Elles Bailey has taken the UK music scene by storm with their latest album hitting #1 in the Jazz & Blues chart and #14 on the UK Albums Chart just weeks after release. Known for her raw, soulful voice that draws comparisons to legends like Etta James and Janis Joplin, the independent artist has steadily built a devoted fan base while carving out a space in the mainstream industry. Lee Allcock spoke to Elles about the new record, independence in music, and what fans can expect at her upcoming Gateshead show.
Your new album has landed huge chart positions just weeks after release, including #1 Jazz & Blues and #14 on the UK Albums Chart. Did that level of response surprise you at all?
I’ve got an incredible fan base who are so supportive of my music and have enabled me to stay independent as an artist, creating the music I want to make and what feels right for me. But it’s always such a blessing to see my music reach the top of the charts and make an impact in the mainstream industry. I’ll never take any of that for granted.
Mojo compared your voice to Etta James and Janis Joplin – high praise by any measure. Do you feel this album captures the strongest version of you yet?
I definitely feel this record has captured something in my voice that hasn’t been captured before. There’s a raw vulnerability to it – like I’ve embraced the scars and the breaks in my voice in a way I never have before.
You’ve remained fiercely independent throughout your career, even with this record’s success. Has this album changed how you see independence in today’s music industry?
Every album I release is a learning experience in this industry. What I do know is that every time I release an album independently, I feel a real sense of achievement and empowerment – like I’m doing it on my terms, and that’s deeply important to me.
You’re playing Gateshead’s Glasshouse 2 on Thursday 26th March – a beautifully intimate room. What can fans expect from that show compared to the bigger festival stages you’ve played recently?
As much as I love big festival stages, these intimate shows are so special and personal. I love to get up close and personal with fans, and you get a real chance to do that at places like The Glasshouse. My shows are always a rollercoaster of emotions, so I always say: ‘buckle up and enjoy the ride!!’
The North East has a real love for blues and soul. Is there something about Gateshead audiences that makes you particularly excited to bring this album there?
I always love bringing my music to the North East – some of my favourite shows have happened there, and the audience is always up for a good time. We had an amazing night at The Glasshouse back in late 2021; it was the first time Demi Marriner sang with us as she was opening the show, and now she’s part of the band! Life-changing memories were made on that stage. I’m really excited to return with this new record and expand the sound by bringing in a brass section for the show.
Between chart success, major awards and your Planet Rock show, the last few years have been intense. What’s been the most satisfying part of this recent chapter for you?
I’m delighted that my independence gives me the freedom to shape my music exactly as I choose. I’m not sure what the next chapter sounds like, but I’m very much enjoying this part of the story!
Tickets for Elles Bailey’s Gateshead date, priced at £29.60 in advance, are available at theglasshouseicm.org.
