Estella Dawn takes a unique approach on a break-up in her latest single, “California.” Rather than being filled with rage and bitter resentment, the singer tells her ex-partner that she hopes the best for them. It is a sweet sentiment that sometimes relationships can end, yet things can remain amicable. In a world filled with anger-fueled break-up anthems and melancholic heartache ballads, “California” is a refreshing take on break-up songs. In the chorus, Dawn sings: “I hope you find everything you need// Out in California// That the surf’s good// Blue skies// Got someone who adores ya// Remember to breathe darling// The worst ain’t always coming// I hope you find everything you need// Out in California// Out in California.” With these lines, she tells her former partner that regardless of what led to their break-up, she is supportive of their decisions, and she wishes them well. The subsequent verse indicates that her partner moving across the country to the Golden State is what caused their relationship to end. She sings, “If you asked, I would have crossed the country// Fuck, guess that’s not what you wanted// You’ve gotta do what’s best for you// I’ve always got your back// Know that’s the truth.” These lyrics reveal that Dawn has every right to hold bitterness toward her ex-partner and wish for their failure. Them leaving to pursue their dreams in another state is the reason she is now left drying her eyes and mending her broken heart. But instead, she shows that she truly does love them if she is willing to set them free. The message of “California” is incredibly profound as it showcases Dawn’s admirable emotional maturity and ability to convey real, honest human emotions.
Estella Dawn is an unstoppable pop princess with an extensive discography compiled of unforgettable pop hits. As a triple-threat through her singing, songwriting, and producing, “California” is another incredible addition to her portfolio. The song immediately kicks off with her distinct voice paired with an acoustic guitar to introduce the chill-pop vibe. The guitar plays a fingerstyle riff that remains consistent throughout the entire track, ebbing and flowing from the background to create a dynamic soundscape. In the pre-chorus, the beat primarily focuses on the high-hat cymbals while an electric guitar subtly plays a melody in the background. When the chorus hits, the bass is introduced while the electric guitar starts playing bright chords. Layered vocals are added to Dawn’s impeccable voice, enhancing the dynamic production. At the end of the chorus, a bright melody is played on the guitar, creating a sparkling, ethereal element to the song, before transitioning into the second verse. The original production of the first verse returns with the addition of the drumbeat. The track picks up a muted electric guitar playing the melody with additional layered vocals. The pre-chorus consists of the bass and bright guitar chords, before a synth wave transitions the song back into the full production of the chorus. In the bridge, the song focuses on the acoustic guitar and layered vocals, with the bright melody on the electric guitar in the background. Dawn’s angelic voice leads the transition into the full-production chorus. In the classic Estella Dawn style, the final chorus draws focus on her phenomenal vocal range, with impeccable high-notes and falsettos. The song closes out with just Dawn’s layered vocals singing the hook: “Out in California.” Once again, the singer has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with and she deserves to hold the number one spot on every single pop chart.
Estella Dawn is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from New Zealand, now based in San Diego, California. Her music does not stick to one style, but rather mixes the sounds of multiple genres to create her own unique sound. In 2018, she made her debut with her first single, “Feet". She released several singles leading up to the onset of the global pandemic. During quarantine, she took the time to hone in on her sound and capture her true essence within her music. That year she released 10 original singles every six weeks, defining her impeccable ability to keep audiences engaged with anticipation of her next masterpiece. Since then, Dawn has released several more incredible singles and she continues to release music that reels in hundreds of thousands of listeners. Her creativity shines through every single one of her releases and she shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Written By Karlee Skipper
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