Iyla Elise keeps building, and “Ain’t Linear” is her tenth single, another strong entry from a Virginia-bred Americana artist who understands that the best songs carry more than one feeling at a time. Produced by Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist Simon Reid, the track fuses blues, soul, and country into a warm, groove-driven love song that doesn’t shy away from the complicated parts. It sounds like something earned rather than assembled, soulful and grounded with real emotional pull.
Elise describes it plainly: “It’s a feel-good love song with a tinge of sadness. I love adding emotional layers to my writing, something that feels multi-dimensional and complex, kind of like life. This song is about remembering what you have and choosing to fight for it, even when things get tough.” That instinct for layered storytelling has defined her work since the debut EP ‘Outlier’ arrived in September 2023, with the title track going on to become a finalist in the 25th Great American Song Contest. Fans of Chris Stapleton, Marcus King, and Norah Jones will find familiar ground here. “Ain’t Linear” is out now.