A Sugar Rush and a Breakdown: Why Babe America’s “CANDYNECKLACE” Is Your New Obsession

If you haven’t been paying attention to Ava Morse yet, it’s time to start.

You might already know her voice—even if you didn’t realize it. Hailing from Naperville, Illinois, Morse is the talent behind Miriam Mendelsohn, the lovably intense best friend in Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red. But while she’s spent time in the machinery of major-studio animation, her heart has always lived somewhere much rawer.

Operating under the moniker Babe America, Morse exists in that exact, messy sweet spot between the tortured lover and the tortured artist. With her latest single, “CANDYNECKLACE”, she isn’t just dipping her toes into the alt-pop world; she’s diving in headfirst.

From the Recording Booth to the Bedroom Studio

It’s always fascinating watching a young actor pivot into music, but Morse’s transition feels entirely earned. She didn’t try to manufacture some squeaky-clean pop image right out of the gate. Instead, Babe America leans heavily into a DIY, diary-entry aesthetic that feels intensely personal.

She takes the vibrant, chaotic energy of growing up in the Midwest and filters it through hazy, late-night production. It’s the kind of music you listen to while staring out a car window at 2:00 AM, wondering where it all went sideways.

Breaking Down “CANDYNECKLACE”

True to its title, “CANDYNECKLACE” plays on that exact metaphor: it’s bright, sweet, and sticky at first glance, but entirely fragile. Wear it too close to your skin, and it’s going to melt.

Musically, the track hits that sweet spot of being undeniably catchy while maintaining an indie-sleaze edge. Working alongside collaborators like Collin Taylor and Aiden Marceron, Morse builds a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and modern. The hooks pull you in immediately, but it’s the lyrical vulnerability that keeps you hitting replay. She captures that specific brand of modern heartbreak where you’re desperately holding onto something, even as it crumbles between your fingers.

Why Babe America Actually Matters Right Now

Let’s be honest—indie-pop can sometimes feel a little oversaturated with factory-made sadness. But what makes Babe America stand out is that she actually seems to mean it. She’s not hiding behind a glossy filter or playing a character; she’s working through her own chaos in real time, track by track, alongside companion pieces like ANGELFOODCAKE.

Whether you fell in love with her acting work or you’re just hunting for a fresh artist who isn’t afraid to be messy and real, Babe America is the real deal.