Salem Ilese

Salem Ilese Davern (born August 19, 1999) is an American singer-songwriter. She is known for her singles "Mad at Disney" and "PS5", and has also co-written songs for artists such as Ava Max, Bella Poarch, Demi Lovato, and Illit. In 2019, she released her debut EP, 757, and in 2023, she released her debut studio album, High Concept.

Early life Born on August 19, 1999, Salem Ilese Davern is originally from Mill Valley, California. Her songwriting career began at the age of 10 when she began classes with Bonnie Hayes (songwriter for Bonnie Raitt and Cher) in San Francisco. She also attended Berklee College of Music and spent two years majoring in Hayes' songwriting program.

Career Ilese moved to Los Angeles, where she signed to Homemade Projects and released her debut EP, 757, in 2019.

In 2020, Ilese released the song, "Mad at Disney" after a series of Disney live-action remakes which drew the ire of fans. It became her breakout hit because of its popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok and was certified by the RIAA. The song peaked at number 67 on the Billboard Global 200 in 2020, and appeared on the Rolling Stone Top 100 Popular Songs in 2020.

Additionally, Ilese co-wrote Jamie Miller's "Here's Your Perfect", ILLIT's "Magnetic", Bella Poarch's "Build a Bitch", and Tomorrow X Together's "Anti-Romantic". Her second EP (L)only Child was released with a food truck in May and collaborated with Alan Walker on "Fake a Smile".

Her other song, "Crypto Boy", rose in popularity in social media including YouTube Shorts and TikTok.

She also wrote and sung with Tomorrow X Together, produced by Alan Walker, the song PS5 in 2022 which was a success on social media.

In July 2023, she announced that she would release her debut album, High Concept, on September 15, 2023. The album was promoted with the release of several singles including "Strongly Worded Letter" and "PainHub".

Artistry AllMusic's Marcy Donelson described Ilese's style as "dissatisfied, relationship-themed dance-pop".

Discography Studio albums High Concept (2023) Growing Down (2025)

EPs 757 (2019) (L)only Child (2021) Unsponsored Content (2022)

Songwriting credits