Interview: Elle Winter on how she’s been making the best of quarantine, connecting with fans and the story behind “Yeah, No”

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Interview: Elle Winter on how she’s been making the best of quarantine, connecting with fans and the story behind “Yeah, No”

(photo credit: Angelo Kritikos)

We’re in a time we should never be in. For the first two months or so, I could tell you what show I should have been at that night in Boston. Before we went into Quarantine, I spoke to a lot of artists that were on the verge of truly breaking out, on their first sold out headlining tours, first big music video and so much.  2020 looked so bright and the music scene will come back stronger than ever. One of the artists that will be sure to crushing your airwaves is NYC based Elle Winter who right before this all really started rolling had just released her new EP, “Yeah, No”. The title track off the release is an instant success, a powerful anthem for all women, and instantly clinches your love for Winter’s vibes and huge voice.

While we wish we could see Winter crush a live show, that time will be sure to come but for now, we jumped at the chance to talk to her, virtually of course,  about how she’s been keeping busy in quarantine, connecting with fans and the beautiful story behind “Yeah, No”!

You just recently released the “Yeah, No” EP, on which you worked with the production group, The Orphanage. How was that experience working with them on your EP, especially considering their track record? 

Elle Winter: It was such an incredible experience. They are not only so talented and kind, but they really understood my vision for my music and helped me bring it to life in such a seamless way. 

Can you tell me a little bit about the story of how “Yeah, No” was created. Why was it chosen to be the title track of the EP?

EW: I wrote “Yeah, No” in Nashville at the end of a long term relationship. I was constantly receiving calls from my ex to tell me he was here for me and supported me, but I was surprised by these condescending messages. I felt that any person I was with would know the person I am, someone who was always fine on my own and independent. I wanted to create a song that was empowering and told a message and reflected how I try to live my life; defying people’s assumptions of who I am. Music is a space where I can be my most honest and true self and where I can set my own narrative. So it felt perfect and fitting to make “Yeah, No” a song all about strength and setting my own story, the title track of my EP. 

Times are unsure of course right now for live music but you recently took a trip to Stockholm to work on your next project.  Do you find yourself writing in this time, or not putting too much pressure on yourself? 

EW: I have found myself writing lots of new songs during this time, in quarantine with my family and revisiting past songs I have written as well. I am not putting pressure on myself to write and be creative, but instead I’m using music as a creative outlet to help me stay grounded and happy during a time of such uncertainty and fear. For me, music has always served as a connector, when I listen to my favorite songs I connect to the stories and melodies of the artist and hopefully listeners of my music do the same. It’s a time like right now that music is so crucial, as it makes us feel connected even if we are physically apart. 

You’ve been keeping active, playing on some live streams. How do you think that’s helping you connect with fans right now? How have you been promoting your work despite the unfortunate circumstances? 

EW: It has been really cool to play live stream performances and IG takeovers and connect with so many fans around the world, who I may not have been able to perform in front of or connect with before this quarantine. I find these live streams have allowed me to share special live renditions of my songs with more fans than ever, so I am doing my best to take on as many of these opportunities as possible. Find creative ways to make each one of them an enjoyable experience. I have also been able to promote my work through the many streaming services, such as Apple Music and Spotify. They have been very supportive of my new music and it has made me so happy to see the connection, “Yeah, No” is making with so many listeners. 

What are some goals you’re setting for the next few months as an artist? Focuses or goals? 

EW: I feel this quarantine has allowed me to focus on what I want to achieve over the next few months. I am anxious to get back in the studio to record some of the songs I have written while in quarantine, but in the meantime, I am going to learn how to record music at home. This quiet time has allowed me to take the time to learn a lot of new things and develop some new skills I did not know I had. I have actually gotten much better at working technology to perfect my live streams, and now feel I am ready to take on recording new music myself. I have played a lot more guitar during this quiet time and even learned how to play the piano. My goal is to continue to learn new things that will make me a better artist and have more to offer my audience.

About Author

Colleen

Colleen has been writing about music since 2009. Interviewing bands since the glory days of Warped and has continued to do so for now over fourteen years. As well as doing freelance for other publications, the love for everything rock continues today.