"A rare and evocative songstress, usually found armed with only a piano and the scars of heartbreak...."
(James Sadler: 'Music Tipping')
"The east Belfast based pianist and songwriter has established real credentials for an assault on a wider audience. It's only a matter of time, hard work and luck; the talent is there...."
(Stephen Dunwoody: 'The Newtownards Chronicle')
Rarely does a musician have a song selected for a movie soundtrack before she releases her first album, but this is exactly what has happened for Northern Irish musician Elle Stevenson. Born and bred just a few streets from the legendary Van Morrison (although, admittedly several decades later!), Elle has already made her mark on the local scene and looks set to do so further afield. Its been an eventful year or two for the young pianist and singer; having received national media attention for receiving the one millionth review on the music investment website slicethepie.com, she went on to win their showcase just a month later. The win secured the funding to record Elle’s long-awaited debut album, “Coming Around”, which went on general release 21st September 2009.
Elle’s evocative voice – strong, haunting, angst-ridden and defiant – is perfectly suited to her songs - thirteen in all on the album - all of which are beautifully crafted tales of the pain and joys of love, friendship, betrayal and loyalty in the modern world. Even in person, Elle has a rare kind of honesty, one that doesn't allow her to shy away from wearing her heart on her sleeve, or from broaching subjects in her songs that others might find uncomfortable, such as the battle through her twenties with an eating disorder. Perhaps this is why her songs have, at times, been described as "lyrically raw". Yet, they are so carefully framed by her trademark cascading piano lines, that the uplifting harmony of the music and lyrics cannot fail to draw the listener into Elle’s unique, complex and beautiful world.
While comparisons to other artists reveal little about Elle's unique direction, she does list an impressive range of influences of artists whom she admires, including the likes of: Suzanne Vega, Justin Currie, Crowded House, the Dixie Chicks, Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, Gillian Welch, Tracy Chapman, Angie Stevens, Sheryl Crow, Ryan Adams, Bill Mallonee, Bryan Adams, Coldplay, Rascal Flatts, Radiohead, Kings of Leon, Editors, The Fray, OneRepublic, Nirvana, The Beautiful South; not to mention a few you might not expect, such as Shirley Bassey and Take That!
To date, Elle has honed her stage craft by supporting many artists, such as guitar legends Rodrigo y Gabriela and soul diva, Beverley Knight. However, with her already growing fan-base and reputation, the launch of her debut album seems set to take her another step towards the inevitable stardom that beckons.
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1. "Coming Around" Launch Gig Highlights (Part 1)(Recorded at The Laughter Lounge, Belfast: November 2009)
2. "Coming Around" Launch Gig Highlights (Part 2)(Recorded at The Laughter Lounge, Belfast: November 2009)
3. "Coming Around" Launch Gig Highlights (Part 3)(Recorded at The Laughter Lounge, Belfast: November 2009)
4. In the Studio Part 1: My First Ever Video Blog. (Recorded at Mission Control Studio, Hillsborough: August 2008)
5. In the Studio Part 2: Akoustik-Piano-me-up. (Recorded at Mission Control Studio, Hillsborough: August 2008)
6. In the Studio Part 3: Drum-and-Bass-me-up. (Recorded at Mission Control Studio, Hillsborough: September 2008)
7. Live Studio Performance on NVTV (Part 1: 8min 4sec) (Recorded at NVTV Studios: November 2005)
8. Live Studio Performance on NVTV (Part 2: 9min 24sec) (Recorded at NVTV Studios: November 2005)
9. Live Studio Performance on NVTV (Part 3: 9min 28sec) (Recorded at NVTV Studios: November 2005)
Hi Elle Thanks for the Add. 'If The Butterfly Fell' is a truly wonderful song you have there. "Its not the length of your life that counts its the breadth and depth of it" - Your music represents these thoughts
Hey Laura! How's life going? After a long long long time I finally got round to recording my EP. I have 2 songs up on my page if youre free give them a listen! Cant wait to hear your album!
Hi, guys,
Just wanted to let you know that round 1 of the next People's Music Awards kicks off next month, so we are putting the call out to all new and unsigned bands to enter their best song into this years awards (completely free of charge)
For more info please check out our myspace page or go straight to the site: www.thepeoplesmusicawards.com
Hey Elle, Have just listen to your songs, at first you have a lovely voice. The Lyrics and the music fits very well toghether so... ,when there is an album I will definitlty buy it! By the way, thaks for your friendship!
I’ve just listened to the songs you uploaded there and i got to say i look forward to hearing the finished album. The songs sound very moving, elegant, heart felt and warm. It is music to soothe the soul and captivate the mind.
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