Carolina

Release date: Sep 25, 2026

Genre: Pop / Alt Pop

Label: Independent

Alexander Ellard might still be finding his artistic identity, but his debut single hits harder than the nor’easter. Released on September 25, “Carolina” is seriously impressive, especially for a debut.

I hear a hint of Lorde here, particularly in the dramatic vocal delivery and the way the production builds around it. But there’s plenty more to talk about. I love the energy of this track, the driving rhythm, the changes in intensity, and how the arrangement keeps moving forward. The repeated “Carolina” toward the end is sick. It’s the kind of chorus I can imagine screaming along to in the car.

The songwriting is equally interesting. Speeding cars, cold sand, sequins, a hand on someone’s hip bone. Ellard is surprisingly specific with his imagery. I especially love how he uses driving throughout the song, going from full throttle to wanting to take the car off the road. There’s a real sense of urgency in both the lyrics and the music.

For a debut single, this is quite an introduction. I’m curious to hear where Ellard goes from here.