Nessa Barrett's "Aftercare": A Closer Look at Her Most Intimate Album to Date

Nessa Barrett has truly made a mark as one of the most exciting new voices in today’s pop music scene, with a deeply thoughtful and emotional approach. She’s recognized for mixing dark pop sounds with lyrics that tackle themes of vulnerability and mental health, which makes her music resonate deeply with fans. Her latest album, Aftercare, is set to offer an honest and open look at complex feelings, marking an important milestone in her artistic journey. This album not only showcases her evolution as an artist but also explores themes that many listeners find both relatable and meaningful. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind Aftercare, its singles, and some fascinating details about its making.

Aftercare stands out as a significant moment in Nessa Barrett’s career. Known for her deep and sometimes haunting exploration of mental health and relationships, Nessa has put together an album that beautifully captures both the light and dark sides of self-discovery and healing. The very title, Aftercare, suggests a therapeutic journey—one that delves into what follows the emotional turmoil and scars left by past experiences.

For Nessa, Aftercare is a deeply personal and introspective project, reflecting her own battles with anxiety, heartbreak, and her sense of identity. In various interviews, she’s noted that the process of writing this album became a way for her to express her innermost thoughts—acting as a coping tool while also allowing her to connect more deeply with her audience. Through these tracks, Nessa explores the fragile journey of reclaiming strength and finding comfort after trauma, almost creating a dialogue between herself and her listeners.

Working alongside producers like Evan Blair and Grammy-winning songwriter Jesse Saint John, Nessa has blended pop, alternative, and dark electronic sounds into this album, perfectly complementing her thoughtful lyrics. Each song seems crafted to resonate on an emotional level, encouraging listeners to contemplate their own journeys through vulnerability and self-care. For many of her fans, Aftercare symbolizes not just Nessa’s artistic evolution, but also offers a sense of companionship—a reminder that they’re not alone in their struggles.

The Story Behind the Album

Aftercare includes a collection of singles that highlight Nessa Barrett's emotional depth and her diverse stylistic range. Each song delves into different themes and sounds, inviting listeners to explore various facets of her artistry. Let’s take a moment to look at each single and see how it adds to the album's narrative.

PASSENGER PRINCESS - This single unveils a more reflective side of Barrett. "Passenger Princess" dives into themes of vulnerability and dependency in relationships, revealing her struggle with the complexities of leaning on someone else for comfort and validation. The lyrics beautifully depict a delicate balance of strength and fragility, and her soft, haunting vocals create an intimate yet widely relatable experience. As the album's first offering, this song sets the emotional stage for what’s to come.

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET - Shifting gears, "Dirty Little Secret" brings a darker, more mysterious vibe. In this track, Barrett reveals hidden desires and the thrill that comes with secrecy, tapping into a seductive and confessional part of herself. With a driving beat and edgy production, this song has struck a chord with fans who love the bold, unapologetic side of Nessa’s artistry. The overall energy conveys themes of empowerment and breaking free from constraints, making it a standout piece on Aftercare.

DISCO - Featuring Tommy Genesis, "DISCO" offers an upbeat diversion that energizes the album. With its infectious, danceable rhythm, this single injects a fresh twist into the overall tone. The collaboration adds depth and fun, showcasing Genesis's bold and experimental flair. "DISCO" feels like a joyous celebration of self-expression and freedom, providing a nice balance to the album's heavier themes.

MUSTANG BABY - Closing out the singles is "Mustang Baby," featuring ARTEMAS, which evokes feelings of nostalgia and adventure. This track captures the essence of freedom and youth, painting a vivid picture of hitting the open road and escaping the mundane. ARTEMAS's contrasting vocal texture enhances the song's storytelling, creating a vibe that feels like an anthem for road trips—a celebration of individuality and self-discovery that perfectly aligns with the themes of Aftercare. "Mustang Baby" wraps up the singles, giving fans a taste of the album’s exploration of freedom and personal evolution.

Singles Released

Mustang Baby's Official Music Video.

Aftercare isn't just an album; it's a deeply personal journey for Nessa Barrett, and creating it involved some really unique collaborations and artistic choices. Here are a few fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes tidbits about the album that fans might find interesting.

How Therapy Influenced the Writing Process - In various interviews, Nessa has talked candidly about how therapy played a big role in her songwriting for Aftercare. Many of the album’s songs came straight from journal entries she wrote during her therapy sessions, which makes this one of her most intimate projects so far. Tracks like "Passenger Princess" draw directly from these entries, encapsulating her thoughts and feelings in their rawest form.

