BENEATH THE NEON GLOW ELLES BAILEY

The music industry is an ever-evolving beast, with artists constantly striving to create something that resonates with their audience while staying true to their own artistic vision. Elles Bailey, a name synonymous with raw emotion and powerful vocals, has recently released her latest album, “Beneath the Neon Glow”, to widespread acclaim. The album has garnered praise from critics and fans alike, further solidifying her place in the modern blues and roots music scene.

WORDS: Stephen Harrison | IMAGES: Morten Fog & Rob Blackham

In a recent conversation, Elles Bailey shared insights into the creation of her new album, her thoughts on the music industry, and the challenges she faced during the recording process. As we delved into the details, it became clear that “Beneath the Neon Glow” is not just another album; it is a deeply personal project that reflects her growth as an artist.

THE JOURNEY TO THE ALBUM TITLE

One of the first topics we discussed was the album’s title, “Beneath the Neon Glow”. Bailey revealed that this was the first album she had created without having a title in mind from the outset, which added an element of stress to the process. “When I wrote “Shining in the Half Light”, I knew immediately that it was the title for album three. The same happened with “Road I Call Home” for album two,” she explained. But with this new project, things were different. She grappled with various potential titles, none of which seemed to fit perfectly.

The title finally came from a line in the opening track, “Ballad of Broken Dreams.” “The Bud Light neon glows” caught her attention, inspiring the eventual album title. Bailey was captivated by the idea of the neon glow, which she feels symbolizes the duality of an artist’s life—always surrounded by lights and colours, yet often concealing parts of themselves from the world and even from themselves. “That’s what “Beneath the Neon Glow” is about—the stuff we keep hidden, even if we’re hiding it from ourselves,” she reflected.

THE RECORDING PROCESS: A BALANCING ACT

Bailey began writing songs for the album in October 2023, a process she described as both intense and rewarding. She typically writes around 30 to 40 songs for each album, allowing her to carefully select the ones that best convey the album’s message. Pre-production started later that month, and recording began in November, wrapping up in mid-December.

Interestingly, the mixing process took longer than the actual recording. Bailey found this phase particularly challenging because, unlike the focused environment of the recording sessions, mixing was done amidst the distractions of everyday life. “I did a lot of mixing via Audio Movers, which meant I didn’t have to be in the room with my producer. But it was tough, balancing the demands of being an artist and a parent,” she admitted. By the end of the mixing process, she was relieved to put the album to bed, although she occasionally second-guessed some decisions— small details that no one else would notice, but that she would mull over.

Despite these challenges, Bailey is proud of the final product. “I love how the album sounds,” she said, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.

Over the past few years, she has won ten awards, a testament to her dedication and talent. When asked how she feels about these accolades, Bailey responded with humility. “It’s really nice to be recognized by your peers and the people around you. I’ve worked really, really hard, and it feels good to see that acknowledged,” she said.

However, she also emphasized the joy she feels when her friends in the industry receive recognition. “I love watching my friends win awards. It’s just as special as winning them myself,” she noted. One particularly memorable moment was when she presented Alice Armstrong with an award, an experience that was just as rewarding for Bailey as receiving an award herself.

THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC

Like many artists, Bailey’s career trajectory was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked if she is where she thought she would be when she released her first album in 2017, she admitted that the pandemic had thrown a wrench into her plans. “The pandemic threw in such big hurdles,” she said, noting that it often feels like she had to start over, particularly in Europe.

The rising costs of touring post-pandemic have added another layer of difficulty, with expenses soaring while fees have remained stagnant. “Touring costs have gone up so much more than I could ever have imagined, and suddenly you’re trying to take that into Europe again,” she explained. Despite these challenges, Bailey remains grateful for the support she has received and the opportunities she has had to continue growing as an artist.

LOOKING AHEAD

As she looks to the future, Bailey is determined to keep pushing forward, both in her career and in expanding the reach of her music. “I want the scene to continually grow, and it can’t just grow here in the UK. We have to spread our wings,” she said. Despite the difficulties posed by the current economic climate, she is hopeful that artists like herself can find a way to continue thriving and bringing their music to audiences around the world.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES

Bailey’s musical journey was influenced by her father’s eclectic record collection, which included a mix of blues, rock and roll, and more. However, it was a chance encounter with Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” while writing her dissertation that truly ignited her passion for music. “It just floored me,” she recalled. “That song reminded me of all the music I had grown up with and set me on the path to becoming a musician.”

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF NOW

With “Beneath the Neon Glow”, Elles Bailey sought to create an album that pays tribute to the musical influences of her past while remaining firmly rooted in the present. “I wanted to make an album that felt like it could be released in 2024,” she explained. The result is a body of work that not only reflects her journey as an artist but also speaks to the experiences and emotions of her listeners.

As Bailey prepares for her upcoming UK tour, she is excited to bring these new songs to life on stage and connect with her fans in a live setting. “I’m really proud of what we’ve created with this album, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone,” she said.

For Elles Bailey, “Beneath the Neon Glow” is more than just an album—it’s a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her craft. As she continues to evolve as an artist, there’s no doubt that she will keep pushing boundaries and reaching new heights in the years to come.