Pillars of Influence: Five essential influences that shaped Ellur
Every artist is a reflection of their influences, and Ellur is no different.
While her music dips in and out of various genres that might not seem connected, when you better understand the different bands, directors and writers that she admires, the shape she takes as an independent artist is clearly the result of what she holds closest to her. Production, lyricism, and overall musicianship all begin to make sense the moment you read about the art which Ellur draws from.
If you’ve listened to her debut LP, At Home In My Mind, and want to better understand the mind behind so much great music, then look no further. Ellur has taken Far Out through five of the essential pieces of art, artists and writers who contribute towards her sound.
So, who would Ellur consider her pillars of influence?
Five essential influences that helped shape Ellur:
The Brontë Sisters
Usually, when we do these pieces with artists, their first pick is a song, album, or fellow artist that they love, but Ellur has opted to dedicate this spot to The Brontë Sisters. They were able to make beautiful pieces of art during a time when society deemed doing so problematic, and their work, paired with the means under which it was created, continues to inspire Ellur.
“Three women from Yorkshire writing books under male pseudonyms in a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote. Their books have inspired me so much. I got a Bronte sisters book collection a few years ago for Christmas and I’ve read them all now,” she said, “Not only is it some of the best literature to come out of the Victorian era but each book also provides wise social commentary and deep introspection in a way that is so digestible and charming and that is so inspiring to me.”
Ellur continued, “Their use of strong female protagonists has always provided me with a sense of comfort and confidence in myself, too. They are bold and daring and punk as hell. And they are from Yorkshire, which is even better. I feel weirdly connected to them somehow.”
The 1975
Moving on from literature, Ellur celebrates a band who seem to be going from strength to strength: The 1975. “They’re the band that I’ve followed from the start,” she said, “I was too young to go see them when they played The Deaf Institute in Manchester in 2013, and it killed me to miss it. I’ve seen them live countless times, I’ve loved every album and believed in everything they’ve done.”
That belief isn’t dished out sparingly either, as it’s something she holds on to and uses in her own writing. “I think Matty particularly has always been truthful and honest in his lyrics. That honesty is a big, big player in the room when I’m writing,” she said, “When I’m scared about a lyric, worried it’s too on the nose or too honest, I ask myself ‘What would Matty do?’ and then usually I end up putting it in the song.”
Radiohead – ‘In Rainbows’
Radiohead are arguably one of the most versatile bands on the planet, and that’s a result of their different approaches to music. “The sound of this album has impacted my sense of composition and production so much,” said Ellur, “I like to think of recording music like this: sometimes bands and artists get in a room and jam, and it works marvellously by chance, and sometimes they paint.“
So, which is In Rainbows? “This album is a painting of an album. All the layers and choices in production and mixing seem so carefully considered. They created such an interesting sonic landscape. That’s without even touching upon the themes and lyrics.”
Greta Gerwig
Once again stepping away from music, another one of Ellur’s biggest influences is director Greta Gerwig. “Greta Gerwig is one of those people that understands the importance of identity and finding identity in places where people don’t look for it,” she said, “I think identity and a sense of self is something that is particularly important for young women and girls. I never really knew who I was when I was younger because I was always so tied up in who I’m ‘supposed’ to be.”
There are a few of Gerwig’s films which have been a particular influence for Ellur, but two that she specifically mentions are Ladybird and Little Women. “I want to do that with music. It’s important to me to give people a space to feel seen, it’s my life’s mission really,” she said, “I’m also just inspired by how obvious it is that she puts 100% of herself into anything and everything she does.”
Coldplay – ‘Parachutes’
Finally, Ellurs nods towards nostalgia, as those early albums still play a huge part in the music she makes. “I had this album on CD when I was a kid, and I remember asking my Dad to burn it onto my iPod shuffle,” she said, “I remember it being music that really made me feel that magical feeling.”
Ellur continued, “I’d listen to songs like ‘Sparks’ and ‘Yellow’ on repeat and imagine myself on a stage playing with a band. The use of melody and melancholic riffs and big, crashing, emotive drums, it’s definitely bled all over my recent work.”
