A Q&A with Elle L

Electro dream pop with a cinematic feel, from London…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Higher’ is a song about letting go of your vulnerabilities and surrendering to fearless love. It’s a song that means a lot to me as it’s something I’ve experienced first-hand over the past year… Lyrically it explores the idea of trusting in the process and in someone else beyond yourself. Production wise it’s quite stripped back in verses and elevates to a sense of euphoria in the chorus.

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
As a new artist, coming out of lockdown, there are both challenges and opportunities in creating and releasing digitally. I put a lot of my music together remotely and it’s the same with the releasing process – a lot of Zoom calls! I think it’s amazing that we can now create a sense of energy and connection non-physically, yet there is an undeniable magic to being the in the room with

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
I produced this track at Tileyard studios with Takahide George and Courtney Sullivan. It all happened pretty quickly over the summertime and they are a real joy to work with! For me, so much of creativity is about the energy – and they brought that to thus track. I love the synth strings in the chorus, so that was one of my favourite elements that they brought to the track.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I hope the listener comes away with a feeling that anything is possible. It’s an uplifting song and so I hope it gives a moment of calm in someone’s day, it’s also quite catchy, so hopefully something singable in the shower!

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Writing, as I’m sure it is for many other artists, is a type of therapy and so I write a lot and it gives me a natural high… I often write drafts by myself. Lyrics and melodies come to me, in my sleep or just from the middle of nowhere, I’m quite tuned into to my sub-conscious in that way. I then take drafts and play them in my session and sometimes a producer will really resonate with one and so we usually start that way! But other times we may start from scratch. I love all ways of creating and I’m not fixed. If anything, while I’m starting out, I like to be out of my comfort zone as much as possible as I think that’s how I can grow the deepest.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
My style is quite versatile, but I’d say artists like Coldplay and Labrinth have been an influence in terms of vibe on this one… I think it’s the mix of heartfelt with euphoria that is the common ground. I like to be inspired by artists that take me on a journey and I think they do that. I also think they practice the art of re-inventing themselves, which I’m a fan of creatively.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
London, my hometown of course and the Royal Albert Hall would be up there! I’d also like to tour Paris, NYC, LA and Tokyo… but of course I’d love to play wherever my music resonates and hopefully one day, right around the globe.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
I think ‘Hoping’, my first single, is probably the one that has the most emotional depth and connection to me as a person. So out of my own music, I’d say have a listen to that as I think as I think there’s a lot of myself in that track so you’d get a clear picture of me and my inner child.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I would love to be able to do what I’m doing, just on a bigger level, and to be able to support positive action on our global climate crisis. I’m on my way, but it’s baby steps, so I’d like to take some giant leaps over the next couple of years!

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
“Only the gentle are ever really strong” by James Dean… It’s one of my favourite quotes, and is reflective of my music, which is inspired by the strength in vulnerability.

For more info visit: instagram.com/ellel