Ahead of festival season truly getting into full swing, and in line with recent Reading and Leeds news, we had the chance to chat with Halifax songstress, Ellur*. Come and get acquainted…

RECORD WEEKLY’S INTERVIEW WITH ELLUR

Hello hello, how are you? 

Hi, I’m doing tremendously, thank you.

How’s your summer going so far?

My summer is going great and looking busy! I’ve just finished doing a lot of recording and I’m scheduling releases for the rest of the year. I’ve also got a lot of exciting gigs over summer!

Ooh yes, so we’ve heard the news about you performing at Reading and Leeds Festivals, which is phenomenal! How did you feel when you found out?

I was absolutely gobsmacked! I’ve been going to Leeds Festival for such a long time; I even worked there in a burger van one year just to have the chance to go and see some of my favourite artists. It’s an absolute dream of mine to play, so to be asked was an honour. It’s one I can tick off the bucket list for sure!

Let’s take it back to the beginning — when and how did you get into music?

I’ve been interested in music and being a musician my whole life. There are videos of me when I was aged two or three, performing and creating my own ‘shows’ for my parents, wearing different outfits, and describing what my music would sound like. I was writing my own songs when I was about ten or 11. Then I started a career in music when I was about 17, performing in pubs and bars around Halifax, playing covers and always sneaking in a few of my own songs. When I went to uni in Leeds, I decided I should start to release my own music and create and grow an audience. It’s been slowly building ever since!

Which artists have been your biggest influences? And who are you most giddy to see at Reading and Leeds?

There are so, so many. To name a few: Coldplay, Sam Fender, Billie Eilish, Kate Bush, Lady Gaga, Sharon Van Etten, Sarah Kinsley, Wolf Alice. I love music, bands and artistry, and I could geek-out for hours about the albums and eras of all my favourite artists.

In terms of at the festivals, I’m most excited about Lana Del Rey because she’s just an absolute powerhouse and a huge inspiration for me as a writer. 

If you could play any three venues, which would they be?

Headlining somewhere like Brixton Academy in London or The Albert Hall in Manchester would be such gorgeous ideas. My ultimate goal, though, would be to play at Wembley Stadium… I’ve got some big dreams.

What are the best things about your local music scene?

There are lots of independent venues and record stores around Halifax, which are the backbone of the music scene. There’s also the Piece Hall which is, in my opinion, the best outdoor venue in the UK. I’ve seen many great bands there, and I also had the opportunity to play as support last year.

Can you share anything else that’s coming up?

Lots of new music coming up! The release plan currently stretches until September next year and all the new music I’m putting out is work that I’m incredibly proud of. It feels really realised and personal and authentic. I can’t wait to share all my crazy visual concepts alongside the songs, too.

If you’re heading out to Richfield Avenue or Bramham Park this August, be sure to swing by and catch Ellur’s set! In the meantime, you can find out even more about the artist here.

*With thanks to Festival Republic for organising the interview.