Artist Of The Week #288 - Ellur
This week's Artist of the Week is rising indie artist Ellur - who has just released her new EP 'God Help Me Now' via Dance To The Radio.
The Halifax sensation’s brand new EP (produced by Joel Johnston / Far Caspian) showcases her anthemic sensibilities to perfection, taking influences from contemporaries including Sharon Van Etten and Sam Fender, and arriving ahead of the musician’s debut trip stateside for SXSW this spring. Speaking ahead of her EP release, Ellur revealed: “The ‘God Help Me Now’ EP feels like the first time I’ve had both hands on the wheel when it comes to my music. Up until I wrote these songs, I was still very much finding myself and figuring out what I want to do with music. The lyrics are intentionally vulnerable and confessional and are living within a classic indie world that’s coloured with electronic twists. It’s an ode to my sensitivity, my inner child and my intense ambition to move and connect with a wider audience. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Radiohead, Big Thief, Sam Fender, CMAT, Paolo Nutini and Jeff Buckley".
She took a moment to talk to us about the EP.
Hey there Ellur, how are you? So your EP is out now – how does it feel to have it out there?.
Hello! I'm so HAPPY and excited. The singles from the EP have already connected with more people than the rest of my music ever has. It's work that I’m really really proud of and the writing is the most honest I’ve been, with my audience (and also myself)!
It is called ‘God Help Me Now’ – what is the meaning behind that?
I always feel like I’m looking to a higher power for answers, asking for help. The EP feels like an answer to a question I’ve been asking for a long time. Embarking on a career in music had left me constantly questioning “Am I doing the right thing?”. Creating this EP has been a real journey and I’ve not only discovered some inner peace but also a sense of belonging and direction for my music and myself as an artist.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
It was recorded at Eiger Studios in Leeds with Joel Johnston! I usually have all my demos prepared for recording sessions but I wrote Your Dog the night before going into the studio and played it to him. I asked if we could ‘sneak it’ onto the EP because it just felt like a final piece to the puzzle. I’m glad I did.
What are the key influences behind the EP?
Key influences are Sam Fender, Sharon Van Etten, Big Thief, CMAT, Radiohead and The 1975.
If the EP could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
Ladybird. I think it’s the perfect coming of age film. I think Saoirse Ronan is the bees knees and Greta Gerwig is one of my favourite directors. One of the mains themes of the EP is coming of age and I feel a big part of that is beginning to truly understand yourself and those around you. I think Ladybird and I have a lot in common, particularly my younger self.
Do you have a favourite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
I’m really proud of all the lyrics to be honest. I think the God Help Me Now lyric “I’d die to find a simple place, where you tell me your mistakes and I love you anyway” is my favourite at the moment. I like how simple it is and it’s a really great moment live. It’s the lyric I want people to sing along to the loudest.
Now the EP is out there – what next for you?
I’m about to record my debut album just before heading to SXSW in March! The next few months are going to be filled with rehearsals, writing and recording. I’ve started an album diary and sketchbook for what I want it feel like and I’m really enjoying the process of building a project of songs again. I love creating narratives and it’s such a fun process working out how things fit together. I’m looking forward to recording it.
