Nieve Ella: One To Watch
Summer’s in full swing - with more inclusive line-ups, safer live music spaces and wellness experiences on offer, we’re eager to jump into the UK’s festival scene. Following her ascent to internet stardom, Nieve Ella takes the stage at Boardmasters Festival, August 11th. Following her debut EP ‘Young and Naive’ earlier this year, Nieve dropped ‘Big House’ - the first single from her forthcoming EP ‘Lifetime Of Wanting’. After a whirlwind European tour with pop superstar Dylan, this breezy indie pop sensation doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon! We caught up with Nieve Ella ahead of her summer.
Image: Kate Silvester
Nieve, congratulations on all that’s been happening this year! You and your music remain relatable and authentic - how have you kept grounded?
I feel the exact same as I did when I released my first single up to now, every release feels like a birthday for me. I still and always will write from real life experiences, I think being honest is key for staying grounded!
Your single ‘19 in a week’ unravels the pressure and unrealistic expectations placed on teens. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self now?
I think I would tell her to keep doing what your doing. I’ve always knew I’d end up in a place where I would feel fulfilled in my day to day life. Even though at the time of writing that song I felt quite panicked because I was way less experienced than all of my other friends, I feel like I needed that to bring me to the place I’m at right now.
We’d love to hear more about your songwriting process. Your single ‘Big House’ feels more mature and assured - how was this process different to creating ‘Young and Naieve?’
It definitely feels more mature because I have matured. I wrote Young & Naive when I was 18 and I’m turning 21 in just under 5 months! The main difference is that I’m now in my first ever relationship, which has made me see life in a completely different way. Not only am I still learning to love myself but, learning to love someone else as deeply as possible.
Image: Kate Silvester
You learnt to play guitar during lockdown, 2020. Do you have any tips for any budding songwriters and guitarists? Are there any songs that you keep going back to?
I still haven’t figured out how I even did it, I think being in my own space and not being scared of being heard helped a lot. I didn’t follow any rule books, I just played and sang whatever I felt. having confidence in yourself and your work is super important.
What are some of your favourite moments of your music career so far? What makes it meaningful to you?
I mean playing at Glastonbury this year was a big dream of mine! Going on tour with Dylan and playing a couple of shows with Inhaler was also an amazing experience. I think every show I play fills me with the most fulfilment and getting to see the community I have built over this past year is the most special thing to me. All I wanted from releasing my songs is people to feel something when listening, and to watch that happen is all I could ever ask for.
We love to share recommendations. What are you:
Listening to?
Music recommendations always start with Sam Fender & Flyte, any song just shove them on shuffle.
Watching?
I just recently watched the Barbie movie which I 100% recommend to every human ever.
