The queer singer-songwriter talks to DIVA ahead of the release of her Tales Of A Knight EP
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY PRESS
Are you a fan of whimsy and fantasy? A lover of women in armour? Do you love music that’s honest and vulnerable, while also delivering on good vibes? Well then, chances are you’re already familiar with the singer-songwriter Ellie Dixon. And if you’re not, well, you’re welcome for the introduction to your next favourite musician.
We got a chance to speak with the singer ahead of the release of her EP, Tales Of A Knight. Here’s what she had to say…
DIVA: Can you remember the moment that you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Ellie: I think it crept in in pieces. I remember watching The X Factor when I was really young and asking my dad if I could go on one day. I remember standing at the top of the stairs singing 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton at the top of my lungs when I was nine. But when I started singing lessons at 14, that was the real tipping point. I showed my teacher a cover of Yellow by Coldplay and something shifted inside me. I fell in love with making sounds that were mine.
How are you feeling in the lead-up to the release of Tales Of A Knight?
Honestly, all these songs are so relevant for me right now so the run-up is actually feeling incredibly healing. I always write what I need to hear so this EP feels like a whole lot of therapy. I’m so excited for the world to have it all and I am particularly excited for people to hear Thirteen – the final track on the project – because it is very, very special and tender.
In your new single Loose Change, you portray what it’s like to exist inside your brain as someone with ADHD. What has the response to this song been like from your fans who are also neurodivergent?
The response has been incredibly moving. I’ve had messages from fans of all ages and mutual friends reaching out to say how much they’ve related to the song and how much it means to them to have pop music that paints how their brain works. Being neurodivergent can be very isolating because you spend a lot of time unable to explain yourself or trying to justify yourself and your actions to others. The fact that I’ve managed to capture it musically in a way that feels authentic to me and then for that to be identified with by other people makes me feel so much less alone.
From Chappell Roan’s VMA performance to your visuals for Tales Of A Knight, it really feels like “Sword Lesbians” (and sapphics) are having a moment in pop culture. Why do you think this imagery resonates with the queer community?
For me, the imagery of a knight is powerful in a lot of ways. The armour is such a powerful image of protection, and wielding a sword feels like a reclaiming of power, but underneath that is someone loving and charming. A human being, not an empty case of metal. It’s a vehicle to be both strong and sensitive at once, which is a real cornerstone of a community that has to fight such harsh treatment while also keeping love and softness at the core of our culture. I also think it transcends gender. Anyone can be a knight. It defines nothing except our spirit, and that is incredibly liberating.
How does it feel that your music has attracted such a dedicated legion of LGBTQIA+ fans? And what is your relationship with your fanbase like?
Man, it means so much. I’ve been in queer fanbases since my first Tumblr account and it feels mad to think that my art can receive that kind of love.
I love my relationship with my fanbase. It’s very real, human, silly and honest. We will chat for hours on my Discord livestreams, and my comment sections are always such a fun place. Everyone really jumps on board with whatever ridiculous ideas I have, which makes my music better and better.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far? And what has been the biggest lesson?
I think releasing my song Guts has been my career highlight. There’s been plenty of amazing moments like tours and festivals and incredible opportunities I’ve had, but the significance of the song is a real highlight for me right now. Having a song about my anxiety and a really vulnerable feeling I’ve had in recent years blowing up and being received exactly how I wanted it to be received was absolutely magical.
You’ve said that you find Doechii inspiring, what other contemporary queer artists inspire you at the moment?
Remi Wolf has been an inspiration for years, she is always top of my list. I love how her writing has queerness woven in for anyone to find, but it’s not the focal point. The music and the spirit are the focus. I’ve also found Chappell Roan’s rise incredibly inspiring. Seeing someone continually holding their beliefs at the core of their career fills me with a lot of hope and confidence to do the same.
Can you give fans a taste of what they have to look forward to on your upcoming UK & European tour?
Fat riffs, swords and biscuits. It’s going to be my biggest, most punchy and fun live show yet. The songs on this EP are my biggest sounding songs and they just sparkle when I get to perform them. You can always expect drama and theatrics at my shows, and lots of fun musical exploration. I can’t wait to get on the road!
Tales Of A Knight is set for release on 13 June. You can watch the Guts music video below.
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