ARTIST ON OUR RADAR: ELLI INGRAM
Backstage at the London stop of her Bad Behaviour tour, we caught an intimate moment with Elli Ingram, the independent artist hailing from Brighton. Headlining the biggest show of the tour at the Islington Assembly Hall, Elli was accompanied by her beloved all-female band.
Her Sophomore ‘Bad Behaviour’ album is a timeless exploration of artistry, delving into a range of human emotions and their ‘Bad Behaviour’. Elli takes a nostalgic approach with self designed merch and band costumes featuring graffiti school shirts and black ties, referencing her school days and personifying an era of ‘Bad Behaviour’.
Elli's voice, much like her diverse music taste, transcends time and the stage, with her unique style radiating an infectious energy. With a bold persona, she explores human psychology and reflects on the consequences of ‘Bad Behaviour’ through the lens of heartbreak and introspection.
The ‘Bad Behavior’ album exudes a vintage R&B vibe, along with Elli's pinned curls and bold lip makeup style, expertly done by her. This signature look is not only featured as the album cover but also backstage during her rehearsal performance; where she confidently sports a roller set, in preparation for her legendary pinned curls. Elli channels her retro style, meticulously practising with her skilled all-female band who complement her powerhouse vocals as she dominates the stage hours before her crowd arrives.
As we moved into backstage pre-show territory, we caught up with Elli and her playful spirit [which was immediately apparent in her answers], whilst she did her own makeup and hair. In the background, Elli’s band unwinds, whilst her mum chimes in with a few cheeky comments, setting the tone for a candid and entertaining conversation.
1. Who is Elli Ingram?
"She's a bitch," her mum quips, and Elli bursts into laughter with her, relaying a close relationship with her mother who is also touring with her. Amidst the laughter, Elli shared insights into her multifaceted life. "I'm a singer, a songwriter, and, you know, a cafe worker," she says with a giggle. With excitement bubbling beneath her "I'm about to play my biggest show of my career so far".
2. In the midst of your nationwide tour, what's essential to prep for each show?
Giving myself time to unwind is crucial. Once soundcheck wraps up, my routine kicks in. I head to the dressing room to relax. And, you know, girl time! My band and I create this super chill atmosphere. The band usually has music playing softly in the background (cue in the band's singing of R&B classics - it's like a blend of soothing melodies while everyone's munching on pre-tour snacks). I do vocal warmups and drink some tea.
3. Best advice you've ever received?
Honestly, I don't think anyone's given me the ultimate advice but I have been pushing myself to truly absorb everything. As artists and creatives, the goalposts are often shifting. If I could tell my younger self that I'd be at this venue, I'd literally be off my chair! Now that I'm here, I need to make sure I absorb it. It's a constant struggle because, you know, we're always reaching for the next big thing.
4. What is the message behind ‘Bad Behaviour’ and what does it mean to you?
When I was writing the album, people in my life were letting me down. So, I took a deep dive into people’s behaviour. I started penning down my observations, giving birth to tracks like ‘Selfish’ and ‘Bad Behaviour’. The entire album revolves around how people's actions have impacted my life.
5. This is your biggest show so far, how have you connected with your fanbase?
I speak to a lot of my fans on socials, and I’ve started going out after shows to meet people, which I’ve not done before. It’s been five years since my first album so it feels incredible to connect with the day ones. So I just like to keep it real. Talk to my fans, see if they enjoyed the show.
6. How would you describe your music style, encompassing how it’s developed over the last five years?
I think there’s quite a good mix, it’s a little bit of Pop, Jazz, Soul and R&B — all genres that resonate with me. It has evolved since the first album. This album is mature in sound and flavour yet comes from the gut; deeper in the soul. I'm also hoping to carry that depth into my future records; it's like a journey of delving into the core of emotions.
7. Who has inspired your music?
At first it was Amy Winehouse, a pivotal moment for me was when my Mum took me to her concert at the Brighton Centre. That night marked a significant change for me; Amy is a massive inspiration. When I crossed paths with Felix Joseph and Aston Rudi, who produced my first and second records, I truly delved into Soul and R&B. The music they showed me was a revelation — it was a sound that resonated with me.
8. How has the ‘Bad Behaviour’ album inspired your creativity?
Once the music was recorded, I was already thinking about music videos, merch, and the album cover. The concept for the merch was clear from the start — I envisioned something handwritten and exuding a youthful vibe. I found myself crafting clothes for the band, each piece reflecting their unique personalities with this school girl-esque charm. It was a hands-on, enjoyable process, and although it added a layer of work, it's all part of the journey.
9. What were your intentions with an all female band?
I loved the idea of standing on stage with strong, empowering women, lifting me up as I belt out songs about heartbreak and men. In an industry that tends to be male-dominated, I'm on a mission to build a female-led team and space, my whole team is full of women.
We then mentioned to Elli that WE ARE SOUL is also a female-led brand. “Exactly! There we go!” she giggles. “It's about making space for incredible women in every way”. Stream ‘Bad Behaviour’ which is out on all music platforms and head over to @elliingram to see her self-designed merch!
CREDITS:
Production Company: WE ARE SOUL
Artist & Stylist: Elli Ingram
Exec Producer & 1st Editor: Jedidah M.
