Iyla Elise - Ain't Linear

Iyla Elise

Ain't Linear
self-released; 2025

​​​By ​Dino DiMuro​​​

Iyla Elise is an Americana, country and blues singer-songwriter from a small town near Chesapeake Bay. She's here with a new single called "Ain't Linear". Elise is no stranger to Pitch Perfect, with reviews of several previous tracks in the archives along with an interview. Among her influences are John Denver, Billy Joel, Vince Gill, Norah Jones, Chris Stapleton and Stevie Wonder. 

As with many of us, Elise began her musical journey taking piano lessons and choir at a young age, but unlike most of us she was then classically trained through high school. At age 14 Elise began playing around with her mother's Casio sitting on the floor, using a notebook to write songs. She also grew up hearing both her parents (and extended family) playing their own instruments (guitar/sax/drums) along with their music collection on cassette! Elise has spend the last decade recording with co-producer Tim Ryan in Charlottesville, and in 2023 her track "Outlier" was named a finalist  in the 25th Great American Song Contest.

Expounding on her goals in music, Elise says: "All of my favorite artists have their own version of soul. That’s an element I want to come through in every song I write. I hope the authenticity of my songs allows people to feel it for themselves and connect the songs to whatever they’re going through in life, whether it be an amazing moment or a tough one. Music is one of life’s greatest wonders; it’s like magic."

The new single makes clear from note one that this is a Pro production, with a crack studio band vamping along on a blues-country riff with a clarity like my favorite 60's pop records. The music is a syncopated strut atop which Elise roams freely. Maybe it seems hyperbolic to throw around the name Linda Ronstadt, but Elise's crystal tone and seemingly unlimited range make the comparison valid! Not to mention the country-rock crossover, as the second verses change the sound to a more keys-based Leon Russell vibe. The song's meaning is maybe contained in this cool lyric: "If I could take you back now, I would never." But by the end, that sentiment appears to soften right along with the increased guitar harmonies and weeping Hammond organ.

So there it is, a nice piece of country pop with all elements shiny and new. I sneaked a peak at other Elise singles and clearly this isn't her first rodeo! If you're partial to that certain kind of country-rock that makes you feel good, check her out!

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