The Surprising Collaboration with Tommy Genesis - Nessa’s collaboration with Tommy Genesis on "DISCO" was unexpected but a delightful twist for both of them. Initially, Genesis was just supposed to contribute some background vocals, but their creative chemistry blossomed into something much bigger. They connected over their mutual interest in pushing the limits of dark pop, and Genesis’ verse brought a fun, edgy contrast to Nessa’s style. Fans have really enjoyed watching Nessa step out of her comfort zone with this track.

The Meaning Behind "Mustang Baby" - "Mustang Baby" draws inspiration not only from the concept of freedom but also from Nessa's own memories of spontaneous road trips as a teenager. The "Mustang" in the title references her dream car, symbolizing the independence and self-expression she has always wanted. Nessa has described this song as a representation of her “return to herself,” capturing a wistful longing for those carefree days on the open road.

Nessa's Tattoo Dedicated to Aftercare - Just before the album dropped, Nessa got a small tattoo on her wrist that says "Aftercare" in a minimalist font, symbolizing the healing journey the album represents for her. This tattoo is a reminder for her to focus on self-care and emotional recovery.

The First Track Recorded Was "Dirty Little Secret" - Interestingly, “Dirty Little Secret” was the first track recorded for Aftercare. Nessa originally planned for it to be a one-off single, but the process of making this song inspired her to turn it into a full album that explored similar themes. She considers the recording session for “Dirty Little Secret” a pivotal moment—one that made her want to share more of her personal journey with her fans.

Curiosities and Fun Facts

Aftercare, like any deeply personal album, has naturally stirred up its fair share of rumors and speculation, creating an intriguing mystery around Nessa Barrett's latest project. Let’s dive into some of the most interesting theories and whispers about what the album might really be about.

Is "Dirty Little Secret" About a Past Relationship? - There’s been chatter among fans that "Dirty Little Secret" could be referencing a past romance of Nessa’s. Although she hasn’t directly named anyone, many think the lyrics hint at a relationship that was kept private, potentially involving someone well-known. This air of secrecy, coupled with the song’s confessional vibe, has fans wondering if it draws from her personal life, especially since some noticed echoes of her earlier social media posts hinting at a “private romance.”

A Hidden Message for Fans in "Mustang Baby" - “Mustang Baby” has sparked its own set of fan theories, with some listeners interpreting it as a love note to her dedicated fanbase. The "baby" in the title is thought by many to represent her supporters, who’ve stood by her through ups and downs. Nessa’s comments about “finding home on the road” might express the emotional support she receives from her audience, particularly during tougher times in her career. Given how much she acknowledges her fans in her life, this theory has gained traction among her followers.

References to Mental Health Journeys - Another prevailing theory suggests that Aftercare serves as a metaphor for mental health recovery, with each song symbolizing a different stage of that process. Tracks like "Passenger Princess" and "Aftercare" may convey the dependency that often comes with mental health struggles, while "DISCO" might represent moments of joy amidst the chaos.

The Mystery Behind "DISCO" - The song “DISCO,” which features Tommy Genesis, has got fans buzzing, with many speculating it could be inspired by an actual night out where Nessa experienced some sort of release. Some fans think “DISCO” might be a playful recounting of a party in Los Angeles.

Rumored Connections to Specific Friends and Fellow Musicians - A theory that's gained traction suggests that some lines in Aftercare may reference friends and fellow musicians who’ve supported Nessa along her journey. Certain lyrics in "Passenger Princess" are believed to be dedicated to a close friend who’s been by her side during tough times. Likewise, fans speculate that phrases in “Mustang Baby” might nod to fellow artists who have faced similar hardships, turning the album into a kind of coded message of thanks and camaraderie.

The Possible Dedication of Aftercare to a Personal Loss - Finally, there’s a touching theory that Aftercare might be dedicated to someone dear to Nessa who she has lost or has grown distant from. The album's reflective and often somber nature has led fans to think of it as a tribute to someone who’s had a profound impact on her life. Although Nessa generally keeps her personal life under wraps, the emotional weight of Aftercare makes many wonder if its themes of recovery and reflection stem from a significant loss.

Rumors and Speculations

Nessa Barrett and Tommy Genesis.

Get Your Copy of Aftercare

If you’re looking to enjoy Aftercare in its truest form, you can grab the album on both vinyl and CD. These physical editions not only showcase Nessa Barrett’s incredible talent but also give fans a real connection to the music, complete with stunning album art and special booklet content that ties into the album's themes.

Aftercare marks a profound step in Nessa Barrett’s career, showcasing not only her musical growth but also her ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level. With its blend of haunting melodies, confessional lyrics, and moments of bold experimentation, the album resonates as both a work of art and a form of therapy—for Nessa herself and for listeners who find solace in her music. Each song reflects a piece of her journey, inviting fans to reflect on their own experiences with vulnerability, healing, and self-discovery.

© 2024. All images used in this post are courtesy of Warner Records. All rights to the images are owned by their respective copyright holders.