Iraqi-American dark pop artist Ellise has entered a bold new era with the release of her latest single, “Sexxxtapes,” a track that signals a striking sonic and emotional evolution for the gold-certified singer-songwriter. Known for transforming vulnerability into cinematic soundscapes, Ellise continues to push boundaries with a release that is as raw as it is hypnotic. You can listen to “Sexxxtapes” now on all major streaming platforms here.
Co-written by Ellise alongside JT Foley (Nessa Barrett, blackbear) and Arthur Besnainou (Nessa Barrett, Baby Storme), with production handled by Besnainou under the moniker Arthur Besna, the single blends driving synths, Daft Punk-inspired vocal manipulation and Ellise’s signature emotionally charged storytelling. The result is a neon-lit dark pop anthem that feels both futuristic and painfully intimate.
“‘Sexxxtapes’ is about that dizzying blur where the pain of a breakup meets the heat of a memory,” Ellise explains. “It’s about the rituals we create to survive loneliness.”
She continues, revealing the deeply personal nature of the track: “I’ve spent a lifetime ripping myself to shreds to rebuild a ‘better,’ more flawless model for others. Making this song helped heal deeply rooted shame around sex and intimacy — finally getting real about taboo emotions I’d usually keep tucked away.”
A Breakup Song That Refuses to Play It Safe
Rather than leaning into familiar breakup tropes, “Sexxxtapes” offers a voyeuristic look at how people privately grieve lost intimacy in the digital age. Ellise explores the quiet isolation of revisiting saved memories — intimate recordings and moments archived on a screen — as a temporary escape from loneliness. It’s a concept that feels uncomfortably relatable, giving the song its emotional bite.
Sonically, the track pulses with kinetic energy while maintaining a stark emotional core, cementing Ellise’s place as one of dark pop’s most compelling storytellers. The single has already begun gaining traction online, bolstered by Ellise’s recent viral podcast appearances on Spout and Delulu with Ryan Lu, where she discussed vulnerability, shame and creative rebirth.
“Sexxxtapes” Debuts Live on the PRETTY EVIL Tour
The release of “Sexxxtapes” coincides with Act II of Ellise’s PRETTY EVIL Tour, which kicked off on January 19 at Rose Music Hall in Columbia, Missouri. Joined by rising artist Meg Smith as support, the 16-date North American run sees Ellise bringing her dark, cathartic live show to cities including Atlanta, Houston, Tampa, San Diego and Dallas.
Her debut tour was previously praised by LADYGUNN, which described the experience as “a live transformation of sleek production and moody sonics into something heavier, louder, and deeply cathartic.” Act II promises to expand on that vision, delivering an even more immersive performance.
North American Tour Dates
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January 19 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
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January 21 – Milwaukee, WI – X-Ray Arcade
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January 22 – Pontiac, MI – Pike Room
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January 23 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar
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January 24 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
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January 26 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall
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January 27 – Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall
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January 29 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
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January 30 – Greenville, SC – The Radio Room
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January 31 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Altar)
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February 2 – Tampa, FL – Crowbar
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February 3 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
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February 5 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)
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February 7 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues (Cambridge Room)
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February 10 – Phoenix, AZ – The Rebel Lounge
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February 11 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues (Voodoo Room)
About Ellise
Since her gold-certified breakout single “911,” Ellise has emerged as a cornerstone of the dark pop scene, building a fiercely loyal fanbase drawn to her haunting vulnerability and cinematic sound. Her music is shaped by deeply personal experiences and mental health struggles, allowing her to articulate emotional depth with rare honesty.
Following recent singles “Valentine” and “KILL4ME,” Ellise is preparing for the release of her upcoming EP Sexxxtapes, created in collaboration with Arthur Besna, JT Foley and Madi Yanofsky. The project is described as her most transformative body of work to date — a defining statement for a new chapter in her career. As 2026 unfolds, Ellise is poised to build on her growing momentum with major live performances and a sharpened artistic vision.
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