INTERVIEW: Indira Ellis discuss origins and influences alongside the rock version of her latest single ‘Spellbound’
Indira Ellis continues to forge her own path through pop’s genre-bending future with a bold reimagining of her fan-favourite single ‘Spellbound’. Swapping shimmering synths for stormy guitars and driving drums, the alt-rock revamp taps into the nu-metal and gothic influences that soundtracked her teenage years, from Evanescence to Darling Violetta.
Written about the all-too-familiar feeling of falling for the wrong person, ‘Spellbound’ now takes on a rawer, more anthemic form, driven by soaring vocals and heavy-hitting production.
With her classical background and love for musical theatre feeding into her dynamic vocal style, Indira Ellis is a fast-rising artist whose work blurs the lines between commercial pop and fierce emotional storytelling. So we caught up with her to discuss her origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?
I grew up listening to classic rock with my mom, so Queen and Led Zeppelin were early favorites. When I was in middle school, I discovered Evanescence, which was a big turning point in my listening habits. I got my first iPod around then, and I remember saving up to buy the entirety of Fallen track by track. Amy Lee was (and is) such a huge influence on me.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?
These days, my biggest musical influences in the rock genre are Evanescence, Darling Violetta, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance. I also always go back to Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Prince, and Fleetwood Mac. They made the music I grew up on, and in my mind they’re always the blueprint – even if what I make doesn’t sound quite like them.
Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?
I love pop music! Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and really all of the pop greats have influenced me. I also have a soft spot for the Beastie Boys.
What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?
I unconsciously return to love whenever I’m writing. Whether it’s past experiences, a romantasy I’ve cooked up while daydreaming, or subliminal messages to get my friends to dump an evil boyfriend, it seems to be the main thing on my mind lately.
What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?
I haven’t been able to perform any of my own songs live yet, but I’m really hoping I get the chance to soon! Once though, after a live cover, I had a man tell me I made “water fall from his eyes,” and he meant it so sincerely that it almost made water fall from my eyes. I just love being able to share emotional space with an audience and to really connect with people.
What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?
On a silly note, a friend recently told me they liked my song “if you’re up for it” without realizing they too knew the people it was about. It felt both like I got away with keeping this great secret but also like I found and distilled some sort of universal truth out of the situation. I was quite proud of that one.
How would you define success as a musician?
This is tough. I would be lying through my teeth if I said I didn’t dream of headlining a main stage or a world tour – something huge like that – but I think right now I define success as positively impacting people with my music. It isn’t lost on me that every single play is a person spending 3-ish minutes of their life listening to me. If those 3-ish minutes make their life better, that’s success. I don’t think I can ask for more than that.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
Someone wants to hear you – your voice, your perspective, your talent. You only fail when you stop trying.
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Listen to the rock version of Indira Ellis’ ‘Spellbound’ below.