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Photo – Nir Arieli

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Interview with
ELLE WINTER
(21st August 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Photo – Jonny Marlow

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Have you always wanted to be an artist? When did you get the song writing bug?
I have loved music for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I was always singing around the house and putting on performances for family and friends. I started writing songs when I was around 9 years old as a way to express my feelings and tell my stories,  I remember releasing a CD of my own music for my middle school friends. I also had opportunities to perform in iconic NYC venues like The Bitter End and Joes pub. Songwriting really became this incredible outlet for me to process my emotions and connect with others.

Briefly describe your journey to date since being discovered as Radio Disney’s “Next Best Thing” at 14.
Being a part of Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing was such an amazing way to start my career. I got to travel, perform, and meet so many inspiring people at such a young age. It was truly a wonderful experience.  I still have so many fans who have been on this journey with me since those days.

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How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
I’d describe my sound as bold, emotional pop alongside honest, confessional songwriting. I love making songs that you can sing at the top of your lungs but that also tell a real story. I think fans connect to my music because it’s grounded in truth. Whether it’s a breakup anthem or a moment of vulnerability, I try to write from a place that’s deeply personal but still relatable to anyone listening.

Working alongside the Orphanage (Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Sabrina Carpenter) must be beyond inspiring. How do you stay grounded working with these, and other music luminaries?
It’s such a privilege to work with people I admire so much. I stay grounded by focusing on the music and the collaboration, when we’re in the studio, it’s all about creating something authentic and meaningful. The Orphanage really brings out the best in me in every session and pushes me to be my most genuine and fearless self.

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Photo – Jonny Marlow

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Your new title track ‘Never Even Met Her’ is coming out in August! What’s it all about? Describe its origin and evolution.
I began working on this project last year and went into the studio with a new mindset of not letting fear dictate my life. This entire project reflects this courage and unapologetic theme, as I didn’t shy away from being as honest and open in my writing. I wrote Never Even Met Her, the title track,  after finding out my ex was spreading false stories about me. Instead of letting it hurt me, I turned it into an empowering anthem about reclaiming my narrative. This song really embodies the essence of the project, which is a collection of songs about identity, confidence, and self-worth, all with a mix of strength, humor, and vulnerability. The video for Never Even Met Her really brings that energy to life visually. I had a great experience working on the video with my UPenn cinema professor Scott Burkhardt who is an amazing screenwriter as well. He helped capture the concept of the song perfectly.

What are the signature tracks on the EP, and which is your favorite?
I would say Never Even Met Her is definitely a signature track. It sets the tone for the whole project and captures the fierce, confident energy of the entire project.. Another standout is Little Miss Fix It, which is playful but still has the emotional undercurrent of the project. Picking a favorite is difficult but I have a special connection to the title track because it helped to shape the direction of the rest of the EP.  Never Even Met Her was based on a Mel Robbin’s theory that felt very relevant to me and I wanted to capture her inspirational ideas in a song. Crazily enough, the morning after I wrote the song I was on a flight to NYC and ran into Mel Robbins at the baggage claim! I went up to her and told her it was kismet that we met and that she had inspired my new song and EP project. It was definitely surreal and felt like a sign.

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Is there an album on the drawing board?
Yes! Right now, my focus is on rolling out this EP, but I’m always writing and recording, so a full album is definitely in the cards. I love the idea of building a larger body of work that tells an even bigger story, and am working towards that.

I see you previously toured with Chloe x Halle. What tours and events are coming up? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I’m so excited to bring these new songs to the stage. We’re planning performances for later this year, and I can’t wait to see how fans connect to the new material live. Expect high energy, lots of singing along, and maybe even a few surprises in the setlist.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
I’d love to perform with Stevie Wonder. I’ve learned so much just from listening to his music over the years. Each time I listen, I hear a new nuance and detail that is always so inspiring. Sharing a stage with him would be a dream and an honor, and a masterclass all in one.

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Photo – Jonny Marlow

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What are your long-term aspirations as a music artist and how are you progressing towards them?
My long-term goal is to keep making music that connects with people on a deep level, while also continuing to evolve creatively. I’d love to headline my own tour and continue to build a catalogue of songs that people return to year after year. Right now, I am laying that foundation by releasing music that’s authentic to me and continuing to grow and push myself as a songwriter and performer.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
The best part of performing live is the connection it allows me to experience with my listeners. It is truly an indescribable feeling to look out and see people singing my lyrics back to me. Career wise, playing shows like the Jingle Ball or opening for the Jonas Brothers at a 20,000 person stadium, have been huge highlights, but honestly, any moment where I feel that shared energy with an audience is unforgettable.

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Now for some quickfire questions to get a little personal:
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done? One could say pursuing a full time music career!!!!!
What is the one topic you can talk about for hours? Keto snacks
What is the thing you like most about yourself? I like my discipline. I have a lot of trust in myself because I always show up for myself when I say I will. This actually makes me very confident, because I know I can rely on me.

Finally, let’s find out what your current (or all time) favorites are –
Album – B’Day- Beyonce
Artist – Beyonce
Movie – Clueless
Place to visit – Italy
Venue to play – Madison Square Garden  (Manifesting)
Food – Peanut Butter
Drink –  Coffee
Person in History –  My Mom!
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?)  I am too indecisive for a permanent tattoo and I always like to change things up. It would never work for me.

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Photo – Jonny Marlow

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Follow ELLE WINTER
Instagram – TikTok – Facebook
YouTube – Snapchat
Spotify – Apple Music

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Photo – Nir Arieli

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AMNPLIFY – DB