Last summer, Jamaican singer Elise Dash made her solo debut with a cover of Billie Eilish's "Everything I Wanted". Her second song, "Soldier", has a sound closer to home. 

The reggae track was released in early March and is produced by Bat Records, an independent label from France. 

"'Soldier' is very important to me. I enjoy doing covers and singing beautiful lyrics, so this time around I wanted to put my own words, thoughts, ideas and feelings on to an amazing riddim. I really want those who are going through the same thing to feel, seen?" said Dash, who is from Kingston. 

"Going through the same thing" refers to restrictions in Jamaica brought on by the Coronavirus. The government has instituted different curfew hours to help fight the pandemic which has claimed over 400 deaths in the country. 

Dash's version of the Billie Eilish hit had a pop feel but for "Soldier", she went straight reggae with French musicians. 

"Reggae always lifts my spirits, and I wanted to create a song that did just that. I want people to hear my song and rock to it, feel a vibe and feel relaxed," she said. 

Dash recorded "Everything I Wanted" after several years doing backup vocals for different artists in Jamaica. 

Doing "Soldier" provided relief from stressful times. 

It's extremely hard during this pandemic to go out or even perform live, so getting the chance to sing has been therapeutic. I hope to continue making music that people will enjoy," she said.

Written By Howard Campbell