Meet The Multi-Dimensional Elle L

When it comes to creating dynamic music, Elle L is an artist that you need to include in your music library. Growing up, the songstress was constantly surrounded by music. From her mother being the first female technician for Steinway and Sons to her father being a talented jazz pianist, the arts have been a mainstay in Elle’s life.

In 2017, the songstress made her debut with her single ‘Circles’ under the alias ‘LL’. Upon its release, the track became a hit amongst some of music’s biggest tastemakers. Alongside her growing presence as a solo artist, Elle gained recognition as a director and environmentalist. Having worked with the likes of CNN Network, BBC, IFC, and London/Copenhagen Fashion Week, there was no creative leaf left unturned.

Fast forward to 2021, and Elle’s multi-dimensional artistry is showcased to the fullest with her latest single ‘Hoping’. The track discusses fearlessness and the troubling landscape that the world has been going through. Filled with soulful vocals from Elle and heartfelt lyrical content, ‘Hoping’ is a record that is ushering in a new era for the emerging artist.

We were able to chat with Elle L about everything from her new single, global ambassador for Mude Drinks and their ‘Hope For Earth Day’ campaign, and so much more. Read our full interview below.

Elle L, we are obsessed with your new single ‘Hoping’. Can you tell us more about the origins of the track and how it came to life, lyrically and sonically? 

Hoping is one of the first songs I ever wrote.  I started it pre-lockdown and I finished it in lockdown, which as a new artist was certainly an experience! I feel sometimes when you’re creating it happens that you write a song that has even more meaning for the future… As we emerge from lockdown, Hoping feels like it’s meant for now – a time to dare, to hope again and re-create ourselves.

When you start the creative process of writing a song, where does that process begin and how do you know when it’s complete?

The process evolves and always begins with a feeling. Art is a type of therapy like that, you feel so much and creating the music is how you express all that’s inside of you emotionally. I tend not to write with a specific concept in mind, I write almost like a rapper, where I ad-lib in front of a microphone and it gives me a kind of natural high – all the lyrics and melody just come out in a state of creativity and I guess it’s slightly more experimental and abstract than forming the song to work this way. 

You’ve worked with some amazing people on the record – who is on your bucket list to get into the studio with to collaborate on a track?

I’d love to work with Coldplay, James Blake or the LSD trio: Labrinth, Sia, Diplo. I also love Brian Eno. I’m not tied to a specific genre of pop, I like to float around it.

You’re a Global Ambassador for Mude Drinks and their ‘Hope For Earth Day’ campaign. Can you tell us more about that partnership and why you wanted to be involved?

Beyond music, I’m an environmentalist and so working with a carbon-neutral company such as Mude Drinks on projects with purpose is a dream. We have created a campaign called ‘Hope For Earth Day’ which features my single ‘Hoping’ and we are raising awareness and funds throughout April for a non-profit organisation, Hoja Nueva. 20% of all Mude Drinks proceeds will go to protecting and re-wilding the Peruvian Amazon. The Naked Collective are a very ambitious new and forward-thinking vegan drinks company who have 3 brands: Mude Drinks, So.Beer and Trainr and I’ve joined forces to ambassador them alongside fellow incredible ambassadors this year such as Sarah Mulindwa, Louise Hazel and Millie Gooch. I’m super passionate and inspired by the world around me and want to do all I can to protect the world through my art so I’m excited for what’s to come!! 

You’re serving some serious looks in the new images that we’ve seen. Where do you naturally draw inspiration from for your personal style?

I’m into regenerative fashion so fashion that is non-toxic and most importantly not throwaway. For a shoot like this, fashion is part of the art and I wanted to work with designers that are true creatives to bring this vision to life. We worked with the legendary Phoebe Arnold to create the visuals for Hoping and I’m wearing Act No.1 which is very fitting as this is my official debut. Also Simone Rocha so two very artistic designers. We also shot with Patou, one of my favourite designers right now! For everyday looks I like to wear something that has a purpose, everything we own comes from nature, so I like to be inspired by the world around me and remember where the things I’m putting on my skin come from. I love wearing up cycled clothes, re-styling favourite pieces from my wardrobe, or buying things that I know I’m going to treasure and love for a very long time.

