We had a chat with effortlessly memorable alt-pop talent Ellie Moon following the release of the excellent ‘Don’t Date Me’
With a sound that the artist describes as “the love child of Jarvis Cocker and Gwen Stefani”, it’s fair to say that exciting Liverpool-born and Madrid-bred artist Ellie Moon is something of a unique quantity. Her razor sharp lyrics and innate sense of personable charm have done a great job of endearing the artist to listeners, and that is before you even begin to think about the effortless appeal of her melodic alternative pop sound.
The latest release from the artist is her lush new single ‘Don’t Date Me’, the latest in a long line of stellar, immersive releases from the artist. Ellie is someone who, since her 2020 emergence, has crafted a unique pop sound that feels both endlessly captivating and accessible while distinctively her own and brimming with guile and quirky appeal. We had a chat with the exciting artist to find out some more about her ambitions and future plans for her stunning sound.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve always written songs but I’d say I started taking it really seriously at 16. This project has been in existence for about four years now.
Why do you make music?
I feel like the more I work on this project, I don’t want my music to feel like it’s just the music. It’s kind of taken on a life of its own, like little stories, and the songs have become super visual. I want every aspect of the project to tie in together: from the artwork, to the music videos, to the songs themselves.
What are your biggest influences?
My influences come from loads of different places. Most of my songwriting inspiration comes from listening to new music (like Remi Wolf or Charli XCX) or revisiting classics that I was obsessed with growing up (David Bowie and Blondie). I also find I feel at my most creative after going to a gig!
That being said, art, film, music videos and clothes are always sparking new ideas for me. It’s not just music – it’s every bit of art that goes into it.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
There’ve been lots of really amazing moments, you know the ones that make it feel like all the hard work actually paid off? Making all of the videos was definitely one of the best parts of the project – seeing all of my whacky visions come to life and having a fabulous team that’s just as bonkers as I am to help make it happen. I also played a live session recently on BBC Introducing which was a HUGE milestone for me.
But I’d say the moment that made me go “OH MY GOD IS THIS REAL?!” was being fortunate enough to work with Bad Sounds who produced all of my upcoming EP. I was a huge fan of them so that was literally a teenage dream come true.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
I like to describe my sound as the love child of Jarvis Cocker and Gwen Stefani. I feel like this sums it up well – equal parts self-deprecating and sassy! It’s super pop with a lil’ indie kick to it.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Just, you know, a huge live show with backing dancers, pyrotechnics, five outfit changes, the works!
We love your new single ‘Don’t Date Me’, what more can you tell us about it?
Oh wow, thank you! The inspiration behind the lyrics of this track is what really drove us to write ‘Don’t Date Me’. I had gone through a string of these weird ‘situationships’ and it left me feeling like nobody would ever want to go out with me ever again! So instead of feeling sorry for myself, in true Ellie Moon fashion, I decided to write a song and turn my feelings completely the other way. I imagined the lyrics as a series of self aware text messages I was sending to a so-called ex acknowledging and highlighting how rubbish it is to date someone as indifferent and selfish as my alter ego in the song.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
More new music and MAYBE an EP before the end of the year… But who knows? I do actually know, and I can tell you that I have an EP coming out later next month! Exciting!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
I think my neighbours must really love my music because every time I’m rehearsing my live show in my bedroom I can hear them banging on the walls and shouting… Which I’m taking as cheering and adoring applause… I hope that’s what it is anyway!
