Elly draws her narratives from Devon where she lives and works.
Her music is full of love, loss, our connection to each other but also to nature itself and our balance within it.
She writes "I started singing when I was six years old. Being drawn to my grandmother's piano at the same time I began to write. I knew then that I was going to sing for the world. That music was my purpose and being! I became completely encapsulated into this incredible world of synergy. Sounds connecting people, words that everyone understood in their own way and a deep feeling of belonging.
I attained a singing scholarship to Wells Cathedral School when I was twelve where I was classically trained. This training helped elevate my capabilities which I translate into my own style of singing.
Influenced by big soul singers such as Etta, Aretha and Amy, the storytelling of Kate Bush, the truths of Bob Marley and the balls-iness of AC/DC. I've always listened to a wide variety of music that's made my story different from others.
I sing of love but not typical love stories. Love of life, its inhabitants, light and darkness. I sing of loss but also what we gain and ultimately never lose. I love to make people smile and laugh, dance and cry. It's the balance of life we can't ignore. My debut EP 'Soliloquy' (released October 23rd 2021) highlighted the strength and vulnerability of humanity in its definition; life and death. But also all of the wonderful and painful things that happen in between. My track 'For Dan' from 'Soliloquy' was chosen as Upload Of The Week by BBC Introducing SW and I have had continued support from the team. I am now twenty-three and my dreams haven't changed, my songs have improved from my single digit age where this all began (I'd say) and my love of life is stronger than ever. The more I understand the complexities of life, the stronger I feel connected to music and our world. We need it and each other. I am Elly J Devon. Legitimately... check my passport."
Elly joins Graham for a chat about her life in music!
