Ellie Lawson is an artist whose compelling voice and rich sonic landscape reflect a life journey of personal determination and self-discovery. Born in South London, the vocalist/lyricist/musician/ composer has invented a unique musical world that is both beat-driven and organic, lyrical and edgy, thoughtful and entrancing. She branched out from writing to hip hop instrumentals that she used to buy in London record shops, into writing her own material on guitar and keys. It eventually led to LA, to collaborate with producer DJ Lethal on the final album, alongside contributions from William Orbit on two tracks. Ellie’s performances include The Ellen DeGeneres show, Sundance film festival, Abbey Rd studio as part of the brit awards for XM radio and a Barnes and Noble bookshop tour in America. She is currently working on her second album, due to be released in 2009.

Can you describe your music ?

I call it Urban Folk Pop, but I guess I’m a singer songwriter that likes to write and record to beats and I write and sing in an edgy way about a wide variety of issues - social and personal.

 

What are your inspirations ?

I get inspired to write when I see injustice in the world. Whether it’s at a personal or a political level. It’s my way of making sense of things. When I write about love or a relationship it’s usually me needing to make sense of it! I also like to try and make ‘a right out of a wrong’ in my song writing and I create my songs to uplift or motivate my self and others.

 

A quote that defines you :

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any’ - Alice Walker

 

What is feminity for you ?

Feminity for me is about having the freedom to feel good about myself and be romantic or feisty, sweet or fiery. It’s about trying out all the varying aspects of being a woman and going with it. Being feminine is fun, all the boys want to do it these days!

 

What makes you feel a Quiksilver Woman ?

I’m proud to be creative, independent and feisty. I like to have lots of fun but I am also really focused when I need to be. The Quiksilver woman is a free spirit and not scared to try all the options. I believe that if you know who you are, you should have no fear to experiment.

 

Describe your clothing style :

I like to be comfortable but with fabrics that make me feel good. I like detail and variety. I live in flat boots or converse, and in the day wear skinny jeans or shorts with T-shirts and small cardigans or fitted Jackets.

 

The woman you admire the most ?

Ellen De Generes. She hasn’t had an easy life and has made her own success by sticking to her guns and doing it her way against the odds, and that is something that resonates with me. She always supports the underdog and not only is she hilarious, she is very sincere and caring. She personally invited me on her show (the 2nd biggest Daytime TV show in America) and I can tell she is as beautiful a person in real life as she comes across on her shows.