Rising pop star, Elle Winter released her debut EP Yeah, No today.
The standout single continues Elle’s critically acclaimed collaboration with the renowned production duo The Orphanage – who have penned and produced massive hits for the likes of Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Alessia Cara, and The Chainsmokers – and follows previously released EP singles “Sick of You,” “Do You,” “Cave In,” and “Thought of Me,” which have led outlets like Billboard, NYLON, and MTV News to rave about the rising star’s vocal and songwriting prowess solidifying her as an important artist-to-watch.
We had the chance to chat with the 20-year-old last week about the 6-song effort, entirely co-written by Elle Winter!
You have been in the music business since you were 13, what was it like being discovered so young?
Elle Winter: “I’ve always loved music since I was young and it seemed like the only path for me. I started doing acting courses in the city when I was seven and was discovered by an agent around that time too, so it really took off from there. It was a progression from when I was young and it made sense at the time.
There were so many fun and creative opportunities in New York for me. That’s why I am so grateful I grew up there, especially with Broadway, concerts and shows.”
How do you balance going to an Ivy League school and being in the music industry?
Elle: “I’m currently taking a semester off right now. The past year and a half, I’m in my sophomore year now, was really necessary for my music. I felt like I really expanded my horizons as a person and I needed to do that to enhance my artistry and writing. I felt like having those experiences, meeting new people, having those friendships and relationships really inspired me and helped me create better songs.
I felt like so much of my life I said ‘I need to just do music, that has to be my priority. I can’t have a personal life and must sacrifice it all.’ I then realized I went to the studio and didn’t know what I was going to sing about.
I want to connect with people, that’s what I want for my music. So I need to actually connect with people and do things… and I can do that. It can be a balance. It’s been a great experience.
Right now, I want to try living in L.A., take the semester off, but I think going back will be a great experience too.”
Your debut EP, Yeah, No, comes out on Friday, March 6. What can fans expect to hear?
Elle: “It’s me telling my own story, I want to empower people who listen to the whole record. I feel like every song on there while it’s vulnerable, expresses different sides of different stories. The overall theme is finding empowerment and finding strength, through being vulnerable and being honest because in those moment when you can connect with people, are powerful. It’s what fuels life and brings us joy and real experiences.”
Talk about how Yeah, No was inspired by a breakup of yours
Elle: “It’s about this relationship that had ended. My ex kept calling me to check-in and I was like ‘I don’t need you to support me during this break-up. If you know me, you know that I am fine. I’m on my own.’ I felt it was almost condescending.
As girls we go through this a lot, where guys think we need their support or help, but no, we’re fine. I wanted this song to empower other women and young women to feel a sense of strength and they can thrive without anyone else’s help.
The video really reflects that message. It’s me with a bunch of beautiful badass dancers and women. We come together and hold our own. The video really captures that message. It’s a message that we could all use right now. I’m excited for it to be out in the world.”
Out of the six songs on the EP, is there one that you particularly like the most or means the most to you?
Elle: “Yeah, No. It’s the culmination of all the songs. I like that single in particular because it’s so empowering. But then there is a song like, 110%, which is also really empowering and fun and it makes me feel really good. It’s also a good workout song. I like them all for different reasons, but Yeah, No is that really strong one.”
What was the writing process like for you on this EP?
Elle: “I was working with an amazing production duo, The Orphanage. I would go into the studio with different ideas and notes on my phone. Sometimes, I’ll be out with friends or out and about and I’ll take a moment to write things down. A lot of it came from notes and discussions. Yeah, No was actually written in Nashville. I would just talk about what I was going through. I was lucky to work with people who were really open and understanding and made me feel comfortable to share intimate details of my life. I always joke that producers and writers know more about me than my closest friends do.
When I listen to artists I love and they are really telling their truth, I feel this connection to them. If I am going through something similar it makes me not feel alone. I want people to have a similar experience when they listen to my music and connect with others.”
Since you are telling your truth, being vulnerable and sharing your heart through all these songs, does it make you nervous at all for people to listen to this EP?
Elle: “It is a little nerve-wracking to put myself out there in that way. I’m sharing things with people I wouldn’t normally be so honest about, but I think it’s really important. I’m more excited than I am nervous.”
You have toured with In Real Life, Asher Angel, opened for Why Don’t We. Is there anyone you would like to tour with or collaborate with?
Elle: “I would love to put a verse from a rapper on one of my songs. I love Big Sean. He’s one of my favorite rappers of all time. So, I want to make that happen! Or Jonas Brothers, for the next tour! When I opened for them in June it was the best experience of my life. I want to relive that every day of my life.”
What is it like having the Disney brand support you?
Elle: “I have such a special place in my heart for them. They have been there every step of the way. They also shaped my childhood as well, so it was a dream when I was 13 being discovered by them. I really felt like my dream had come true. To have their support through this journey is like having a family and another support system. I am so grateful for them, they are wonderful.”
Not only are you a singer, but you have been in acting roles in films The After Party and 3 Generations. Did you always want to get involved in acting and is it something you will continue to pursue?
Elle: “Although different, I find acting and singing similar in a sense as connecting two other people. In acting, I am connecting a role to a character and trying to understand their story. It’s all about empathy. They’re both just beautiful crafts in that way. I do love acting and I would love to take on more projects if my schedule aligns.”
Thank you so much to Elle Winter for chatting with us! Her debut EP is available now and make sure to check out the music video for Yeah, No.
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