After spending the majority of the last year pumping out a bold and blistering array of offerings, London-via-Edinburgh's ettie has now returned to deliver her latest energetic effort 'I'm Sorry To My Exes'.
Channelling a fun and upbeat pop-punk aesthetic from start to finish, 'I'm Sorry To My Exes' makes for a bright and dynamic return for the artist. Jam-packed with vibrant pace, killer hooks, and her own catchy voice layered throughout, be prepared to be humming this one long after you've first heard it.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and inspirations over the last few years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Oddly enough it was actually saxophone. I took lessons for 4 years and I had this very obnoxious purple saxophone. I wasn’t very good… It took me a while to realise it’s just because I was inspired by Lisa Simpson.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My parents were heavily in to RnB, so the first songs I really knew the words to were like ‘Where is the Love?’ and ‘Dilemma.’ But personally I loved boy band music, like Busted, McFly, and Greenday. That’s what developed into a love for pop-punk and consequently my songwriting.
What was the first album you remember owning?
‘Feels So Good’ by Atomic Kitten. Pure vibes.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘Undrunk’ by Fletcher. I think the song’s wording is just so spot on, every line is a surprise the first time you listen to it. And the way the concept is worded is so unique. Also I love her as an out and proud queer artist.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really, except that the concepts or melodies for all the songs I love always come at really inconvenient times. Like when I’m on a walk, on the tube, even in my sleep. So I’m always scrambling to write them down or record them on my phone to make sure I remember them. Does that count?
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have been obsessed with Pale Waves new album, ‘Who Am I?’, since it came out. It’s got such an old school Avril Lavigne sound. I also try to listen to as much current queer art as possible, so I’ve been listening to a lot of L Devine, Lauren Sanderson and girl in red.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
150% Taylor Swift. I have been to a few of her concerts, and the crowd and atmosphere is craaaazy.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When people tell me that they relate or see themselves in my music. I became a musician because I love writing. I am always trying to find unique ways to portray what I go through. To know that it resonates with other people is genuinely so rewarding.
And what is the most frustrating part?
This is a blessing and a curse, but the fact that a lot of a musicians income comes from performing. During the pandemic, we realised just how fragile the support for artists is, especially when that is taken away. Performing is at the heart of many artists passions, including my own, so it’s so difficult when that is so easily taken away.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
That being nervous or anxious about your art does not serve you in any way. Be and show 100% confidence in your art and yourself, and don’t internalise people’s criticism. Take it, apply it if it resonates with you, and let it go. People can see if you are not committed to yourself, and they won’t commit to you.
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ettie's new single 'I'm Sorry To My Exes' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.