Hailing from the misty woods of the Pacific Northwest and now rooted in the mountainous calm of Colorado, Ariyel returns with her most vulnerable work yet. The independent alt-pop artist, known for her emotionally charged songwriting and ambient, dream-drenched soundscapes, premieres her haunting new single “sister sister” today exclusively with Music Crowns.
Following her breakout debut, Ariyel’s second single from her forthcoming concept album dives deep into the tangled emotional terrain of living with Complex PTSD. On “sister sister,” she explores a quietly devastating facet of that experience—the emotional intimacy between women entangled by shared trauma. The result is a slow-burning, deeply introspective anthem that shimmers with the ambient melancholy fans of Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo will find immediately resonant.
“I had a dream where the other woman reached for my hand,” Ariyel shares. “Even if I never get that in real life, this song helped me let go of the anger. I hope it can do that for others, too.”
Far from a stereotypical tale of jealousy or rivalry, “sister sister” is a radical reimagining of “the other woman” trope—an invitation into empathy, forgiveness, and emotional transformation. It’s a love letter to the possibility of connection where pain once resided.
Produced by august mez, the track expands on Ariyel’s original mellotron-laced demo, evolving into a cinematic yet restrained alt-pop gem. Emily Sangder, a longtime friend and collaborator, lends her warm harmonies, while vocal production from Joshua Evan Lee weaves their voices into a textured, intimate fabric.
“This was one of those therapy songs,” Ariyel says. “I worked through the animosity I’d been holding onto and came out the other side. I hope it helps people feel less alone.”
With coverage already building across platforms like Music Is To Blame, Songweb, HailTunes, York Calling, and Poppassion Blog, Ariyel’s presence in the indie scene is rising fast. “sister sister” not only cements her as a voice worth watching—it reminds us that healing is possible through art, and that even the most painful stories can be reimagined with compassion.
Follow Ariyel for more as she continues unveiling her transformative concept album in the months ahead.
