Berlin−based trio Vanelle release their second single, ‘Blue Curls’, via their new label home, Beans On Toast Records. It marks their first release with the Berlin indie imprint and follows their 2024 debut single ‘Ocean’s Lullaby’.

‘Blue Curls’ dives deep into the emotional labyrinth of adolescence. Told through the eyes of a teenage girl who had Blue hair to stand out — only to find herself more isolated than ever — the song captures the aching tension between self-expression and belonging.

The narrative follows her journey from rebellion to conformity: blue curls swapped for Madonna-blonde hair in a desperate bid for approval. She gets into the parties, finally feels seen — but not as herself. The moment of clarity hits when she realizes she never wanted to impress anyone in the first place.

Threaded throughout the track is the ghostly voice of her mother calling out, “Wait a minute!” — a protective echo that becomes both a warning and a lifeline.

“’Blue Curls’ is a story about identity, FOMO, and the cost of chasing acceptance,” says the band. “It’s about learning the hard way that being yourself is the only way to really belong.”

While the character in ‘Blue Curls’ is fictional, she’s stitched together from real experiences — especially those of singer Aubrey, whose strict Catholic−conservative upbringing never allowed for blue hair. Instead, Blue Curl became a symbol of the version of herself she once longed to be.

Adding further authenticity, the song weaves in stories from the band’s circle — including Nick’s girlfriend Jackie, who did have blue curls growing up. Her personal experience as the girl who rebelled through hair dye gave the song its emotional depth.

“Everyone knew a girl like this,” the band explains. “Or was her.”