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performing arts, singer-songwriter - elles bailey om 2006
Tell us a bit about yourself
Elles Bailey, is an inspirational, award winning, smokey voiced chanteuse who has powered her way to the forefront of the British Americana and Roots scenes in recent years. She has released 4 studio albums to date and has just completed her largest UK an European Tour. Her latest album ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’ has had glowing reviews across the board and hit number #12 in the Official Album Charts, #1 in the UK Official Blues Charts, #2 in the UK Official Americana Charts, & #3 in the UK Official Independent Charts. The album was nominated for Album of the Year at the UK Americana Awards 2025 and picked up Album of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2025.
Never one to settle or slow down, Elles is a committed, live performer, playing up and down the length and breadth of the UK and Europe and into the USA. She has opened for the likes of Jools Holland, Van Morrison and Walter Trout, She has shared the stage with Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart and Bonnie Raitt and has played slots at Glastonbury, Notodden, Beautiful Days, Kew the Music. She has spent the summer of 2025 opening for RagNBone Man and duetting with him on ‘Anywhere away from Here’
Since 2022 she has been a weekly presenter on Planet Rock, the UK’s biggest National Rock Station and you can hear her show every Saturday at Midday. Elles is incredibly passionate about supporting women in music and she also uses her platform to support up and coming artists. The show is now an award winning show as Elles picked up Broadcaster of the Year at the UK Blues Awards 2025
What is your profession?
Singer Songwriter
What was your journey to that career path?
A lot of hard work not only as a performer touring the country, making records, traveling to Nahsville and learning from some of the best in the world but learning the Music Business side of things as well. It's not so glamorous but understanding how the business works has been integral to my growth in the industry.
What inspires you?
From a business perspective I am hugely inspired by women in the creative arts who have craved their way into very tough industrys. And from a creative perspective I am inspired by everything. From big world events to the small everyday mundane. One of my favourite writers was John Prine - who's writing showed us that there is always beauty in the everyday mundane - and we have to relish in that beauty. As that's where true joy is.
How did Monkton help prepare you for your chosen career?
I was encouraged to perform at Monkton with highlights being singing in the Big Band.
My top tip for current pupils is...
Learn your scales are arpeggios and work hard - It's worth it I promise. And enjoy the journey