Brælyn's Soulful Debut Is Reminiscent of the Best Parts of a Norah Jones Song

Acoustic singer-songwriter Brælyn, a budding newcomer to Philadelphia’s scene, just dropped her debut single, “In Between.” Originally from rural Virginia, her hometown influences are incredibly evident in her uniquely country-adjacent vocal tones. Since making her way into our city, she’s played low key venues like Bourbon & Branch, Fergie’s Pub, and East Falls Beer Garden. She worked with producer Mark Menkevich of Divine Lorraine to release “In Between” on his label, 436 Records. To say she lucked out in finding such a passionate scene who openly welcomes out-of-towners is an understatement. Brælyn’s unlocked potential makes its full debut with her impending EP, In Between, which drops on February 29th.

Her earnest lyrics sound like something straight out of Norah Jones’s Come Away With Me, but with a slight rebellious and indifferent undertone that comes with the territory of writing about your early twenties. “In Between” is, lyrically, an arduous crooner about the push and pull of loving someone loudly while they love you quietly. Her soundscape is understated and sweet, with a gentle acoustic guitar and natural percussive sounds. Her added whistle tones are a sweet shout out to other powerful acoustic songstresses like Corrine Bailey Rae.

“You care for me in quiet, but I’m always making noise.”

Though a stripped-down instrumentation and subtle yet trilling vocals aren’t unique to Philly’s sound, Brælyn wears them well and makes them her own. A Norah Jones comparison isn’t one to give or receive lightly, but they’re like two sides of the same coin. Brælyn still maintains an immense air of originality, though. “In Between” takes all the best parts of her influences and spins them into something completely her own.

You can stream “In Between” below while you wait for her EP release later this month.