Getting To Know: Elle-Marie

Elle-Marie's latest single, "Take Me Home," draws inspiration from the ‘90s pop scene and soul icons like Aretha Franklin and Sade, Elle-Marie blends nostalgia with modern storytelling. After cutting her teeth at the legendary Xenomania and honing her craft in London, she's now ready to share her deeply personal and powerful music with the world. We spoke to her in to discuss the journey she's been on so far as an artist:

1. "Take Me Home" is your debut single and marks the beginning of your journey in pop music. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the song and how your reflective trip to Cornwall influenced its theme and lyrics?

“Take Me Home” captures that moment when you start noticing red flags in a relationship, but you’re not quite ready to walk away. You’re searching for the stability and comfort you once felt, even though deep down you know it’s gone. That’s exactly how I was feeling at the time. I had just spent all summer falling in love with this guy when, just before a trip to Cornwall, I started noticing things weren’t quite right. Being in Cornwall gave me the space I needed to step back and process everything. I visit almost every year to camp with my best friends, and it’s somewhere I can truly disconnect and feel at 'home.' That’s where the idea came from reflecting on what 'home' really means, not as a physical place, but as a feeling of safety and love.

2. The music video for "Take Me Home" captures the excitement and dream-like feeling of first love while hinting at the complexities that can arise later on. What was your vision for the video, and how did you approach translating those emotions into the visuals?

For the video, I wanted to show those early stages of falling in love, where everything is new and exciting and it feels like it’s just the two of you. I focused on fun, flirty moments like exploring a market together or enjoying a holiday, capturing how the relationship develops through the little things—like sneaky glances when they’re not looking, or naturally moving closer to them. It builds up to that rush of excitement, where you’re so eager to see them that you’re practically running to meet them.

The vision was to reflect how perfect everything feels at first, and to show what keeps you holding on or what you start searching for when things begin to change. I wanted to hint at the reality that sometimes, what seems so perfect in the beginning can turn out very differently.

3. You mention being influenced by '90s pop and iconic soul artists like Aretha Franklin and Sade. How do these influences shape your sound and approach to songwriting, particularly in a contemporary pop landscape?

I always try to strike a balance—creating melodies that are catchy and relatable, but also diving into real emotions. I love the energy and anthemic quality of '90s pop, but I also want my music to have a lasting impact and tell a story, especially in a contemporary pop landscape where trends are constantly shifting. Aretha Franklin taught me to be bold and unapologetic with my voice. She used her music to provoke thought and inspire change, and that’s something I try to bring into my own work. Meanwhile, Sade showed me the power of minimalism—how music can be so intimate yet still carry such emotional depth. It’s about finding that balance between something people can sing along to and something they can truly feel.

4. Your journey in music took a significant turn when you moved to London and immersed yourself in the scene there. How did this experience contribute to your growth as an artist and the development of your unique musical style?

Before moving to London I wasn’t really sure who I was as an artist or what I wanted to say. Suddenly, I found myself in this big city, surrounded by incredibly talented musicians and creatives. Whether it was at music school, in rehearsals with my band, or just collaborating with others, I was constantly inspired. The music scene in London is so vibrant and diverse it really pushed me to experiment and try new things, and that’s how I started to discover my own unique vibe.

5 "Take Me Home" combines contemporary pop, upbeat drum and bass, and soulful melodies. How do you balance these different musical elements to create a sound that feels both fresh and authentic to you as an artist?

I’ve always been drawn to different genres, so for me, it’s about finding a way to merge them in a way that feels natural. I felt with “Take Me Home” bringing in the energy of drum and bass gave it that modern, upbeat feel while making sure not to lose the soulful, emotional core of the song. It's about tting the upbeat elements drive the track while allowing the melodies and lyrics to carry the emotional depth. That’s what keeps the song fresh but true to who I am as an artist.