Ella Ferdinands Dapper Love Interview

Ella Ferdinands Dapper Love Interview

Brisbane singer/songwriter, Ella Ferdinands, scored an unexpected lucky break when her debut single, Dapper Love, fell into the hands of an extremely influential radio staffer and has since been enjoying spins on Brisbane's Hit105FM.

'This opportunity is gold," says Ella. 'I can't wipe the smile off my face!"
'When you get an opportunity like that its very rare that you actually do have a hit in your back pocket!" Says Co Writer Bec Caruana.

In a sweet twist, it was Hit105 that were one of the first to add Bec Caruana's 2002 hit, Dance All Night, to their play list which went on to become one of the most played tracks on radio that year.

A seasoned performer since the age of 15, Ella also trained at the QLD Young Conservatorium, as a lead vocalist in the Jazz ensemble and then went on to complete a two-year musical theatre internship. With a smooth and soulful, R&B voice, Ella's vocals are effortless. A beautiful diamond, in a manufactured pop world, Ella is the real deal, writer, and performer.

A well-seasoned performer around Brisbane, Ella will launch the single this Saturday night at Johnny Browns in Brisbane (138 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley).

www.facebook.com/ellafmusic
http://instagram.com/eferdinands

Interview with Ella Ferdinands

Question: How would you describe your music?

Ella Ferdinands: Soulful/R&B.


Question: How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Ella Ferdinands: It felt unreal!

Since I was young I've always wondered what it would feel like to listen to my own song on radio. I was speechless when I heard first play on Hit105.


Question: What was the motivation behind the track Dapper Love?

Ella Ferdinands: I had a very clear vision for the sound of my single Dapper Love. Once I started writing the lyrics, the melody and harmonies just fell into place and the process was quick and effortless. I knew what I wanted and was over the moon with the result. Dapper Love is all about that old school, playful kind of love.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Ella Ferdinands: I've been working in the industry for a few years perfecting my craft. But I feel like I'm ready for the unknown.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Ella Ferdinands: Yes, I write my own songs. My inspiration could be anyone or anything. With this song, I wanted to write about a fun love, and describe that perfect dapper man, I'm so happy with it.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Ella Ferdinands: Amy Winehouse, Sam Smith, Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande, Jackson 5…

Past decades and genres of music inspire me as an artist. Mum introduced me to a lot of great music when I was young.

Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Ella Ferdinands: I've just recorded the vocals to my next single, which is in production now. So excited!


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Ella Ferdinands: Yes definitely, I feel like all artists face knock backs in their career, but the fight and come backs only make you more determined and driven in what we do.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Ella Ferdinands: I enjoy both equally.

I love the creative process of writing and recording because it's my original work. I also love singing live.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Ella Ferdinands: From a young age I've loved every aspect of music. It's been part of me and my life since I was young, as I've come from a very musical family. I began dancing at age 4 and then moved into singing at age 13.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Ella Ferdinands: Understanding and finding myself as an artist. Over the past few years it has taken me time to realise who I am and what my sound is. I now know who I am as an artist.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Ella Ferdinands: Work, university, rehearsals and spending downtime with family and friends. I am always on the go, I never stop.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Ella Ferdinands: Finding my sound, and creating music… The process is mind blowing.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Ella Ferdinands: I would love to collaborate with Stevie Wonder, Sam Smith or John Legend. And I would have loved to sing with Amy Winehouse or Ella Fitzgerald. Id probably title that show something along the lines of 'Double Trouble" or 'Ella and I".


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Ella Ferdinands: FACEBOOK: ellafmusic
TWITTER: EFerdinands
INSTAGRAM: eferdinands
SOUNDCLOUD: ellaferdinands

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Ella Grace Ferdinands
Nickname(s): Ella Bella/Ferdie
Star Sign: Libra
Favourite Food: EVERYTHING
Favourite Film: Centre Stage/Chicago/Little Rascals/Matilda... I have so many
Favourite Actor: I loved and still do love Heath Ledger.
Pet: Benson
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: I would've love to have met Amy Winehouse
Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, fishing and being on a boat.
First Job: City Beach
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: If I feel like having a boogie I love the clubs. However, I'd chose a nice bar to go to.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Pawpaw, gum, phone, diary and a bottle of water.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: I always think of the day ahead and what I've got on.

Interview by Brooke Hunter