INTERVIEW:
Eleanor Nelly
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SPEAKING with artists making their first motions…
PHOTO CREDIT: @georgiaflynncreative
into the music world is very interesting. You get that fleck of excitement and the slight nerves; the hunger and open-eyed desire. Eleanor Nelly has been talking about her debut single, Polaroid, and how it developed (sorry!); what it was like filming the song’s video; whether there is more material coming this year – she reveals some upcoming artists to investigate.
I ask her which musicians have influenced her and whether she has a favourite memory from her career; the three albums that mean the most to her; if we can catch her on tour this year - the songwriter ends the interview by selecting a classic Folk track.
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Hi, Eleanor. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey! Ah; it's been good - just lounging in the sun trying to catch any kind of tan I can get before the weather goes miserable again, really. Haha.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I'm Eleanor Nelly; an eighteen-year-old singer/songwriter telling my stories through my music; letting people into my little world using my guitar.
Polaroid is your debut track. What is the story behind it?
This was one of the songs I wrote on my trip to Nashville last year! It was the last day of the trip and I couldn't stop thinking about how gutted I was to be going home. Haha. So, I took that into the session and told Andrew DeRoberts, who I wrote the song with, about how I didn't want to go home and (how we) face problems with our government in the U.K.
But, then, I knew the issues in America with Trump were bad too. It was just about wanting everyone to stop for a minute and (just) focus on the world and how beautiful it can be without us ruining it...just like looking at a polaroid!
The video looks like it was fun to film. Where was it shot? Was it a good experience?
I loved filming the video for Polaroid! We filmed it in the ‘Bombed Our Church’ in Liverpool, on a freezing cold day. Haha. I was so nervous because I've never done a music video before; so, I was so worried about how it was gonna look watching myself back but it such a good video! It was so much fun - even just spending the day in the church and learning things - and seeing things I'd never known even living in the city and walking past it every day.
It seems you have been busy the past year or so! Are we going to see more songs later in the year? What have you been working on?
It's been a crazy year. I've got some more songs on their way very, very soon and an E.P. to be expected soon, too! I spent a lot of this year collecting, writing and recording the songs for this E.P. - so I'm really excited for everyone to hear what's been going on!
Do you get a buzz from songwriting? Does it make you feel safer and more alive?
Songwriting, for me, is so therapeutic. Back when I was in a really bad place in my life, songwriting always allowed me to put them feelings somewhere; somewhere safe. (It was) Just a way I could tell people what was happening and what I was going through without actually having to tell anyone.
Which artists inspired you growing up? Did you always have that love of music?
I always loved being creative; I’ve done acting, dancing and then, eventually, music and writing! Growing up, I always had music around me and I can't really imagine life any other way. I grew up in a city where music is the heart of everything!
My first inspiration was Sandi Thom - and my reason for getting into music! She was the first gig I went to when I was eight and she took me under her wing really!
Liverpool is where you are based. What is the city likes in terms of music and energy?
Liverpool's music scene is special. It's such a supportive network with soooooo many talented people! Some of my favourite bands and artists of all time are local and I love it. Especially, watching local musicians getting so far with music - it makes the city so proud always.
Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we see you play?
There are a few dates coming up more towards the end of the year! I'm playing a local festival called Shout About It festival next month in Liverpool which is to support local bands as well as photographers wanting to gain experience!
PHOTO CREDIT: @roosvelting
Then, in September, I'll be supporting one of my longest friends at his headline gig - also in Liverpool! More dates always pop up so I always tell people to keep an eye out because I'm always somewhere playing. Haha
Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?
Before the end of the year…hmm; I'm not sure! Honestly, I have done most of the things I have always wanted to do so the rest of the things are all possibly next year's goals or goals for the next five years - like release an album, get back to Nashville; play Glasto!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
Ahhh; I have so many memories. My favourite one has got to be my first gig. I was like twelve or thirteen and went down to this pub in Liverpool called The Albert. I turned up and literally had to play one song because they were worried about me being in there because I was so young…so I got up and played Valerie. People played along with me and sang with me - and it was just the start and I didn't even know it! It always gives me such a warm feeling thinking about it.
Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?
My three fave albums would probably have to be Kacey Musgraves' newest album called Golden Hour; Joni Mitchell’s Blue and, probably, John Martyn’s Solid Air.
For me; they always remind me of certain points in my life and I can connect with almost every song on each album. It's all about connecting with music to me!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
To any new artist coming through, I'd say keep at it. If you love it, do it. If you want it, get it. If it feels right for you, go with it! I can't stress enough how important it is to keep going and keep being you - being original and you is so important. Do what your heart wants and everything along the way will fall into place.
Master your craft and grow with your music! At the end of the day, your music is your art and no-one else can change that or take it away from you so own it!
IN THIS PHOTO: XamVolo/PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
So many artists I love that are up and coming! A band called Stillia (are ones I love). They are smashing it at the moment. Thom Morecroft is one of my favourite local musicians who just blows me away with his songs every time.
XamVolo is just a super talent - there are no words for how unreal that man is. Robbie Cavanagh is such a dream with his music. Also, Callum Beattie is one of my new faves. So many: I could give you books and books of artists to listen to...
IN THIS PHOTO: Robbie Cavanagh
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
When I need time I take time, but music for me is my chill. When the rest of the world gets too much, then music helps me but, sometimes, I like to just sit and have quiet time. But, honestly; I don't do anything else apart from music: I wake up and play my guitar and do up until I fall asleep.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Oooo; I'd love it if you could play Sweet Little Mystery by John Martyn - one of my fave songs and artists!
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