Ella Hooper of Killing Heidi fame is back and she’s hit the music scene in a big way with a solo album, forthcoming tour and a gig on ABC’s Spicks and Specks.
Hooper exploded into our radios and eardrums as a 17 year old, alongside her brother Jesse, with such hits as Weir and Mascara.
Since the raging success of the brother and sister duo from Violet Town in Victoria, Hooper has remained a significant presence in the music scene.
And while juggling a radio career hosting Australian Top 20 on Fox 101.9 and a spot as Team Captain on Spicks and Specks, Hooper will be sharing music from her album In Tongues in the coming months.
With so much on the go, Hooper said she is excited about all that she is up to, especially sharing her new single, Low High.
“[I’m] definitely adjusting to the new pace. It’s typical of the entertainment business; you’re quiet for a year or two then, kapow! You’re insanely busy, like I am now. But I am thrilled to be so busy with Spicks, my radio show and pushing my single. They’re all projects I love so I’m lucky,” she said.
Low High is haunting and exotic, allowing Hooper’s velvety vocals to carry a melody which soaks into the subconscious.
She describes her much anticipated album In Tongues as an exploration of the events and emotions that have transported her out of her twenties.
“There are some dark undertones going on within the record and the artwork. There are lighter, brighter moments and things you can even dance to here and there; but for the most part I wanted to explore obsession and transition and difficult revelations. All the sticky stuff that comes up when you’re nearing the end of your twenties!” she said.
Co-written with producer Jan Skubizewski (Owl Eyes, Illy, Way Of The Eagle), Hooper said In Tongues was a very different experience for her, musically.
“It was very different for me, and that was the idea; to challenge myself and hopefully turn up something new and fresh in the process. It was like walking in brand new high heels sometimes – not always comfortable or confident, but it had to be done,” she said.
Her tour has kicked off already, with the first stop being the Chill Out Festival in Victoria where she said the audience welcomed a taste of her brand new work.
“It’s always a bit scary, but definitely exhilarating, sharing new music. The reception at Chill Out was great; it made me very grateful and excited to share more. I think people who have grown up with me will recognise touches of my pop-rock roots in this new sound but I think it also offers something developed and considered that will appeal to new fans as well… I hope!” she said.
Ella Hooper’s forthcoming debut solo album In Tongues will be released this year; meanwhile, Hooper plays Jive in Adelaide on Friday 9th May. Tickets through www.moshtix.com.au
Interviewed by Libby Parker
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