Some artists craft songs that feel like fleeting moments—beautiful, but passing. Susie Cousins, however, delivers music that lingers, music that plants itself deep in the soul and refuses to be forgotten. With her debut single, “Revelation,” released on March 1, 2025, Cousins isn’t just introducing herself—she’s making a statement.
A Birmingham, Alabama-born artist with roots in classical music and a passion for pop/rock, Cousins brings an introspective, deeply emotional storytelling style to the table. Produced by Les Nuby, an acclaimed musician and producer known for his rock drumming prowess, Revelation is a mesmerizing fusion of raw vulnerability and melodic sophistication.
From the first haunting notes, it’s clear that Revelation is not just another debut single—it’s a deeply personal declaration. Cousins draws from mid-life experiences, channeling moments of pain, transformation, and personal liberation into a track that demands to be heard, felt, and lived. Her voice carries a delicate yet commanding power, effortlessly weaving through lush instrumentation and intricate string arrangements that elevate the song beyond standard pop-rock fare.
Lyrically, Revelation paints a picture of reckoning and renewal. There’s a raw honesty in the way Cousins confronts past struggles, breaking free from emotional restraints and stepping into a new version of herself. It’s an anthem of self-discovery, of shedding old burdens and embracing the unknown with open arms.
The song’s production process speaks volumes about Cousins’ dedication to her craft. Recorded at Ol’ Elegante Studio in Birmingham, Alabama, every element was meticulously planned and executed, from the intimate vocal recordings in her son’s makeshift booth to the carefully layered string arrangements. The track feels both deeply personal and sonically expansive, striking a balance between orchestral beauty and rock-driven intensity.
But Revelation is just the first chapter in a much larger story—the opening act of Cousins’ debut eight-track album, Hotel Estelle. With a tracklist that reads like a journey through heartbreak, resilience, and self-acceptance, the album is poised to be a deeply affecting musical experience.
Following Revelation, tracks like “Starless” and “All Fall Down” dive further into themes of loss and rebuilding, with aching melodies and lyrics that speak to the soul. “Rest in Me” slows things down, offering a moment of introspection and stillness, while “House of Cards” builds intensity again, delivering poetic reflections on life’s fragile nature.
The album’s later tracks, including “Naked” and “Kingdom Come,” show Cousins at her most exposed, embracing vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. “Unwelcome Friend” closes the album with bittersweet finality, leaving listeners with a sense of closure—but also a longing for more.
What makes Hotel Estelle and Revelation so special is not just the musicianship, but the deeply human stories they tell. Cousins is not afraid to explore the unpolished, imperfect realities of life, and in doing so, she creates something profoundly relatable.
With her unique blend of classical influences, rock grit, and folk-tinged lyricism, Susie Cousins is ushering in a sound that is refreshingly authentic and deeply moving. Revelation serves as the perfect introduction to an artist who is here to stay, and Hotel Estelle promises to be an album that resonates long after the final note fades.
For those who crave music that doesn’t just entertain but speaks to the heart, Susie Cousins is an artist to watch. And with Revelation, she’s not just making music—she’s making an impact.
