Interview: Eliott

Relatively new to the music scene, Melbourne based singer-songwriter Charlotte Gemmill, better known as Eliott, has quickly cemented herself as one to watch with her soul-tingling vocals and beautifully honest songwriting. 

In just two short years, Eliott has released her debut EP ‘Bold Enough’ and a multitude of standout singles, including the achingly beautiful ‘Over and Over’ and more recently, the dreamy pop anthem ‘Find A Way’. Outside of the studio, she has supported the likes of Dean Lewis, Matt Corby and Ok Moon on their Australian tours, as well as recently finishing up her own East Coast headline tour. 

We had a quick chat with Eliott about her latest single, letting go of her fears and her ultimate dream collaboration.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what path led you to music?
Music has been a part of my life since I can remember, no one in my family had a career in music but they definitely had great music taste. So growing up I was always listening to bands like Fleetwood Mac, Crowded House, Eva Cassidy - to me, some of the best songwriters and storytellers. I’d always sing with my mum, ever since I was a little girl. And I’m so lucky to have the most supportive family and mates who have always encouraged me to stick to it.

For those who haven’t listened to your music before - how would you describe your sound?
When I write a song, at the forefront of everything is the lyrics and the story I want to tell. So I guess the production always has to support that. I guess you could call it alt-pop - heavy on the ballads haha.
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Can you tell us a little about your most recent single 'Find A Way' and the story behind it?​​
‘Find A Way’ is ultimately about letting go of fears and finally becoming the person you want to be, I wrote it at a time where I didn’t think I could handle all the pressure and stress of being in music but I knew I had to be vulnerable and open myself up to move forward. ‘Find A Way’ is kind of my anthem in trying to do that. 

You also recently released the video for ‘Find A Way’. Did you ever feel scared about putting something so personal like that out into the world? What has the response from your fans been like so far?
Super scary but so rewarding. The response has been incredible. At the end of the day, I write these songs for me, but to see people I’ve never met connect with it in their own way, it still blows my mind. 

What is your favourite thing about making music?
The fact that you’re literally creating something from the very start - something that can make people smile, laugh, cry - and something that can not only be a cathartic experience helping you deal with your shit but help other people through their own shit. That’s pretty incredible. 

Who or what would you say are your biggest musical influences?
They change all the time, but I love songwriters like Julia Jacklin, Stella Donnelly, Missy Higgins, Kacey Musgraves. There’s something about all of them that I keep coming back to. 

You embarked on your east coast headline tour in July, and also supported Dean Lewis and Matt Corby on their respective Australian tours earlier in the year. What are your favourite and not so favourite things about touring?
My favourite things: meeting incredible people, playing in some of the most beautiful venues in Australia, sharing my songs and stories with people on stage.  My not so favourite things: Doing it solo - it’s tiring and long and mentally draining. But the moment you get on stage all of that negative energy disappears. 

Aside from your solo project, you recently featured on Kite String Tangle’s ‘Killing Time’ and Lucian Blomkamp’s ‘Doing This For You’ as well as co-writing Montaigne’s new single ‘Ready’. Who would you love to collaborate with next?
I mean it’s pretty far fetched but a girl’s gotta dream, right? To write with Kacey Musgraves would be so amazing, Sarah Aarons too. I’d love to write a song with her and pick her brain.

Are you working on anything new at the moment?
I’m always trying to write and create, always moving and onto the next thing.
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Do you have any advice for songwriters/musicians like yourself that are trying to break into the industry?
Trust your own judgement, write what you want to write, and be confident. 

You can stream Eliott's music below and check out her video for 'Find A Way' here!
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