What is your name?
Hi, my name is Ebru Ellis! And for the record, that’s Eh-bru, not ee-bru! Haha.
What is your genre of music?
I would say that my genre is a mixture of rnb and pop music. I’ve practically grown up listening heavily to both genres, so naturally it has influenced my music.
Give us a little bio about you.
I’ve been singing as long as I can remember, in fact I was around 3 years old when I first held a microphone and I knew from that moment, I wanted to be a singer. At the age of seventeen I was asked to provide backing vocals for Craig David thanks to my then management. More recently, I sang alongside Sam Smith, providing backing vocals for his award winning single ‘Stay With Me’ – joining him on TV shows such as Alan Carr’s Chatty Man and Graham Norton. I have also performed at the Elle fashion awards and been given the accolade of becoming an honorary member of The London Community Gospel Choir. Since then I’ve gone from strength to strength, with writing songs and collaborating with some great up and coming artists and producers. I’m excited for what 2018 has in store.
Tell us more about your music.
My songs are very transparent, honest, catchy and emotive. I love to write about my experiences, and draw influences from what I see the people around me go through as well. It took me a while to find my sound, only because for the longest time I felt creatively bound and forgot how to express myself. However, once I got past the fear and surrounded myself with a team of people who believed in my ability to write and gave me creative control, the songs flowed with such ease!
You released your ‘Blocks’ , what is the meaning behind the track?
When people don’t believe that you have what it takes, bless them and keep it moving. We all face the kinds of challenges, when chasing a dream, that can cause many to quit, but even if we have setbacks, or worst case have to start all over again, we must get up and keep trying. That is literally what I had to do, and I just wanted to share a miniscule part of my story and encourage others to do the same because I know just how damaging the process can be.
What was the writing process like?
The writing process was surprisingly very easy. I already knew the kind of topics I wanted to write about and there was great chemistry between us all. We just allowed our ideas to flow and weren’t afraid to express them regardless of whether they were good or not.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was amazing, I literally recorded five songs in two days. I think that’s because I’ve had studio recording experience since I was 17 years old, so I’m quite fast at recording at a professional standard. That’s why I am so grateful for all the experience I have accumulated behind the scenes on other peoples’ projects as well as my own.
Who did you work with on the single?
I worked with Nathaniel and Nait who have also worked with the likes of Little Mix and Labrinth. They are really talented and it was such an honour to be in the same room as them. Nathaniel is friends with my management, so it literally felt like working with family!
What was the naming process like?
We named the song after we finished the writing. The word Block was really prominent in the chorus and seemed to sum up the general meaning of the song, so we called it Blocks instead because it appeared more intriguing and we thought it would grab peoples’ attention, to want to listen to the song to find out what it’s actually about!
TAKE A LISTEN TO ‘BLOCKS’ RIGHT HERE;
Will we see an EP or Album this year?
You will definitely be seeing an EP from me later on this year, which I am super excited about and can’t wait for my fans to hear. I am also currently in the process of writing my album at the same time, which I anticipate will be released next year. There’s so much work to be done!
If so what can we expect from it?
I believe there is at least one song on the EP that everyone will be able to relate and connect to! It’s honest, emotive and speaks of loss, finding the strength to move forward and over-coming painful situations like heartbreak and betrayal. It’s mostly mid-tempo and upbeat, so you don’t have to worry about an EP full of ballads! Lol.
Will we see any shows or a tour maybe?
I am currently in the middle of a radio tour promoting my single, but I will have shows which I will be sharing about on my social media, so keep an eye out!
If so where will you be heading?
My debut performance will be on the 30th of March at the Jazz Café, where I will be supporting the wonderful London Community Gospel Choir, and singing a few more original songs that no one has heard yet, as well as Blocks, of course.
What else can we expect from you this year?
I will be releasing another single soon and I am super excited about that! My focus will be promoting my single, releasing my EP, finishing my radio tour and doing a few shows this year, perhaps even a few abroad. That’s my hope!
Are you a signed?
Yes, I am signed to Goshen Music Group and have been working with them for the past few years now. They believe in me so much and see my vision clearly, and that is super important to me. Not only that, they are amazing individuals who care about me as a person first, and then as an artist, which I find to be so rare in this industry, and for that I am super thankful!
