aware of this dangerous issue. Personally, I believe if there were a song to adequately express the emotions of someone contemplating suicide, it would be this anthemic tune.

For more from PleasePrettyLea check out her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.