Elles Bailey Is Continuing Her Journey
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Chris Grifiths/Riff Photos
I first saw singer-songwriter Elles Bailey in Sutton on Halloween opening for Eric Gales. Since then she has gone from strength to strength and told us about her new music:
You have recently released your new single ‘Devil Claims His Prize’. Who did you work on the song with and what was the story/inspiration behind it?
Written with Brandy Zdan it was inspired by the world’s lust for greed and power: “You can’t take it with you, when the Devil claims his prize.”
This track features my incredible’ well-honed band: Joe Wilkins on guitar; Jonny Henderson on Ivories, Matthew Waer on bass duties; and Matthew Jones on drums. As like os many of my recent tracks, the gospel-influenced backing vocals play a huge part in the sound and feature Cat Marsh, Grace Lightman and Elio Evangeline.
In addition, you recently supported Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra at Kew The Music Festival in Kew Gardens. What was that experience like and had you performed at Kew Gardens before?
I opened for Van Morrision last year at Kew The Music which was great but I really enjoyed opening for Jools Holland. Musically it felt like a great fit and the crowd were really up for it despite the mixed weather. Its a wonderful festival and I feel very honoured to have done it twice in a row.
Who do you have in your band?
Joe Wilkins on guitar; Jonny Henderson on Ivories, Matthew Waer on bass; Matthew Jones on drums and Demi Marriner on Acoustic Guitar and BGVS
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Bristol – Diverse, inclusive, beautiful, quirky, magical – you can tell I love my hometown!
Do you have any favoured stage instruments/pedals/effects?
I like a little bit of reverb on my voice – but don’t mess with the delay – I hate delay.
How do you look after your voice?
Avoid alcohol when touring, try not to talk too much, as much sleep as possible, lots of water, vocal exercises and steaming! It’s a lot of fun!!
In doing my research, I noticed that last year you also toured the UK with singer-songwriter Don McLean. How did that opportunity arise and do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the tour?
I enjoyed when a reasonably sedate seated audience in Bath turned into a complete mosh pit for American Pie – everyone had been so chilled and then – BOOM – Chaos!
Do you have any plans to release more new music throughout this year following your current single or is it mainly live appearances now?
I have a shed load of music just sat here waiting for the world to hear it – watch this space!
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I’m not sure ill ever leave the stage…
What makes Elles Bailey happy and what makes you unhappy?
HAPPY – Spending time with my family, running, anything creative when it comes to music
UNHAPPY – I am an empath – I so often feel the weight of the world but I channel that into my music.
Photo Credit: Chris Grifiths/Riff Photos
Elles Bailey’s latest singles ‘Long Road Ahead’ and ‘Devil Claims His Prize’ are out now on Earache Digital.
Website: https://www.ellesbailey.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EllesBaileyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellesbailey/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EllesBailey/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/EllesBailey
