A Chat with Elles Bailey (28.08.26)
This interview was contributed by Jay Lowe (guest contributor)
Elles Bailey has been carving a name for herself on the UK blues scene. Her last two albums have made the Top 20, an incredible feat for an independent artist. She has had backing from legendary figures like Whispering Bob Harris. Despite her obvious talents, she has an appealing humility about her.
Can’t Take My Story Away had been a number of years in the making, and you were very excited to release it. How did it compare to your previous albums?
Bailey: Whilst my other albums were snapshots written and recorded in a very short time, this album has been 10 years in the writing and three years in the making. It was a gradual build, so it feels different, but I like that.
‘Growing Roots’ has a lovely 70’s Americana vibe to it, similar to artists like Janis Joplin, Steely Dan & The Eagles. It received decent exposure on Radio 2 and was their most played song. How happy are you to have this backing and the prospect of gaining a new audience?
Bailey: Growing up as an artist, you dream of your song being played on national radio. It really meant a lot that ‘Growing Roots’ hit hard and got the exposure that it did. Especially as it had a guitar solo as well, it’s great to hear a guitar solo on the radio.
You became ill as a child, which led you to having this unique, gravelly voice. Do you think this is your calling card, and it makes you more distinctive than other singers?
Bailey: The illness scarred my vocal cords, but I’m all about letting the scars tell my story! I’m definitely not as technical as other singers, and I know my many weaknesses, but I’ve grown into my voice over the years, and I’m learning how to use it at its best.
You crafted the songs on Can’t Take My Story Away over a period of three years. Given that you’ve taken your time over it, do you think that it’s your strongest work?
Bailey: An artist always thinks their latest work is their strongest work. However, I made it alongside Beneath the Neon Glow, so despite both albums being entirely different, I love them equally.
There are some very personal songs on this album, most notably ‘Better Days’, a track written by your friend Matt Long, who sadly passed away from cancer. How important was it for you to record this track as a fitting tribute to him?
Bailey: I originally recorded this song with The Cinelli Brothers for the album With a Little Help from My Friends, a tribute to Matt Long. But I love this song so much that I also wanted to include it on Can’t Take My Story Away, and I’m so pleased that Luke, who produced the album, loved it too. I really like how different both versions are, which is again different to the original. It’s been a joy to sing it night after night on stage and remember Matt. He is dearly missed.
Throughout your career, you’ve received a big push from the legendary Whispering Bob Harris. What does he mean to you?
Bailey: Bob is such a beautiful human being. I’m truly grateful for his support, playing my records on the radio and also signing me to his publishing company, Under the Apple Tree. Having his belief in my story has been such an encouragement to me as an artist.
You’ve won a lot of awards for your contribution to blues. How thriving do you think the blues scene is in the UK, given it’s traditionally an American genre? Is it doing as well as country?
Bailey: That’s an interesting question. The blues community in the UK is a community that has been around for a long time, and whilst I don’t feel it’s growing in the way that country is, it’s definitely very established here. But it’s great to see how country in the UK is growing, and long may both genres thrive.
Can’t Take My Story Away did fantastic by reaching #14 on the UK album chart in a very competitive market. As this was a landmark release for you, were you pleased with how it was received?
Bailey: I’m truly grateful that my fanbase supports my releases so meaningfully, and that my last two albums have been number 12 and number 14 in the charts. I feel, for an independent artist, that’s remarkable. But it’s only because I have the most amazing fanbase, who support me in the most meaningful of ways.
What’s it been like to support legendary artists like Van Morrison, Don McLean and Jools Holland on their tours? Have you tried to incorporate anything that they do into your music?
Bailey: I feel very grateful to have opened for so many incredible, legendary artists. I recently opened for Judy Collins, and she is such a class act. I remember meeting her at the Americana Awards in 2023, and she walked out, introduced herself to every single person on stage; there were about 30 of us, and she gave us each her time. Then she danced with everyone backstage to The Waterboys; it was epic! I just truly hope I always give people the time that she gave us!
Who are some of your own favourite artists, past or present?
Bailey: My goodness, I have so many! I love Bonnie Raitt, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Larkin Poe, The Band, Joe Cocker, John Prine…the list goes on!
Learn more about Elles Bailey on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and TikTok.
