Rotterdam-based artist Nelleke continues her sophomore EP Unholy Sigh with ‘Growing Pains’, a vulnerable indie-folk track about wanting to be loved and feeling like Sisyphus in the search for it. The song captures the quiet exhaustion of repeating emotional patterns - climbing toward connection, only to find yourself back at the bottom. Halfway through, a steady pulse enters, like footsteps climbing a staircase - a sonic reflection of Sisyphus pushing the stone uphill. From that ascent, the track breaks open into a distinct second part, almost like two songs in one. Instead of exploding, the production turns inward. Sometimes the climb leads not to triumph, but to reflection.

Dropping on March 6, Toothbrush is an upbeat indie pop-folk track that dives into the messiness of a ‘situationship’ gone sideways, capturing that bittersweet realization that you deserve way more. Nelleke takes us through the rollercoaster of feeling half-in, half-out with someone who isn’t ready to commit, all while adding a dash of irony in the verses - reflecting on this somewhat mediocre connection as she scrolls through dog videos and binges Lost, because, honestly, that’s better than being stuck in something that’s going nowhere.

Musically, Toothbrush blends the atmospheric depth of The War on Drugs and Sharon Van Etten with a playful hint of Clairo-style indie pop. It’s a song meant to leave you feeling empowered, seen, and maybe a little unhinged. Honest and a bit cheeky, it’s a reminder that you deserve more than a ‘sort-of’ love.

Set to release on November 14, 2025 through Mahogany Songs, 'Declaration' is exactly what the title suggests: a statement of the moments that make life feel deeply alive. In this track, Nelleke lays out her “non-negotiables”: the small but essential experiences she’s committed to honoring, a list of what truly brings joy, peace, and grounding. When she cuts through all the noise, she asks herself: what do I really need in my own life? One of those non-negotiables? It's “There will be no shame,” a powerful confession and reminder to try and embrace your inevitable flaws. Inspired by Bon Iver, Joni Mitchell and The War on Drugs, Declaration blends reflective lyrics with an atmospheric indie folk-rock sound.

NYE was written on the very first day of the year, looking back at a bad decision made just hours before and weighing the pros and cons of letting a little chaos slip into your life. The song moves through self-reflection, humour, and a touch of resignation, capturing the feeling of stumbling into a new year already slightly off-balance. With its melancholic mood and rock-leaning ending, NYE sits at the emotional core of Unholy Sigh, a project that traces the rollercoaster of becoming an adult while navigating love, heartbreak, and the rules you refuse to compromise on.

The EP was created with two American producers in Cleveland, US and in Rotterdam, NL - often recorded with mics taped to a stand and a vocal booth improvised between clothing racks and cans of soup. That DIY intimacy shaped the sound of NYE; raw, honest, and a little messy in all the right ways. As part of Unholy Sigh, the song reflects the project’s dual nature: a love letter to the people who anchor you and an ironically poetic hate note to the situationships that undo you.