Is there a difference in style between Elle L the musician, and Elle L that your friends know and love? How do you differentiate your on/off stage image?

I think the only difference is that on stage you’re committed to who you are and off-stage you’re always exploring and growing yourself. I’m very human: I’m an empath with a lot of heart and I’m full of emotions so definitely there are many more shades in my everyday life between the vulnerable and the brave. My music is where the fearlessness and freedom get to play out. Art is timeless, so you can afford to be your higher self in those moments. I’m very curious and a deep thinker. I am always learning more about the world around me to find new inspiration in the space of feelings. I am super lucky to have the most incredible team of creatives, family, friends and boyfriend that are supporting me on this journey. 

Your passion as an Environmentalist is hugely inspiring – why is sustainable fashion so important to you and how you use your platform as an artist?

I think it comes down to responsibility. Knowledge is power. Fashion equates to 10% of global carbon dioxide and uses 1.5 trillion litres of water roughly speaking. In a current climate crisis, what we wear has never been so important and we can move the needle just by making better decisions. I can’t think of a more important reason to get behind this movement and to use my voice to champion so many amazing people that are part of the change towards re-imagining fashion as a force for good.

It was reported that the recent UK lockdowns have made a massive improvement on the environment with a little less pollution in the atmosphere. What is the one thing you want people to take from the past 12 months during the global pandemic? What do you think the past year has also taught you?

I think it has taught us to fall back in love with the simple pleasures. Technology has triumphed as a form of communication and many people I think realise that they don’t need to travel as much for work for example. It’s taught me the importance of health above all and how important following your dreams is to living life. It’s great there is less pollution in the atmosphere but plastic pollution is still on the rise and so I definitely think there’s still a lot to do to protect the planet!

What are you top 3 sustainable fashion brands or designers? What and who should we be checking out?

There’s so many, off the top of my head!? 

Pangaia – for lounge wear

Zazi Vintage – for the most incredible coats

Mother of Pearl – for contemporary gems

What are 3 key things that you wouldn’t be able to live without.

I’m not so focused on the purely material so I’d say, Music. Love & Health.

You previously released music under another moniker ‘LL’ – why did you feel the need for the name reinvention as you head into this new ‘era’?

I was so so new to music, and things happened very quickly on my first release; my real name is Laura Louise and so everyone my whole life has called me ‘LL’. I like minimalism and so went with that when releasing my first track, which got synched to a Lacoste campaign.  Elle L is the reinvention of my initials. I have grown into Elle L. I like the femininity of ‘Elle’ too. I’ve taken some time to write so it feels right now to officially debut as Elle L. I now identify with the name as much as I do the name I was born with. It just sort of works for me.

As an artist, do you feel that social media is a help or a hindrance to how you share your artistry? How do you think you would have fared as an artist back in the 90’s when artists remained almost enigmatic? 

I love the enigma and I do find it hard to post without purpose, which is in many ways what I think is encouraged in this day and age. I probably would have been very happy to release music back in the 90s. I do think what’s great with the social media space it’s amazing for memories and archiving art… as long as we don’t disconnect to putting out quality over quantity, which is the trade-off sometimes.  It’s a great way of creating connections and communicating with listeners. I think if used wisely can be hugely useful. Above all, though it’s about staying connected to yourself and who you are so you don’t get lost trying to ‘keep up’.

We’re hoping that live shows, festivals and touring will come back before the end of the year. Do you have one dream stage that you would love to perform on? 

Glastonbury would be a dream or The Royal Albert Hall. I’m not one for half measures – I like to dream big!

What has been your best and worst experience of performing live, to date?

I’m still super new as an artist! My first time performing was live on BBC Introducing, which I didn’t tell my band until afterwards… I’ve kept myself pretty elusive until now  – as I’ve been writing!! Maybe ask me this in a year and I’ll have some better stories for you! 

If you had to create your own festival, which 3 artists would be your headliners?

I don’t like to play favourites but again, off the top of my head – 

Queen Beyonce

Elton John

Sia

Now that ‘Hoping’ is out in the world, what else can we expect from you before the end of the year?

Lots more music! I have written over 200 tracks in the last year and cannot wait to share new music with you all very soon. Watch this space 😉

Make sure to listen to Elle L’s latest single ‘Hoping’ below