After teasing us with a string of singles, including the peppy self-worth anthem title track, Nashville-based singer and songwriter Ainsley Costello’s proper debut album EXLESS is finally here. The first full-length project from Ms. Costello’s been a long time in the making, and showcases her versatility all at once.
It’s been thrilling to watch the artist’s evolution and maturity in real time, dating back to her “Little Sister” days in 2022. Ainsley has grown so much over the years, and her journey towards self-realization culminates into a debut album that packs so many punches it’s hard to pick favourite tracks. Her brand of pop punk has always been defiant and pointed inwards, with reflective lyricism that feels refreshing and compelling with each new listen.
On EXLESS we see all of it happening at the same time, as Ainsley continues to explore and expand her soundscape. Like a dream collaboration between Carly Rae Jepsen and Paramore, EXLESS offers a unique perspective: the one of a young woman who’s grown up expressing herself through music and art, and has learned her worth and how to navigate the cruel world that surrounds her with undying humor.
She writes songs as punchlines, looking for the best way to subvert what you might expect from her and always making sure that she lands on top. Ranging from occasional electronic musings to straight-to-the-point rock and roll, Ainsley’s charming personality is what shines through and keeps it engaging all the way. EXLESS is a celebratory collection of songs that speak of confidence, self-love, and encourage the listeners to follow their hearts and dreams with genuine care and boundless ambition.
“I wanted EXLESS to be the album I didn’t hear growing up”, the songwriter says. “I was so tired of only hearing songs about how sad it is if you’ve never been in a romantic relationship. I just wanted to flip that script. These songs are about honoring the phase of life you’re in, knowing and trusting that love will find you, so in the meantime, why not have fun by yourself or with your girlfriends until then?” she wisely concludes. That statement reveals the true power that hides away beneath catchy riffs and pop melodies: life is what happens while you’re waiting, so just go out and live.
The carpe diem of it all may be a cliché but, hey, some things are clichés for a reason. EXLESS is an adventurous exploration of life as a young woman who is done waiting, portraying wild mood swings in both production and lyrics. It’s a cohesive body of work that lets Ainsley’s signature style come through while still making room for sonic experimentation – from the acoustic guitars and heartfelt words of “You Problem” to the electronic ambitions of stunning closer “Alchemy”.
Featuring production credits from Nickolas Wheeler from seminal pop punk band The All-American Rejects, EXLESS is the time in which Ainsley shines brighter than ever before. Offering a boost of confidence aimed especially at girls and young women, Ainsley finds herself beaming out energetic songs and infeccious melodies that stray away from usual love and heartbreak themes. It’s a bold move and precisely why it strikes as such a fun and exciting listen. The timelessness of its sound combined with her enthralling lyricism makes EXLESS a light record, capable of turning around even the direst of days.
STREAM “EXLESS” NOW!
Offering a boost of confidence aimed especially at girls and young women, Ainsley finds herself beaming out energetic songs and infeccious melodies that stray away from usual love and heartbreak themes.
Stream on Spotify NOW!
Exless by @ainsleycostello.bsky.socialopen.spotify.com/intl-es/albu…
— Jpgchief (@jpgchief.bsky.social) 13 de mayo de 2025, 8:39
@jpgchief 🚨#NewMusic🚨 🛑#ListenNow🛑 🔥#DebutAlbum🔥 New Music "Exless" debut album by @ainsleycostello in this post “Can’t Say I’m Not Trying” @Jpgchief @Jpgchief @Jpgchief EXLESS is an adventurous exploration of life as a young woman who is done waiting, portraying wild mood swings in both production and lyrics. ⭐LISTEN NOW⭐ #FreshSingles #IndieOnly #FemaleRisingStars #12NewSongsThisWeek #UnknownButEssentials https://lessthan1000followers.com/2025/05/13/ainsley-costello-offers-a-refreshing-perspective-on-love-and-pop-punk-on-debut-album-exless/ #CapCut ♬ original sound – Jpgchief
Ver en Threads
Remember to show some love and support, and follow Ainsley Costello on Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky, TikTok, SoundCloud, YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. You can also visit her official website.
It also helps to stream and share her music; you can find it in the following Playlists: Fresh Singles, Indie Only, Female Rising Stars, and Unknown But Essentials!
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the center didn’t hold