Who are your influences?
Growing up, my influences have been strong, influential powerhouse women such as the likes of Beyonce, Etta James, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Price, Faith Evans, Adele and Emeli Sande who have literally impacted the music industry and broken barriers for the next generation of female artists. Their voices and songs tell a story and take you on an emotional journey and that has influenced me to be a vulnerable artist and share my truth through song, in hope that people would be able to listen to my music and not only relate to them, but also find some kind of healing through them, in the same way that I have through these wonderful artists.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In five years, I see myself being a successful recording and touring artist; travelling around the world and selling out arenas. I see myself breaking the charts and representing British Music. I also really desire to help the homeless and women who have experienced domestic abuse in relationships, in any way that I can. I believe it’s important to help the less fortunate as I have been so blessed to have people help me in my low times and when I needed it the most.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I honestly love being wrapped up in my duvet with a cup of tea and some cake watching Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal. I just finished Narcos as well, Pablo was literally insane, I can’t believe it was a true story! lol. I love a good series, but besides that, I love working out at the gym and finding new places to eat!
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
I’d be up for working with anyone signed or unsigned as long as I am feeling the music and the chemistry is right! There is a lot of incredible talent out there that’s definitely worth collaborating with. If anyone is interested, they can contact my management at: info@goshenmusicgroup.com
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Genie in a bottle by Christina Aguilera was the very first song I sang as a solo and the response I got from the crowd was mind blowing and that moment was so significant for me because it gave me the confidence that I really needed to continue pursuing music and not just continue singing in a choir, in a class room or in my bedroom!
Where is your dream festival to perform?
I would absolutely love to perform at Glastonbury! It’s one of the biggest festivals in the world and some of the greatest artists have performed there and it would be a dream come true to be able to grace the stage there also! A girl can dream, and I’ll keep dreaming and working hard until I turn that into a reality!
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
The Royal Albert Hall would be my dream venue to perform. It’s such a prestigious place and so intimate. It has always been a magical experience for me, whether I’ve gone to watch someone perform there or had the privilege of gracing the stage as part of a choir, or singing backing vocals. What an accomplishment it would be to sell out The Royal Albert Hall with my own music!
What made you go in to music?
I can’t remember there being a specific moment or thing that made me go into music. All I know is that I have been singing since I was a toddler. I mean, I had my very first toy microphone at just three years old. I just loved the way music and singing made me feel every time– it caught my attention and I wasn’t interested in anything else, to the point where my mum and uncle would literally have to tell me that, that was enough singing for the day! Haha
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
To pick myself up and keep moving forward no matter how bad it hurts, or no matter how much it looks like it’s never going to happen. That I must value myself enough to give myself the chance to live the best life I can by making quality decisions, not out of fear but by faith!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
Be prepared for not seeing progress immediately, for the temporary financial challenges that come with all the sacrifices that you have to make, even for many years. When people don’t believe in you or don’t like your music, make sure you don’t let that poison your heart and blur the way you see yourself. You will prove why the industry needs you by simply continuing to share your gift.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
This quote gives me hope every day that regardless of whatever I face, there is always a purpose in it. Even if I don’t immediately see what that purpose is, one day I know that what I’ve gone through will make sense and something good will come from it.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
⦁ Dr Nelson’s Steamer – it works wonders for your throat!
⦁ Lemon, Honey and Ginger Tea – to keep hydrated
⦁ Makeup
⦁ My stage outfit of course!
⦁ My phone charger – I’m constantly working on my phone and the battery always needs a good top up late in the afternoon, while getting stage ready!
When you come off Tour
1/ Where is the first place you go?
Home! There is literally no place like home and being in your own bed.
2/Who is the first person you see?
My mum and my two Staffordshire Bull Terriers! I always miss them so much.
3/What is the first thing you eat.
Lamb Chops from a Turkish restaurant called ‘Gokyuzu’ – they are literally the best lamb chops ever! Try them and thank me later. Lol!
Where is the go to place in your hometown?
I love my late-night trips to ‘Biju’ in Soho where I get my Earl Grey Bubble Tea with Tapioca!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
