Interview with Ella Galvin

Hi Ella, how are you?

Hi! Thank you for having me! 

How would you describe your sound to the readers?

I usually say I make pop-soul music but with my new songs, I've been experimenting with a bunch of different genres, which has been super fun. My upcoming EP has songs that lean pop, soul, hyper-pop, jazz, and rock/pop-punk! 

Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?

Amy Winehouse is definitely my biggest influence. I adore the way she writes so vulnerably and the way her voice sounds so real and raw. 

How did your music journey start?

It started in third grade at my elementary school’s annual St Patrick's Day Talent Show. I think my parents encouraged me to sing after seeing me perform in a musical my sister and I took part in within our town.

Your new single ‘Spare Me’ is out now, congratulations! This song has been described as a “sonic tapestry of pop, soul, jazz, and rock influences” which is really interesting, how was the process of creating this song for you?

Thank you so much – creating this song was unique because I wrote it all in one sitting which is rare. When I took it to my keys player/producer, he was able to find the perfect sounds to compliment the raw vocals and guitar that I had recorded on my own as a demo. We actually ended up using the original demo guitar in the final track too which I think helped give it rawness and life.

Can you explain more about the inspiration behind the lyrics for this song? Why was this a song you wanted to write?

The feeling in the song I think is so common for many people my age; having feelings for someone unavailable. This was a song I wanted to write because it was so therapeutic, vulnerable and real to me. Having a response from listeners saying it is “relatable” makes me feel less alone & proud of myself for getting through that time.

Do you have a favourite lyric or line from the song?

I think the first line “we just sang happy birthday but i wanna go” really helps capture the severity of the emotions I was feeling. It was a really close friend's birthday and all I wanted to do was go hang out with this person I had just met and had started liking. This also just goes to show that it was more infatuation than a real potential thing. 

What’s something you want listeners to take away from listening to ‘Spare Me’?

That there really are no experiences you should feel alone in. So many people experience such specific things in life and even though it feels lonely going through them, you're never alone!!

You also have another song ‘Do Not Disturb’ out now, what can you tell us about this song?

This one is super different from "Spare Me," which I think is really cool. It is very bedroom-pop inspired and upbeat, which is obviously a huge contrast to "Spare Me." The lyrics of this new one are very fun and playful too. 

Do you have a favourite memory from recording these songs?

I don't think this was a favourite but when I recorded the vocals to "Spare Me," I almost passed out like 3 times. I had to keep taking breaks and it was painful and sad that I couldn't just sing straight through. Later I found out I had the flu, which ended up being brutal, but this experience added to the pain behind my vocals in "Spare Me," haha.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully some shows in new cities this year! 

And lastly, what music have you been listening to recently? Anything you can recommend to us?

Such a good question! I’ve been LOVING the new Chappell Roan album – super excited for Remi Wolf's new album that she began to put out last week too! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions for us, it’s really appreciated!

Thanks for having me! 

Listen to 'Spare Me' by Ella Galvin here.

Follow Ella Galvin here.

You can find all things After Midnight here.