Artist Advent Day 17: Ellur
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Today, on Day 17 of Next Wave Magazine's Artist Advent, we delve into the captivating world of Ellur, an emerging artist whose soulful sound and genuine approach to music have been making waves in the industry. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences, Ellur shares insights into the challenges of breaking into the music scene, the power of self-discovery, and the profound impact of connecting with audiences through her emotionally charged performances. Join us as we explore Ellur's journey, her ambitions, and the unforgettable moments that have shaped her musical narrative. Discover the artist behind the music and immerse yourself in the musical tapestry that is Ellur.
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Next Wave: Who are your musical influences or role models?
Ellur: Kate Bush, Coldplay, The 1975, Sharon Van Etten, U2, War On Drugs, Slowdive, Fiona Apple, Sam Fender, Radiohead, Paolo Nutini, Dora Jar. I could go on but these are just a few of the main influences I think.
Next Wave: What's the most challenging aspect of breaking into the music industry?
Ellur: I’m a people pleaser and I want to be liked. In order to be a musician and be successful at it, I believe, you have to let go of the fact that some people just aren’t going to gel with what you’re doing. If someone doesn’t like your music, it doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just means that they don’t like it. Simple.
I have always really pushed myself, to be liked by everyone, it’s a really emotionally draining way of living. It’s been a tough habit to kick but I think it’s important to let go of in order to be successful. I’m finally starting to trust myself and my creative output and the music I’m making currently is some of my best work so far. I’m really proud of it.
Next Wave: Do you have any advice for other up-and-coming musicians trying to make it in the industry?
Ellur: Figure out who you are and then be that person. I literally made a powerpoint presentation of what I want my musical career path to look like. Down to the venues I wanna play and artists I wanna work with. It’s really helped me visualize this intense ambition I have for my music.
Also, having time off is as productive as working. Stop beating yourself up for having a day in bed. Resting allows you to reset and come back to writing, recording and performing at your best.
Next Wave: What are your long-term goals and aspirations?
Ellur: I’d love to play all the biggies, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, T in The Park, V-Fest, Primavera. I grew up at festivals so I think playing them would be a real full circle moment for me.
I’d also love to slowly work through my list of dream collaborations. If I got to write with Chris Martin one day, I think I could die happy.
Next Wave: Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey so far?
Ellur: I think I’ll remember the recent tour support I did for The Pigeon Detectives for the rest of my life. Particularly the last gig we did in Middlesborough. There was a bloke in the audience near the front who I didn’t think was overly interested in my set. At the end, I play a song called The Woman which is a song about how agonizing it can be just to exist as a woman. At the end of the song there’s a bit where I let out this big wailing vocal and it’s supposed to be this big emotional release and right at that point in the song I locked eyes with this man and he literally had tears in his eyes and put his fist in the air as if to say “power to you”. It made me cry. It was awesome.
Next Wave: What song, ep or album of yours would you recommend to someone who is listening to your music for the first time?
Ellur: The Woman. I released it recently and it’s the first song I have ever co-produced. It’s probably the most important song to me that I’ve released and is in the same world as the more recent songs I’ve written/recorded. I’m incredibly proud of it.
