q&a: elle skies
It’s been a long time between drinks for Melbourne singer/songwriter, Elle Skies. She took her time with the follow up to her 2006 debut EP, Skyscraper – a release that sparked excellent reviews within the music industry and saw several of its tracks used on Australian television – and is now back with her latest single, ‘City’.
She had a chat to lip about finding inspiration, Cyndi Lauper, and what she’s been up to over the past few years.
Describe your sound in five words or less.
Sometimes happy, sometimes sad, pop.
Was there a particular moment or artist that made you want to pursue music when you were growing up? Who were your early influences?
I can’t recall one specific moment but I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up I idolised Cyndi Lauper and her music was a big influence on me early on.
What were you up to between your Skyscraper EP release in 2006 and releasing Elle Skies EP at the end of last year?
Music wise I spent a lot of my time between the release of Skyscraper and my new single ‘City’ writing and recording. I also got married and had some health issues that I had to overcome.
Where do you get the inspiration from for your songs? What about the ‘City’ video – where did the concept come from?
It’s hard to pinpoint one place where inspiration comes from… sometimes it’s musical like a lyrical idea or a melody and sometimes it’s just a feeling or a thought or an observation.
In regards to the ‘City’ video, that concept was developed between myself and the guys at DADSOLDAXE who directed the clip. It tells the story of a small town girl yearning for the glamour and shiny dreams of the big city.
Who do you most admire?
Musically it would have to be Cyndi Lauper for the above reasons.
A song I wish I wrote/played is…
There are too many… if I had to pick one, at the moment I’m really enjoying ‘Thinking Of You’ by Big Scary, I love that song, it’s so beautiful.
I couldn’t live without…
My banged up old baby grand piano.
The best advice I ever received was…
‘Expect nothing and you’ll never be disappointed’ …it’s simple advice but it’s true.
Do you think the music industry treats female musicians differently to male musicians? Do you think it’s more difficult for women to establish themselves?
I think there’s advantages and disadvantages, it is sometimes harder to be taken seriously as a female but on the flip side it can be easier to get exposure because there are fewer female artists out there.
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to be asked?
Yes but it would depend on who was asking…
Catch Elle Skies at her next gig at The Grace Darling on July 27! Find all the details here and make sure you check out the video for ‘City’ below!
