Ariyel 'Sister Sister' - Working Through Heartbreak and Healing

Independent alt-pop artist Ariyel has released her second single, “Sister Sister,” a stirring collaboration with vocalist Emily Sangder that adds another deeply emotional layer to her forthcoming concept album.

Rooted in the confessional storytelling and dreamy textures that have drawn comparisons to Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo, the track solidifies Ariyel’s place as one of indie pop’s most emotionally articulate voices. A native of the Pacific Northwest now based in Colorado, she continues to use music as a vessel for exploring trauma, love, and the often nonlinear path of healing.

“Sister Sister” is a shimmering, melancholic slow-burn, rich with ambient tones and intimate harmonies. But beneath its sonic beauty lies a profound emotional core—an unflinching look at the complicated relationship between women entangled in romantic betrayal. Rather than casting blame or resentment, Ariyel chooses empathy. “I had a dream where the other woman reached for my hand,” she shares. “Even if I never get that in real life, this song helped me let go of the anger.” Her words—and her music—invite listeners to imagine healing not just from heartbreak, but from the narratives we’re taught about rivalry and pain.

The track’s production, led by august mez and enriched by vocal producer Joshua Evan Lee, brings Ariyel’s vision to life with textured layers and a patient, emotive build. Emily Sangder’s harmonies serve as a quiet force—echoing both solidarity and sorrow—that elevate the song from cathartic monologue to communal release. The emotional chemistry between the two artists adds a rare authenticity to a subject often oversimplified in mainstream pop.

What makes “Sister Sister” especially resonant is its clarity of purpose. As part of an album exploring life with Complex PTSD, the song doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s a turning point in a larger narrative arc. Written late in the creative process, it captures a moment of reflection and surrender. Rather than retaliating against pain, Ariyel imagines a future where understanding can grow in its place. “It’s a love letter to the possibility of empathy where resentment once lived,” she explains.

In a culture that often prizes vindication over vulnerability, “Sister Sister” is a radical act of emotional generosity. It doesn’t just tell a story—it offers a new framework for how we might live through our own. With this release, Ariyel continues her trajectory as an artist unafraid to meet discomfort with grace, carving out space for healing through honesty, softness, and sound.

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