JODY ELLEN's "The Play Pretend" chooses authenticity over keeping up appearances

“The Play Pretend” is an upbeat pop-rock anthem from Seattle alternative-pop rock artist JODY ELLEN, about reaching a breaking point and choosing authenticity over keeping up appearances. Driven by the powerful refrain, “say I’m fine, say I’m fine, but I’m not okay,” the song explores the emotional weight of pressure, burnout, and struggles with mental health, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

Blending heavy guitars, driving rhythms, and vulnerable moments, “The Play Pretend” takes listeners on my journey from frustration to honesty and self-acceptance. With influences reminiscent of early 2000s pop-rock and alternative acts like Paramore, PVRIS, and Avril Lavigne, the track delivers an emotional yet empowering soundtrack for anyone tired of pretending they have it all together.

see JODY ELLEN live:

06/19 Everett WA @ Tony V’s Garage w/ Nivek + Tragedy By Design + Kitty Junk

08/29 Bremerton WA @ The Charleston

see THE SIRENS live:

07/11 Olympia WA @ The Crypt w/ Drifter + Coven Dove

07/31 Seattle WA @ The VERA Project w/ Tiny Monsters + Plash

08/21 Tacoma WA @ Real Arts – Rainier On The Rise Festival

see LIMBERLOST feat. JODY ELLEN live:

09/18 Tacoma WA @ Spanish Ballroom

09/19 Post Falls ID @ Cruisers w/ Wyatt Olney & The Wreckage + Josh Kain

09/25 Umatilla OR @ Rock The Locks Festival

10/04 Los Angeles CA @ Whiskey A Go-Go

“Jody Ellen was one of our Best Of 2025 artists last year and is proving to be one of the greatest rising talents in the Pacific Northwest. Jody Ellen is definitely one of the acts to watch in 2026.” — Wyatt Olney // 99.9 KISW Seattle

“There’s a natural command in her stage presence that translates visually — every movement, expression, and vocal peak carries intention. Whether she’s delivering a quiet, emotionally heavy ballad or pushing into a louder rock-driven moment, she holds the audience with confidence.”— Brandon Hill // Raincity Reverb

“Jody Ellen is a skilled songsmith… Every note, every breath, bears the weight of a thousand broken hearts…” — Jeremy Dentinger // Grit City Punk podcast

“It’s so beautiful…” — Lindsay Manfredi // author and bassist of COLD

“Good song, good melody, good lyrics – very real and heartfelt lyrics.” — Steven Hyden // Music Entertainment Magazine

Jody Ellen is an alt/pop-rock singer and songwriter whose music blends heartfelt piano ballads with epic rock anthems, drawing comparisons to artists like Evanescence, Paramore, and Lana Del Rey. Known for her earworm melodies, layered harmonies, and emotionally charged lyrics, she embodies a dynamic mix of vulnerability and strength in her music, and brings a powerful and memorable stage presence.

Jody’s duality shines through in her sound, shifting seamlessly from soft to hard, while her fun and approachable personality makes her instantly relatable to fans. Her songs have gained national attention, receiving national radio play, and being nominated on the 2025 GRAMMY ® ️ ballot. She had one of the Top Songs of 2025 on Seattle’s 99.9 “The Rock” station, and her band was recently named Best Up-And-Coming at the 2025 Washington State Independent Music Awards!

Fiercely authentic yet accessible, Jody continues to carve out her place as a versatile rising star in the alt/pop-rock scene. Catch her on tour this fall with the female-fronted Limberlost where she’ll be the featured guest vocalist.