Listen: Alma Elste - "Virtualism" [Premiere]
Back in 2013 Alma Elste dropped the blinding demo for "Virtualism", and now you can hear the official version first on Best Fit.
Elste, hailing from (and based in) Paris, has already garnered comparisons to frosty-pop swooner Lana Del Rey and the effortless cool of Summer Camp. The original demo of "Virtualism" hit our ears and instantly impressed: Drive OST-slick electronics, pop culture nods galore, and Elste's own sweetly-apocalyptic coo all blended into one glorious brew.
The rework keeps the brilliant lyrics - "drinking 40s, playing GTA/drinking 40s, I stole some baseball cards" - but laces the production with a sense of controlled chaos. The electronics are grander, the beats punchier, and when the East India Youth-style breakdown erupts, you'll understand why she wanted to take this one back into the studio for some tinkering.
Speaking about the cut, Elste said that it's about “my generation, seen from the future. I wanted to write a vintage song about out present times.”
Elste played our new music showcase, the Best Fit Five Day Forecast, in January. More shows are expected soon.
Check out the new version of "Virtualism" below.
- Jordan Adetunji returns with "X n the City"
- R.E.M. announce five-track benefit EP, Radio Free Europe 2025
- Charli XCX, Neneh Cherry, Jordan Stephens, and more sign open letter of solidarity to trans community
- Moses Sumney, Yukimi Nagano, Obongjayar and Yussef Dayes to feature on Little Simz's forthcoming album, Lotus
- Palace and NoSo join lineup for Khruangbin's Gunnersbury Park show
- Mádé Kuti returns with new single, "I Won't Run Away"
- Kaeto presents new track, "words"
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday
Blondshell
If You Asked For A Picture
Monolake
Gravity
Car Seat Headrest
The Scholars
