Nothing brings me more joy than a completely unapologetic, kick-ass girl group. Welcome to the scene, Carrie Okay! A new alternative pop-rock group made up of singer-songwriters LØLØ, salem ilese, and Alna. Created from the chemistry of the writing room, these ladies are here to share their modernized take on the classic ’90s alternative sound with their debut single, “High in a Drugstore.” Produced and co-written by Andrew Goldstein (blink-182, Tate McRae, 5 Seconds of Summer), it is an effortless blend of acoustic guitars and emotionally relatable lyrics that illustrate the magic that can come from a writing session.
The concept of response to heartbreak, the idea that you never know where it may take you, is prevalent in the lyricism. The effortless sound of acoustic guitars and three-part harmonies carries the listener through this journey. “High in a Drugstore” is a perfect exploration of a moment when you find yourself searching for a way to clear your thoughts but end up wandering amidst an existential crisis instead. The simplicity of the instrumental lines only adds to the sundering story woven into the lyrics; I particularly love how the words build off of one another like the connection between thoughts as they multiply. It’s easy to get lost roaming through the melodious narration of the composition.
The accompanying visualizer is also quite fun! Filmed around locally/culturally significant spaces in the San Fernando Valley, it inspires a type of nostalgia I didn’t even know existed within me. This feeling of nostalgia really drove home the relatability of the situation illustrated in the song. Because yes, we’ve all been to Denny’s or 7-11 at one point or another contemplating the meaning of it all! I’m excited to hear more from Carrie Okay and the unique flair each member brings to the group as a whole. Be sure to give “High in a Drugstore” a listen, out now!
LISTEN TO “HIGH IN A DRUGSTORE” HERE
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ABOUT LØLØ:
The details matter to LØLØ. Unafraid to discuss love, lust, and life without filter, most diaries will never get quite as deep as her lyrics do. All the while, she sonically threads Gen-Z openness into an organic fabric of nineties-spun alternative, attitude-laden rock, and punchy pop. Since 2018, she’s built a devout audience by holding nothing back. Following a series of fan favorite EPs, she struck a chord with her 2024 full-length debut, falling for robots & wishing i was one. Beyond generating tens of millions of streams, it incited a groundswell of critical acclaim. Meanwhile, she hit the road with jxdn, Boys Like Girls, Simple Plan, and Against The Current in addition to selling out headline shows across the globe and making a name for herself at the festival circuit. Guitar in hand, heart on the table, and truth out in the open, the Toronto-born singer and songwriter spikes a cocktail of intoxicating vulnerability with just the right amount of venom on her second full-length LP and Fearless Records debut, god forbid a girl spits out her feelings!
ABOUT salem ilese:
salem ilese is a self-proclaimed word nerd. She is also a pop artist and songwriter based between LA and NY, hailing from the Bay Area. She is most well known for her clever lyrics, ear worm melodies, and being mad at Disney. She has released two full-length albums and is in the midst of rolling out her third, featuring her latest songs “My Bad” and “Love Like A Hobby.” She has toured the US and Asia, performed at the Paris Olympics, and is about to embark on a tour with artist Gnash. She is also a songwriter behind the scenes, penning “Build A Bitch” by Bella Poarch and “Magnetic” by ILLIT, to name a few. Salem always has a book open, and is an open book in all of her music.
ABOUT ALNA:
Alna is a Los Angeles-based songwriter who once swore she’d never step out from behind the scenes, until she finally answered the call to explore her own artistry. In addition to joining the pop-rock group Carrie Okay, Alna has appeared as a solo featured artist on several dance tracks. Most recently, she co-wrote and sang on ILLENIUM’s single “Forever,” which she performed alongside ILLENIUM and Tom Grennan at the Sphere in Las Vegas earlier this year. Pairing colorful melodies with candid lyrics, Alna is known for songs that blend nuanced emotions like paint colors. As a songwriter, that perspective has helped her build a growing body of work with artists like Demi Lovato, Kylie Minogue, The Two Lips, and ILLIT to name a few. With Carrie Okay comes a fresh new outlet to weave in stories from her point of view.