Singer-songwriter Elle Winter is a superstar in the making. The 24-year-old's authentic lyricism and unique pop style has already earned her an abundance of dedicated fans, which will no doubt continue to grow as the artist's career reaches new heights.
In this interview with The Teen Magazine, the musician discusses the meaning behind her music, her exciting plans for the future, and the experiences which have shaped her as the artist she is today.
Photo by Dae Howerton
Creative Origins
The story of Elle Winter's rise to success begins in New York; the city where she was born and raised.
From a very young age, performing was instinctual for the budding artist (“My mom says I was singing before I was talking!”) and life in the Big Apple helped to fuel this passion. “Growing up in NYC provided me with so many opportunities to explore my creativity,” she tells us, “Whether that was through an acting or music class, or attending the endless and incredible performances in and around the city.”
Additionally, growing up in the early 2000s - a time of great success for female artists in the music industry - is something that Winter says was particularly formative: “[It] definitely inspired me as a young girl to believe that I could do the same and pursue music professionally.”
Photo by Dae Howerton
But it was in 2012, as a participant in the fifth and final season of Radio Disney's Next Big Thing singing contest, that she took her first major step towards making her dreams a reality. She eventually finished second in the competition to the then-lesser-known sister duo Chloe and Halle Bailey.
Elle describes her time on the contest as “an incredible experience”, and says that it gave her skills and experiences that helped with the progression of her career. “As a young artist, I was able to release my original music and tour across the country with other talented artists, seeing firsthand the way in which my music could connect with so many people through its honest and open storytelling.”
Yeah, No
In 2019, Winter reached a major milestone with the release of her debut EP. The album’s title track ‘Yeah, No’ – an empowering breakup anthem driven by Winter’s equally powerful vocals – is her most-streamed single to-date.
“It’s been really incredible to see how ‘Yeah, No’ has resonated with so many people around the world. It has inspired me to continue to create music that tells my own stories in a vulnerable, empowering way,” she says, “It has also further proven to me how music is such a medium of connection and can bring so many people together. I am so grateful for the amazing fans and experiences ‘Yeah, No’ has brought to my life.”
Back To The 60’s
The pop music sensation’s latest EP – released in March this year – is yet another stage in the artist’s sonic evolution, with its distinctively unique blend of soulful 1960’s-esque sounds and modern lyrics.
The project was a collaboration between Winter and two Grammy-winners: producer Kizzo and songwriter Autumn Rowe. “We had so much fun with this project, as we explored pulling inspiration from the 60s, both sonically, lyrically, and aesthetically.”
“I had just moved to LA and embarked upon this amazing new chapter and dove into working on new music that continued telling my stories and emphasizing themes of empowerment and confidence.”
Photo by Dae Howerton
Beyond the harmonies and the catchy melodies, there are some poignant messages too. “I hope people listen to my music and realize they are not alone in how they feel and what they are experiencing,” Winter goes on to explain. “I hope my music conveys a sense of strength and empowerment to its listeners. I write from my own personal experiences and, in doing so, I hope my authenticity enables me to connect with my listeners.”
The Highs and The Lows
Winter's emergence as one-to-watch has led to some spectacular opportunities for the star - including one unforgettable live performance a few years ago. “I performed at KISS 108’s Summer Fest and opened for Jonas Brothers at a 20K person stadium,” she recounts, “I performed my debut EP and it was such a surreal moment. To see people singing my lyrics back to me and to perform alongside my childhood idols was so special.”
Photo by Dae Howerton
However, Winter also admits that the journey to successes like these do not come easily for young artists in the modern music industry. “I think a challenge many artists face is staying true to their artistic vision and who they are as an artist and person. So many industry professionals offer opinions on how or who to be, what to sound like, and the music to release. Social media has made navigating these challenges even more difficult.”
Although she does add that she is fortunate to be surrounded by people that help to keep her on track: “I am lucky to have an amazing family and support system around me who solely want the best for me and encourage me to embrace who I am. I also have confidence and trust in myself and my instincts.”
Exciting Times Ahead
Aside from her music career, Winter has also acted professionally - with credits in feature films such as '3 Generations' and 'The After Party'. Five years on from her last role, she tells us that she has revisited acting since moving to Los Angeles and hopes to continue with these pursuits in the future. “I am acting again and it has been so wonderful,” she reveals, “[It's] another way in which I can not only express my creativity but connect with others through storytelling.”
And that's not the only reason to get excited about Winter's plans for the future; there are new music releases on the horizon too. “I have a lot of new music coming out this fall,” she teased, “I am excited to perform it and share it soon!”
Photo by Dae Howerton
10 Quick Questions
1) Dream collaboration?
Bruno Mars or Taylor Swift!
2) Dream tour destination?
Brazil! I have so many fans from Brazil and I would love to perform there!
3) What are your three all-time favourite songs?
- Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder
- Déjà vu by Beyonce
- Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
4) Who was the first artist you went to see in concert?
Dora the Explorer at Radio City Music Hall!
5) Favourite lyric from one of your songs?
“I got my closure when I closed that door”
Photo by Dae Howerton
6) Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
I would say I am a bit of both! An introverted extrovert. I love to meet new people and have new experiences, but I also love to stay in and I spend most of my time with my family and close friends.
7) What is the most-used app on your phone?
Hmm, I would say Instagram!
8) If you could appear on any reality TV show, which one would it be?
Maybe a cooking competition! I love watching people cook and am a big foodie, so I think I’d be a good critic. I definitely would not be a competing chef though, I can’t cook!
9) What is one thing that you’ve always wanted to do but have been too afraid to try?
Surfing! I love the ocean and know surfing could be so fun, but I’m scared of big waves!
10) What advice would you give to young people aspiring to be successful in the music industry?
To listen to your instincts and not unsolicited advice and to truly persevere and not give up. What is meant for you will be yours!
Photo by Dae Howerton
Keep Up With Elle
To stay up to date with all the latest, be sure to check out @ellewintermusic on TikTok and @ellewinter on Instagram. You can also subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Listen to Elle Winter's latest EP 'Yes Please' on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
