With a voice forged in resilience and a sound steeped in blues, rock, and Americana, Elles Bailey has carved out a powerful space in the UK music scene. Her latest album Beneath the Neon Glow has topped genre charts and earned praise for its raw emotion and vibrant energy. Known for electrifying live shows and soulful storytelling,
Elles brings her signature style to Belladrum 2025, where she’ll share the stage with fellow trailblazers. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about song writing, sonic evolution, and the joy of connecting with audiences — all while keeping her feet firmly planted in authenticity.
Your music blends blues, rock, and Americana with a raw, soulful edge. How do you adapt that sound for a festival setting like Belladrum?
There’s going to be a lot of beneath the neon glow in the set for Bellorum, but in truth, there’s a lot of beneath the neon glow in all my sets this summer . I’m truly just having so much fun touring this album and loving every second of performing these songs on stage with my incredible band. PURE JOY!
Tracks like Little Piece of Heaven and Medicine Man have resonated deeply with audiences. What do you think makes your song writing connect so strongly with listeners?
I’ve just always tried to write honest music and as long as I’m being true to myself then I feel like that resonates with the listener because they feel that authenticity.
You’ve built a reputation for electrifying live performances. What’s the key to keeping that energy alive across different venues and festival stages?
Getting a lot of sleep…. But in all seriousness – I think it’s about not being too much in your head and being open to feed off the audience in a way that the audience are open to feed you.
Your albums have consistently charted in the UK. How has that success shaped your approach to songwriting and recording?
I don’t make music in the hope to get a high chart position and so I don’t let that define the music that I make. I am however very blessed by the fact that my incredible fan base have supported me so much and been along for the journey so that I’ve been able to get the high chart positions that I have done. They truly are THE BEST!
The blues and rock scene has evolved over the years. Where do you see your music fitting into the modern landscape, and what influences continue to shape your sound?
I feel there’s always gonna be a space for honest records made by live band. Because there’s so much feeling and humanity in the music. So as long as I’m making records like that, I’ll be happy.
In terms of influence – I really love how Larkin Poe have pushed the blues sound with a really modern flavour. They always pay homage to the trailblazers from the past but I love how they have put their own spin on roots and rock ‘n’ roll and I find that really inspirational. It’s all about finding your own voice and being confident in your sound.
Belladrum is known for its eclectic lineup. Are there any artists on this year’s bill you’re excited to see or collaborate with?
I’m so excited about seeing Cmat – I’m actually currently writing this while sat at Glastonbury festival but I’m slightly gutted as I’m not gonna be able to see her at the pyramid stage as I have a gig with Rag’n’Bone Man elsewhere on the Friday, so that’s made me super excited to see her at Belladrum. I’m a huge fan of Toby Lee who’s absolutely smashing it at the moment and it is gonna be great to see him as well as Belladrum.
Your latest album has been praised for its rich storytelling and dynamic sound. What themes or emotions were most important to you while creating it?
I wanted this album to tell a story of love and all its different shades. There’s a lot of heartbreak in this record too however it’s been produced with such joyful undertones that it actually leaves the listener feeling hopeful. I reimagined the album just piano and voice and it’s remarkable how different the album feels with different production and how sad, the sad songs really are – they just hit differently you know!?
Your voice has been described as smoky and powerful—if you could have any legendary artist cover one of your songs, who would it be and why?
In my whole career, no one has ever asked me this question, so great work! I would love to hear Bonnie Raitt cover one of my songs…. There’s a lot of Bonnie influence in my music so it’ll be incredible to hear what she does to one of my songs.
As Elles Bailey prepares to bring her electric fusion of blues, rock, and Americana to Belladrum 2025, festivalgoers can expect a set packed with raw emotion and pure joy. Sharing the stage with bold contemporaries, she promises an unforgettable performance. Belladrum is calling—and Elles is ready to light it up.
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