Bailey Elora

Photo by Ricky Zastrow @coloradophotoworks

Living Her Best Life

When did you first get into music?

I’ve never NOT been doing music, so I don’t know if I’d say “get into”, but more so when did I start making a career out of it. That being said, I would think I started in music when I was 14 and wrote my first song.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Honestly, I don’t think I ever intended to do anything else with my life, it’s been the one thing I have always been completely and totally enamored with and which the passion for has never faded. I think the thing that inspired me the most to become a musician is the connectivity that music can have for people. The way that despite people being so different, we can all relate to ONE SINGLE SONG and that’s incredible to me… that words and melodies one person wrote can be felt in the hearts of so many others.

Describe your style of music.

I like to describe my music style as simply chaotic, because for the life of me I can’t stay in a single genre. Currently, though most of my music that I’m writing falls into the Pop-Punk category, kind of along the lines of No Doubt and The Cranberries.

Performing with iZCALLi at 2021 Westword Music Showcase, Mission Ballroom in Denver.

Photo by @juls.se.va

How has your music evolved since you first started in the music industry?

Well, my writing has gotten better for one. lol. When I first really got started in the music industry my music was a little more basic, I let other people have a lot more influence on how I wrote, so it was a little more “normal” sounding. Now, my music has a bit more of a flare. I use different, more unusual time signatures and I’m no longer afraid to have my songs be super word-y.

Do you write with other artists?

All the time! I really enjoy writing with other artists, because it gives you such an interesting look into how their mind works. I always feel so honored when someone is willing to write with me, because I feel like it takes so much trust to let someone in like that. In my opinion, the best of my work comes from times when I’ve taken my art and mashed it with someone else’s to create something all new completely. My most recent project (and favorite at the moment) is working with Miguel Aviña of iZCALLi. We started writing together during the winter of 2020 and now we have a small set of songs we perform together every so often, which is kind of amazing since it makes it so we can both enjoy opportunities that the other might not have had without the collaboration.

Performing with iZCALLi at 2021 Rock de Mayo, Levitt Pavilion.

Photo by @greeblehaus

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Truthfully? Pure pettiness and spite. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love music and that could fuel my passions alone, but SO many people have doubted and underestimated me that those feelings are just stronger. I think because I love it so much that might be why I’m so determined to prove people wrong. I care about my art and believe in myself so much that I can’t just let other people think something different and not end up seeing that they’re wrong.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as performing artists in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I’m pretty cute OF COURSE, but I’d say it’s the fact that I’m consistent. With live and recorded music there can often be manyyyy differences in sound vocally, but I can confidently say I sound the same in both. And I’ve worked really hard to be that way with voice lessons, treating my throat well, and what feels like a bazillion band practices.

Opening for El Harragan with iZCALLi at Stampede in Aurora.

Photo by @sosa_photo.inc

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Stage fright. It was really bad for me for a good few years when I first started doing live show performances, but over time I had to teach myself how to not freak out essentially and as much as I’d like to say it was through something like lessons or exercises, it was by just continuing to scare the hell out of myself until I was no longer scared.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

Art is so closely tied to mental health and I think that’s why so many artists are people with rocky mental states (and I say this as one of those artists).

2021 Taste of Colorado

Some of the most loved and relatable art is made from extreme anguish and pain, both emotional and physical. Sometimes to create your art you have to dig deep into those sensitive thoughts and feelings which can often take a bit of a toll on you mentally. I write some really good music when in the midst of major anxiety episodes because my brain is moving so fast that I have an endless pool of creative energy, but with that comes the extreme after effects like the full body and mind exhaustion. So yes, I can say that I have 100% “suffered” for my art, but I don’t regret that at all.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

I’d make success more about hardwork and talent than about how much money you have. I think a lot of really raw talent gets left in the dust because people are more interested in flashy videos and fake personas that were created for the sole purpose of entertainment rather than true art.

Bailey Elora at Lost Lake Lounge in Denver.

I’m sure you have met many talented artists, maybe even celebrities along the way. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us.

When I was about 12 years old I got to meet Quinton Aaron, who played Michael Oher in the movie The Blind Side. He is absolutely the sweetest person and is super down to earth. I felt absolutely TINY standing next to him, which makes sense considering I’m almost 2 feet shorter than him! I’ve also had the pleasure of having breakfast with Joe Estevez, who I would say is one of the best actors and is bursting with talent. Though despite being as incredible as he is, he’s the most normal and kind human being you’ll ever meet.

Bailey Elora performing at Goosetown Tavern in Denver.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Hmmm this is such a hard question to answer for me because music holds so many memories and a whole lot of nostalgia. But if I HAD to pick 5 albums, these would be them.

Foiled by Blue October Justin, the lead singer, is such a phenomenal lyricist and my parents used to play this album on repeat when I was growing up, so it really influenced the way I wanted to express myself with my art.

Songs About Jane by Maroon 5 This will always be their best album to me. The melodies are so interesting to me and it feels like there’s never a bad time to listen to it.

200 KM/H In The Wrong Lane by t.A.T.u. I think this album was my first experience truly listening to music in a language other than Spanish or English. It really opened my eyes up to different music as well as showed me that controversial messages can be told so beautifully with song (referencing the uproar t.A.T.u. Caused in Russia).

Melodrama by Lorde The amount of times I listened to this album laying in my bed SOBBING is insane. Lyrically, melodically, emotionally… It’s just gorgeous. I don’t think a song has ever ripped my heart out the way “Liability” did when I heard it for the first time.

Sounds of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel For Christmas one year, my grandparents gifted me with a record player...and the honor of being able to raid their vintage record collection (something they never even let my mom do!). During said event, I picked out every Simon & Garfunkel album I could get my hands on and this one ended up being my favorite. Mainly, because it’s a really good album, but also because it has “Kathy’s Song” on it and that’s my grandmother’s name.

What is the best advice you have received?

Do everything for you, never for another. Sure it’s okay to want to make art for the fans or your friends/family, but it’s most important that you make it for yourself first and to make sure YOU love what you do and what you create.

DRUNK RN single photoshoot in Denver.

Photo by Ricky Zastrow @coloradophotoworks

What’s next for you? New Music?

Always. I never stop writing (I’m not kidding, I really never stop), so I always have a new song. My band and I released our single “Drunk RN” in September and are currently promoting that, and then we just recorded another new single that we’re hoping to release in Early 2022.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

Social media of course, you can find me on most social platforms under: @baileyelora, @baileyeloramusic and https://linktr.ee/baileyelora

Tell us something about you that no one knows about you.

I run a super secret food instagram! I literally never tell anyone about it because I’m embarrassed, but I’m also kinda proud of it. I post pictures of all the cool food places I go and the different meals I end up making at home. It’s totally casual and not at all serious, but it’s nice and I think my little collection looks good (and tasty!).

You can find it at: @theavocadotomytoast

Listen to Bailey Elora’s new single: “DRUNK RN”

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/baileyelora/drunkrn-feat-broth3r Available everywhere music is heard!

DRUNK RN single photoshoot in Denver.

Photo by Ricky Zastrow @coloradophotoworks