HOLDING OUT. "My Name" by The Nunnery was released on May 8 of this year; mixed by Ward Snauwaer, mastered by Tonebox, with graphic design and visuals complemented by Isaac Ruder and Erik Elstran. (Image via "My Name" music video)

Written in a chilly Wisconsin basement, "My Name" — the newest single by The Nunnery — transports listeners to a sun-drenched scene; where summer heat waves last forever, time slows down, and glimmers of new discovery present themselves.

Sarah Elstran, the vocalist and mind behind The Nunnery, said themes of motherhood and nurturing presented themselves when writing and recording their forthcoming album.

"I feel so lucky to be able to make music. Folks showing up for artists and hearing their stories really encourages me to continue creating."

SARAH ELSTRAN

THE NUNNERY

"My Name" single cover, designed by Isaac Ruder.

Elstran’s creative rhythm, whether in the studio or at home, often begins with a melody, she said. She would then dedicate time to discover lyrics which resonated harmoniously with the tune, ensuring they felt natural to sing.

“To me, art and collaboration coexist,” Elstran said. “I typically make songs based on the spaces I'm writing them in or the conversations had beforehand.”

The Nunnery's latest single, released on May 8 of this year, was mixed by Ward Snauwaer and mastered by Tonebox, with graphic design and visuals complemented by Isaac Ruder and Erik Elstran.

Partners both in life and music, Sarah and Erik Elstran are collaborators in every sense. Erik helped create the music video for "My Name," incorporating visuals the duo has utilized over the years in live settings. “His live visual projections happened anywhere we could fit them: small dive bars, basements and backyards,” Elstran said. “Years later, that's the core of this music video, giving viewers a sense of the live show.”

With "My Name" now released – alongside "Garden of Your Heart" from last fall – The Nunnery's forthcoming album, Ascending, has begun to take shape. These singles mark the first of several new tracks to be featured on the new record; Elstran shared this ongoing development with Volume One Magazine.

Acknowledging some details are still under wraps, Elstran gratefully shared the upcoming project will initially be released on vinyl, embracing the foundations of analog creation and listening experiences alike.

“It's always so nice to know that people out there are listening,” Elstran said. “I feel so lucky to be able to make music. Folks showing up for artists and hearing their stories really encourages me to continue creating.”

Listen to “My Name” by The Nunnery online through the musician’s website or on major streaming platforms.