Check out our interview with NYC pop-soul artist Ella Galvin, who just released her new single “Spare Me” today!
“Spare Me” is the first single from her upcoming debut EP, which will be out later this year. Built on Ella’s effortlessly commanding vocals, “Spare Me” has an intoxicating raw energy that lures you in. The single weaves a sonic tapestry of pop, soul, jazz, and rock influences in a way that manages to feel both finely-tuned and improvisational.
Follow Ella @ellagalvin
Hi Ella! Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi! I’m Ella Galvin. I was born and raised outside of Boston, MA. I started singing in 3rd grade when I entered a talent show.
How would you describe your sound in three words?
Intriguing, empowering, and upbeat.
Who influences you?
Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Lake Street Dive, Remi Wolf, Lawrence, Carole King, Daft Punk, Earth Wind and Fire, Lizzy McAlpine… too many to choose from!
How did you first start making music?
I remember writing a couple songs when I was little, but I really started writing more when I joined a band during my senior year of high school.
Do you play any instruments?
My family had a piano growing up so I would watch YouTube videos to learn how to play certain songs I liked to sing. I started playing guitar when I got one for my 18th birthday, and I also play the ukulele sometimes. I’d love to learn to play a little bit of bass too!
Do you ever get nervous before performing?
I get nervous when I play guitar and sing at the same time, but singing without playing instruments comes naturally to me that the overwhelming feeling before going on stage is really just excitement
Tell us about your new single, “Spare Me.” What’s the story behind the song?
“Spare Me” is the first song I wrote in one sitting and I haven’t touched it since the day I wrote it. It’s probably one of the most vulnerable songs I’ve ever written, straight from a specific experience; I was seeing someone from across the country who was visiting NYC for a month. The song’s all about having feelings for someone who’s unavailable, but in the end, it’s all about embracing those feelings and the crazy adventures you have with someone, even if it’s not forever.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?
Writing the song all in one sitting was really exciting! The idea came to life pretty seamlessly – the night I wrote it, I recorded a demo of just guitar and vocals, and that same guitar is in the final track. We added some layers of guitar in the studio as well but having the original guitar from that night in the final song felt right.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
I often avoid the inconvenience of having feelings for someone but this time it felt like I finally let myself feel something good which is an important lesson to learn about life.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
A lot of times I begin with a lyric and melody & then I build off of that! Sometimes I make lists or I’ll journal about the idea of the song to come up with more ideas/lyrical concepts.
What is the most rewarding thing about being an artist?
I love when people say that they related to a song or text me saying it appeared on their Spotify and they enjoyed it – music will always find the right people at the right time and all I hope is that people connect with my songs in that way.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
It’s taken me a long time to appreciate the journey and the struggles of being a small artist – I always want to skip the hard parts and get to the part where my work really pays off but every step of the way is important and meant to be. Trust the process!
What’s next for Ella Galvin in 2024?
An EP! Possibly more shows this summer in places outside of New York too…
How would you describe your fashion style?
I love experimenting with many different types of styles – sometimes I love dressing super girly, other times I love wearing baggy stuff, I like blazers and suits too. I just started working with a stylist which has really opened my eyes to the fashion world. There are so many incredible small brands out there/handmade/queer owned super unique stuff that’s sustainable too! I’m always looking forward to finding more of those so if that’s you hit me up!!!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is having such a strong state of mind and such confidence in yourself that nothing can sway your own internal happiness! I’ve been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for 3 years and that’s a huge core idea of the practice that I am thankful for & am always thinking about.
If you could meet someone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Definitely Amy Winehouse – she is one of my biggest inspirations, & I’d love to hear more about her writing process & life from HER own perspective
What would be your dream vacation and who would you go with?
My dream vacation is skiing out west with my friends! I used to ski competitively in high school and I almost went to college for it – it’s so much fun and I really miss it.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
When I used to ski in high school, one of my coaches was talking through a race course where there were a lot of really tough turns. She said whenever you feel like you’re going to fall, don’t say ‘don’t fall don’t fall don’t fall’ – instead say ‘stay up stay up stay up.’ I use this in sooooo many different contexts and it always works – I’m a huge believer in manifestation and how you talk to yourself is so important!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
My dream is to be a touring artist and just be able to make a living working in the music industry. I have really been enjoying working in a restaurant as I develop as an artist, but I am definitely going to sing for the rest of my life 🙂
What is your favorite song to belt out at karaoke or in the car?
“Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera
Where can we follow you on social media?
Spotify / Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / Linktree / YouTube / Soundcloud / Twitter / Website
Favorite Book: Reaching Beyond: A Dialogue on Buddhism & Jazz by Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock & Daisaku Ikeda – I’ve been practicing Buddhism for 3 years now and this book really helped me embrace the journey of being an artist and what it really means to make music. Everyone should read this book!!
Favorite Quote: “Nothing gold can stay” – Robert Frost
Favorite Movie: So hard to choose but Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, Get Out or Promising Young Woman.
Favorite TV Series: Breaking Bad is definitely my favorite but I also love Better Call Saul and Sex & The City.
Favorite Food: Chocolate Lava Cakes or Banoffee Pie – always a dessert though
Favorite Travel Destination: Anywhere warm or somewhere I haven’t been!
Favorite Sports Team: I truly could not care less about sports, haha! But, on that note, I’d be happy to sing a national anthem at any game!