2nd Editor: Bethel Haimanot
Writer & Interviewer: Gloria Oduwole
Photographer and Videographer: Theresa Macharia
Video Editor: Hannah Harding
ARTIST ON OUR RADAR: ELLI INGRAM
Backstage at the London stop of her Bad Behaviour tour, we caught an intimate moment with Elli Ingram, the independent artist hailing from Brighton. Headlining the biggest show of the tour at the Islington Assembly Hall, Elli was accompanied by her beloved all-female band.
Her Sophomore ‘Bad Behaviour’ album is a timeless exploration of artistry, delving into a range of human emotions and their ‘Bad Behaviour’. Elli takes a nostalgic approach with self designed merch and band costumes featuring graffiti school shirts and black ties, referencing her school days and personifying an era of ‘Bad Behaviour’.
Elli's voice, much like her diverse music taste, transcends time and the stage, with her unique style radiating an infectious energy. With a bold persona, she explores human psychology and reflects on the consequences of ‘Bad Behaviour’ through the lens of heartbreak and introspection.
The ‘Bad Behavior’ album exudes a vintage R&B vibe, along with Elli's pinned curls and bold lip makeup style, expertly done by her. This signature look is not only featured as the album cover but also backstage during her rehearsal performance; where she confidently sports a roller set, in preparation for her legendary pinned curls. Elli channels her retro style, meticulously practising with her skilled all-female band who complement her powerhouse vocals as she dominates the stage hours before her crowd arrives.
As we moved into backstage pre-show territory, we caught up with Elli and her playful spirit [which was immediately apparent in her answers], whilst she did her own makeup and hair. In the background, Elli’s band unwinds, whilst her mum chimes in with a few cheeky comments, setting the tone for a candid and entertaining conversation.
1. Who is Elli Ingram?
"She's a bitch," her mum quips, and Elli bursts into laughter with her, relaying a close relationship with her mother who is also touring with her. Amidst the laughter, Elli shared insights into her multifaceted life. "I'm a singer, a songwriter, and, you know, a cafe worker," she says with a giggle. With excitement bubbling beneath her "I'm about to play my biggest show of my career so far".
2. In the midst of your nationwide tour, what's essential to prep for each show?
Giving myself time to unwind is crucial. Once soundcheck wraps up, my routine kicks in. I head to the dressing room to relax. And, you know, girl time! My band and I create this super chill atmosphere. The band usually has music playing softly in the background (cue in the band's singing of R&B classics - it's like a blend of soothing melodies while everyone's munching on pre-tour snacks). I do vocal warmups and drink some tea.
3. Best advice you've ever received?
Honestly, I don't think anyone's given me the ultimate advice but I have been pushing myself to truly absorb everything. As artists and creatives, the goalposts are often shifting. If I could tell my younger self that I'd be at this venue, I'd literally be off my chair! Now that I'm here, I need to make sure I absorb it. It's a constant struggle because, you know, we're always reaching for the next big thing.
4. What is the message behind ‘Bad Behaviour’ and what does it mean to you?
When I was writing the album, people in my life were letting me down. So, I took a deep dive into people’s behaviour. I started penning down my observations, giving birth to tracks like ‘Selfish’ and ‘Bad Behaviour’. The entire album revolves around how people's actions have impacted my life.
5. This is your biggest show so far, how have you connected with your fanbase?
I speak to a lot of my fans on socials, and I’ve started going out after shows to meet people, which I’ve not done before. It’s been five years since my first album so it feels incredible to connect with the day ones. So I just like to keep it real. Talk to my fans, see if they enjoyed the show.
6. How would you describe your music style, encompassing how it’s developed over the last five years?
I think there’s quite a good mix, it’s a little bit of Pop, Jazz, Soul and R&B — all genres that resonate with me. It has evolved since the first album. This album is mature in sound and flavour yet comes from the gut; deeper in the soul. I'm also hoping to carry that depth into my future records; it's like a journey of delving into the core of emotions.
7. Who has inspired your music?
At first it was Amy Winehouse, a pivotal moment for me was when my Mum took me to her concert at the Brighton Centre. That night marked a significant change for me; Amy is a massive inspiration. When I crossed paths with Felix Joseph and Aston Rudi, who produced my first and second records, I truly delved into Soul and R&B. The music they showed me was a revelation — it was a sound that resonated with me.
8. How has the ‘Bad Behaviour’ album inspired your creativity?
Once the music was recorded, I was already thinking about music videos, merch, and the album cover. The concept for the merch was clear from the start — I envisioned something handwritten and exuding a youthful vibe. I found myself crafting clothes for the band, each piece reflecting their unique personalities with this school girl-esque charm. It was a hands-on, enjoyable process, and although it added a layer of work, it's all part of the journey.
9. What were your intentions with an all female band?
I loved the idea of standing on stage with strong, empowering women, lifting me up as I belt out songs about heartbreak and men. In an industry that tends to be male-dominated, I'm on a mission to build a female-led team and space, my whole team is full of women.
We then mentioned to Elli that WE ARE SOUL is also a female-led brand. “Exactly! There we go!” she giggles. “It's about making space for incredible women in every way”. Stream ‘Bad Behaviour’ which is out on all music platforms and head over to @elliingram to see her self-designed merch!
CREDITS:
Production Company: WE ARE SOUL
Artist & Stylist: Elli Ingram
Exec Producer & 1st Editor: Jedidah M.
2nd Editor: Bethel Haimanot
Writer & Interviewer: Gloria Oduwole
Photographer and Videographer: Theresa Macharia
Video Editor: Hannah Harding