With her sophomore single “In Between,” Melbourne artist Elissa Parsons deepens her emerging identity as a cinematic pop storyteller, delivering a song that is as tender as it is expansive. Known for her soulful vocals, rich musical influences, and emotionally honest writing, Parsons returns with a track that feels like it belongs on the soundtrack of a film—lush, nostalgic, and steeped in quiet beauty.
At its core, “In Between” is a love song, but not one built on grand declarations. Instead, Parsons focuses on the sacred subtleties of everyday life—the moments of stillness, comfort, and connection that exist between the milestones. “It’s about the spaces between the big events in life,” she explains. “The everyday moments where you feel safe, known, and deeply held.” That perspective shapes the entire emotional landscape of the track, giving it a warmth and intimacy that feels both universal and deeply personal.
Musically, “In Between” draws inspiration from romantic cinematic soundscapes, particularly the nostalgia-infused scores that define Nancy Meyers’ films like Father of the Bride. Its orchestral palette also nods to Laufey’s lush arrangements, while the grounded, piano-forward writing recalls Georgia Lines. Co-written with Alex Dukas and produced by Jared Haschek, the single is draped in delicate harmonies, an eight-piece string ensemble, and more than a dozen layered vocal parts—all arranged by Parsons herself.
The production is breathtaking in its detail. Haschek describes the song as having “beautiful chord changes, a surprise modulation, lush strings and stunning backing vocals,” and that assessment rings true. The track rises and falls with cinematic grace, each musical shift echoing the emotional ebb and flow of cherished memories. Parsons’ voice sits at the center—warm, expressive, and effortlessly soulful—carrying a sincerity shaped by her gospel roots and lifelong relationship with music.
Her artistry is deeply informed by an eclectic range of influences: the vocal mastery of Mariah Carey, the soulful harmonies of Boyz II Men, the charm of 1950s movie musicals, and the timeless pop sensibilities of Michael Jackson. These elements intertwine naturally in her work, forming a musical language that favours emotional clarity, melodic richness, and a love for beauty in all its forms.
Parsons’ lived experience adds even more depth to her creative voice. Growing up in Melbourne, she surrounded herself with vinyl records, movie soundtracks, and faith-filled community spaces where voices blended and breathed together. She has performed internationally across Central America, the Philippines, and Mexico, collaborated with artists including Marina Prior and Deborah Byrne, and developed a career as both a performer and vocal coach. Her Sara Bareilles tribute shows at Melbourne’s Paris Cat highlighted her interpretive skill and hinted at the original artistry she’s now stepping into with renewed confidence.
“In Between” captures exactly what its title promises—the magic of the everyday, the poignancy of quiet moments, and the way love lingers in the spaces we often overlook. It’s a song that glows with sunset-coloured melancholy, offering comfort, nostalgia, and an invitation to pause and be present.
With this release, Elissa Parsons cements herself as a cinematic pop voice worth watching—an artist who not only sees beauty everywhere, but knows how to translate it into sound.
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