Clondalkin’s ELLYD looking forward to Picnic show
By Alannah Kenny
CLONDALKIN singer-songwriter ELLYD will be performing on the Global Green Stage at Electric Picnic on Saturday, September 2.
This is the first time that the 33 year old has been invited to Ireland’s largest music festival since starting out in music approximately eight years ago.
In her early twenties, ELLYD joined a band but her first solo performance was at ‘Leap Sessions’ in Leixlip where she was a local hit.
Since recording demos in her home studio, she has released an official EP, toured across Europe and has earned exposure at one of the biggest music events in the country.
The Echo chatted to ELLYD to discuss her musical journey to date.
When did you first start singing and what was your inspiration?
I started writing songs at 11 years old and my inspiration back then would have been all the music I grew up listening to in my very early years thanks to my parents.
Paul Simon’s album Negotiations & Love Songs was the first CD in our house and the first album that I ever fell in love with.
Where the name ELLYD come from?
My first name is Elaine and a lot of people call me Elly. My last name is Doyle. I decided instead of using my boring Elaine Doyle name – I would jazz it up a bit and make my stage name ELLYD! That’s it in a nutshell – I wish it was more exciting.
How did your journey into music begin?
I was in band before the whole ELLYD thing and we gigged mostly around town. My first solo gig in Ireland as ELLYD was in The Leap Sessions, Leixlip which Bobby Harpur and Ross Breen ran.
Sadly, it’s not running anymore but when I started out they were so supportive.
You released your first EP entitled Rise last year. What has the reaction been like?
The reaction has been extremely positive. Rise was released just over a year ago. I love the fact that some people are only hearing it now for the first time and the response is still as good as ever.
If you could describe the sound/style of “Rise” in just 3 words, what would it be?
Pop/Emotional/Rave.
What was the experience like creating your first EP?
I loved every minute of it. It was quite experimental in ways. The process was a solitary experience until I brought the songs into Jam Studios in Kells to record the EP.
I worked with Martin Quinn in there who is exceptional at what he does. I’ve gone back to record with him since – he’s extremely easy to work with.
My friend and ex-bandmate Robert Crosbie offered to remix my song Say which features as track four and it really was the cherry on top.
Is there any track you wrote on Rise that has a particular significance for you?
The title track Rise was probably the most emotional to share. It’s always an emotional one to perform too. The song is about addiction and it’s quite personal.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I would put it on the EP but I’m happy I did now. It’s the song that most people ask me about or comment on, especially after a gig.
If you had to name a particularly stand out performance, what would it be?
I had a launch night for Rise in The Vintage Room Workmans Club in November last year. My friend Marty was on DJ duty and two of my friends were the support acts.
The most memorable part for me was when I ended my set with a cover of David Bowie’s Starman. Everyone sung along and would probably be still singing now if we hadn’t had the curfew! it was just one of those magical moments that I would happily relive again.
Is there any artist that you would love to collaborate with in the future?
There’s many! I’m on an Eels Buzz again at the moment so I would have to say a collaboration with Mr E would be insane and to get an insight into the way he works.
Are you currently working on anything in the studio right now?
I recently received the masters of two new recordings and I’m very excited to share them. It looks like I’ll be releasing one of them in October this year, fingers crossed.
Finally, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
With a few albums under my belt and seeing the world with my music.
