On February 13, 2026, alt-rock artist from North Carolina Nicole Ash released her brand-new EP Never Better, which embodies themes that fans can deeply resonate with. Vulnerability, isolation, and resilience summarize this debut EP. The record is so emotionally driven that it will leave you on the edge, as Nicole Ash doesn’t hold back lyrically.

“Stitch The Thread“ can symbolize rebuilding a friendship that’s falling apart or preserving the memories of that friendship. The single echoes loudly, as if you were sitting in an empty room and every thought bounced off the walls, returning right back to your mind. From beginning to end, there’s an urgency in both the lyricism and instrumentation that fans can emotionally resonate with, as it can represent a rush of adrenaline.

“Seeing Signs“ is an anthem for anyone experiencing a first crush or a new crush that makes you overthink and analyze every word or action. The single, the first release from the EP, sets the amplified tone for the entire project with its explosive, electric, and pulsating energy that mirrors the feeling of a heart beginning to like someone. It captures the chaos and unfiltered thoughts of overanalyzing, replaying every word in your mind. The song is filled with vulnerability and the spiraling emotions that tumble out in each lyric throughout the track.

Interviewer: Let’s start with the most basic question first. Can you give us some insight about who you are as an artist? Just a little background for new listeners!

Nicole Ash: “Sure! I’m an alternative rock artist based in North Carolina with influences such as My Chemical Romance, Avril Lavigne, Blink-182, and Green Day. I started out as just a guitarist and songwriter, and now I also sing. I also just released my debut EP Never Better!”

Interviewer: Your music is very immersive and truly captures the intention of pulling at all your emotions. Can you explain a little bit about the major themes of this EP release and what lead you to create music that can resonate with your listeners?

Nicole Ash: “This EP is really a collection of songs from my experience over the past couple years where I went through a lot of upheaval at once. I felt extremely lost and disconnected from myself. Each song dives into a completely different emotion from love and uncertainty to anger and depression. Every time I write, it’s extremely personal and a way to turn what I’m going through into art.”

Interviewer: “Better Off Alone” might be one of my favorite tracks off this EP. Can you give us some insight about the single?

Nicole Ash: “I’m so glad you like it! This song is about feeling extremely disconnected from yourself and the things that used to bring you joy. I was in a dark place for a period, and at first I didn’t realize it, but slowly I started to lean away from music, relationships, and hobbies that made me truly feel like myself. It even made me question who I was and if maybe I was better off on my own. It was a moment where I had to admit to myself that I might actually be depressed. I didn’t have the answers for what to do next, but I knew I could write about it.”

Interviewer: As a person who loves to understand the process of music being made, can you tell us a little bit about some studio stories and how the songs were created?

Nicole Ash: “I flew out to LA to record three songs with my producer, JoJo. Right before flying out, I actually wrote “Stitch The Thread,” which was a follow-up to “Villain.” When I got to the studio, I told JoJo I couldn’t help but want to make this a bigger project than just 3 singles, so I shared my demo with him and we ran with it. When I got back to North Carolina, I recorded that last 2 songs and sent him the tracks to create the full EP.”

Interviewer: With this EP release, what tracks mean the most to you, and why?

Nicole Ash: “‘Stitch The Thread’ and ‘Better Off Alone.’ ‘Stitch The Thread’ was a full circle healing moment for me to realize I wasn’t angry about a friendship breakup anymore; I actually really appreciated everything it was at the time and wished that person well. ‘Better Off Alone’ is the most vulnerable song I’ve released so far. It addresses mental health, which is why I started making music in the first place.”

Interviewer: Out of all the tracks, which ones do you think will have the largest impact on listeners?

Nicole Ash: “If I had to choose, maybe ‘Better Off Alone’ because it’s the most vulnerable. But my hope is that each song meets someone exactly where they’re at — whether it’s having a crush, a friendship breakup, or feeling completely lost.”

Interviewer: With this new EP, were you able to express all the emotions you wanted to through all the lyricism? 

Nicole Ash: “I think so. Lyrics are my favorite part of creating music and I also started with poetry. I love leaning into storytelling, and although instruments can do that too, the lyrics are where I feel like this EP really thrives.”

Interviewer: Last question: what’s the main message you want to give to your listeners about this EP release?

Nicole Ash: “It’s okay to not have all the answers. If you feel disconnected from yourself or the things you love, your feelings are validated. The best thing you can do is keep moving forward, even if you’re unsure of the next step. And when you can, turn that uncertainty into art. It’ll always lead back to who you’re meant to be.”

Keep Up With Nicole Ash online: Instagram