_{By Andy McFerren}

The first time I heard any of Beeson’s music it was at a local music listening party in someone’s backyard in Holladay, Utah. Several local musicians had the opportunity to share what they had been working on recently. Beeson got up and shared a demo of her song “Pink Light.” And even though it was a raw demo, and the final song ended up sounding drastically different, I knew right then that she had immense potential. 

I went home that night and did a writeup on her for my blog, Music Outlet Mall – the beginning of what that blog has slowly transformed into today. And writing ridiculous things like that post in which I said that Beeson got her name not because it’s her last name but because she was a big fan of Bee Movie (that began a slew of Bee Movie-related jokes) is the primary reason I ended up here at Provo Music Magazine. 

Fast forward a little over two years after that event, and Beeson released her first EP entitled Last Shot. On its own, it’s an impressive EP, but having been there since (almost) the beginning makes these songs that much more rewarding as I’ve gotten to see the progression of a songwriter coming into her own. 

In many ways, Last Shot is about relationships. It explores the broad spectrum of how drastically different kinds of relationships can change as you grow and transition into early adulthood. And while that may sound juvenile, this EP is anything but. There’s the complexity of friendship explored in “everybody’s baby” and “I Haven’t Seen You Since The Summer.” Or there’s the theme of how love can get messy, whether it’s a relationship that ends before it ever had a chance to begin in “Best Case Girl,” or the bitterness of a former lover’s words in “Last Shot.” And finally, the EP explores self-love and personal growth in “Love Her Better.”

On top of these themes are catchy hooks followed by unforgettable lyricism. A couple personal favorites of mine are “Pretty please get me out of your teeth” from “everybody’s baby” and “Am I going to war or just a state over?” From “Best Case Girl.” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The one-two combo of unique lyrics with memorable melodies will ingrain these songs into your brain and they will play on loop in your head for days.

I could continue to write about Beeson’s at times sultry vocal tone, the intimacy it provides, and how when I listen to this album, I can hear a premonition of pop stardom, but you’re just going to have to go listen for yourself. And I highly encourage you to do that right now. Exit this article, go to your streaming service of choice, and play Last Shot in its entirety. It will be the best 16 minutes of your day. 

Be sure to follow Beeson on Instagram, and listen to “Best Case Girl” below.