Caturday with Ella Eyre

With the recent announcement of her new single “domino szn” Ella Eyre is embarking on a new era. From signing her first major record deal 10+ years ago to now releasing new music as an independent artist, Ella is putting herself first. Her evolution reflects her growth not just as a musician, but as an empowered creator taking full control of her artistry. With this next chapter, she’s poised to make an even bigger impact on the industry, fully embracing her independence. Continue reading to learn more about Ella’s inspirations, aspirations, and creative process.

Amber Backhouse: Your new single ‘domino szn’ is out now! How are you feeling upon its release?
Ella Eyre: I have to say, I’m feeling incredibly content and at peace with the release of this song which is not something I can say every time. I finished writing my album last year but I wrote domino szn just a few months ago and with signs of summer poking through, it instantly felt like a song that needed to be released immediately. Being independent now meant that for the first time in my career I had the power to make that call and make it happen within 8 weeks and it was so fulfilling to just go with my gut with no one to answer to but myself. I love everything about this song and it sounds just that little bit sweeter to me knowing I didn’t have to wait a year to get it out there.

AB: What was your creative process for creating your recently released single ‘domino szn’ and music video for this?
EE: As a writer, I draw inspiration from my experiences in life, purely because those are the things I know best and it’s cathartic to write them down and put melodies to the madness. ‘domino szn’ is an uncharacteristically upbeat concept. It’s a metaphor for everyone falling in love and everything falling into place aka ‘the domino effect’ so I guess you could say that’s where I’m at in life at the moment and it’s quite nice for a change actually! I wanted the music video to feel like a home video, natural and uncomplicated through the eyes of somebody who was in love the person. It was the perfect assignment for one of my best friends who also happens to be an incredible creative director/producer, Daisy Deane.

AB: Whilst attending the Brit School your career bloomed with huge success, having signed your first major record deal at just 16! Do you remember what that period of your life was like?
EE: I remember how it felt but I don’t remember much else, it was a beautifully chaotic whirlwind to be honest. I’d been working in the studio everyday after school and at the weekends during my last year and pretty much signed as soon as I completed my course and from that moment on it was manic. Everything I’d known about life before was completely different but 10+ years later I can’t remember it being any other way.

AB:Your songs often explore deep emotional connections and romantic themes, emphasising mutual respect and acceptance. Is there a specific moment in your life that influenced your writing, or the themes within your music?
EE: My first heartbreak is the first thing that comes to mind. Being 18 and having your heart torn out of your chest whilst trying to juggle this very new and daunting career in music was an experience for sure. I was full to the brim with emotion and rage but song writing was the most effective (and productive) way to sooth my teenage angst. In hindsight I’m incredibly grateful for that dickhead now.

AB: Your music has won accolades as a mix of neo-soul, pop, and R&B with the tracks of ‘Ain’t No Love That Blind’ and ‘We don’t have to take our clothes off’? What do you strive to achieve when you release hit sensations like these?
EE: I honestly don’t think I know the answer to that question. I just want to sing my little heart out about the way that I’ve been feeling and hope that it resonates with somebody. That’s why I love listening music at all really, I love it when I hear a song and it hits me in exactly in the way I needed it to in the moment. Whether it’s the lyrics, the melodies or the emotion in the voice of the person singing, I’m completely addicted to that goosebump feeling and that’s all I ever hope to create for anyone who will listen to my music.

AB: You are now an independent artist, how has this changed your creative process and output?
EE: Without a doubt. Being signed to a major label when I was 16 over 10 years ago taught me a lot about I want for myself creatively in the long run. Having the freedom to exercise everything I’ve learnt along the way has given me a sense of ease I’ve never felt before and I’m actually able to enjoy process now because I’m entirely responsible for my output. I can enjoy these moments more now whether they bring huge streaming success or not because I’m proud of the music I’m making. That’s not to say I wasn’t proud before but there are a lot let cooks in the kitchen trying to season the sauce these days.

AB: A performance that encompassed your bold new era was ‘Ain’t No Love That Blind’ live from the BAFTA TV Awards earlier this year. What was it like performing at the BAFTAS?
EE: Performing at the BAFTAs this year was EPIC. It felt like a really big deal, which of course it was, but even bigger now I don’t have a major label pitching me for these huge opportunities. It meant so much more knowing that BAFTAs loved the record enough to give it a platform it might not have had. The pressure was immense in that room, with that many iconic names and faces but the personal sense of achievement was even greater.

AB: In addition to your music, you have also been involved with Labrum walking for their AW24 RTW London Fashion Week! What was that experience like?
EE: Walking in a LFW show was one thing but walking for Labrum at Tate Britain was a whole other level. Goes without saying I’m a big fan of the brand and what they represent but I’m really inspired by Foday’s very personal approach to fashion. Labrum always manages to weave beautiful, important stories from their origins into their fashion and shows. To play a part in one of their biggest shows to date was a huge honour.

AB: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, and what does the next chapter look like for you?
EE: My main advice to anyone just starting their journey as an artist would be to spend real, dedicated, uninterrupted time working out exactly who you are and what you want the world to see before letting anybody else medal with that vision. Once you start, it’s not easy to really start again so make sure you surround yourself with creatives who can share and help you realise that vision authentically. The next chapter for me looks a lot happier and freer in the knowledge that I am the only person really responsible for the moves I make next.