Ella Fence

By Niall Roeder

Self-confessed wanderer, Ella Fence hails from the Gold Coast. She’s an Ennio Morricone enthusiast and much like the great man’s emotive music, Ella’s brand of cinematic folk takes the listener on a journey.

Over the last few years she’s recorded her debut release, Wanderlust EP, at Brighton Electric (home to The Cure, Royal Blood, Mumford & Suns), and played and recorded with Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, REM).

“I had Ella come up onstage and plug in her Martin and do a song of hers… with her wild, swooping voice. Then I politely borrowed her acoustic and we did “Doesn’t It Remind You of Something”, and she was, of course, brilliant” – Ken Stringfellow.

She recently shot part of the clip for Unknown Water at QT Gold Coast. We caught up with the 24 year old to ask her a few questions.

Q. Have you always been into singing/songwriting/playing?

A. Yes, I have a piece of paper at home that I drew on when I was five that said “when I grow up I want to sing in front of a 1,000 people”.

Q. Are you pleased with the Unknown Water clip?

A. I couldn’t be more pleased… Double Deuce brought the clip to the next level. I am so grateful.

Q. It has an intoxicating Lana Del Ray vibe to it. It’s an awesome track and clip. What’s it about?

A. It is about being completely intoxicated with a dream. It’s about escaping expectations, those society and the people around you put on you and those you put on yourself.

Q. Which artists are you influenced by?

A. Lorde, Banks, Nancy Sinatra, Daughter, Broods, Ennio Morricone.

Q. Best concert experience (playing or viewing)?

A. Playing – The Cambus Wallace where I launched my debut single Unknown Water. Viewing – India Arie at Bluesfest 2014, it was a wild night and everyone in that tent felt a sense of oneness.

Q. What does 2015 have in store for Ella Fence?

A. With the Wanderlust EP released on June 12, I’ll be touring non-stop for the rest of the year. I want to play more regional places as well as the big cities. I’ll also be writing a whole lot of new material and some top secret collaborations. I’m building on my live show, introducing a new member to the band, that’s very exciting!

Q. Who are you listening to at the moment?

A. Alt-J and Broods.

Q. Thoughts on QT Gold Coast?

A. The hotel was immaculate and the staff are so friendly, thank you for letting us film at your location.

Q. Your biggest quirk?

A. Sneaking into places and playing secret gigs.

Image – http://www.ellafencemusic.com/