We’re dyed in the wool Midwesterner’s here at MWA but we can still appreciate a beautifully written song about New York City. Ohio native Gretchen Pleuss has penned an elegant and bittersweet ode to NYC in the form of “Everybody’s Pretty”—the first single off her new album, Daughter of The Broader Skies, premiering today only on MWA.
The song explores concepts of mental health, loneliness, and love through soft vocals and light-hearted lyrics that accentuate the movement of the city that never sleeps. Her vocal delivery and skillful finger picking call to mind the folk singers who graced the stage of the Gaslight Cafe during the ’60s Greenwich Village folk renaissance. Fans of Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, and other folk luminaries will appreciate Gretchen’s gorgeous arrangements and thought-provoking songwriting.
Stream “Everybody’s Pretty” below and hear for yourself.
Gretchen reflected on the song calling it a:
…recollection of the interactions that I had with strangers and acquaintances in New York City, “Everybody’s Pretty” captures that sense of over stimulation that can often leave you feeling lonely and craving for deeper interactions beyond the shallow day to day interactions. Even the most beautiful people can be the saddest.
The upcoming album will be released via Ohio imprint Sun Pedal Recordings. Keep an eye out for it and catch Gretchen live if you’re in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area.