Ella Freestone - Interview with a Northern Beaches Original
To a lucky few, music just comes naturally. From the very first moment they pick up an instrument or sing that first note, they are released… free to express themselves as a result of this instant connection.
And so it is with Ella Freestone; a captivating new talent from the Northern Beaches whose talents are quickly catching the attention of a growing group of new fans. With a pure voice and easy songwriting style, Ella’s music perfectly captures the lifestyle of her hometown of Manly.
For listeners, her songs offer a perfect mix of pop-driven melodies and catchy vocal harmonies… tunes that you’ll find yourself still whistling, days after hearing them.
And with debut album ‘Threading Beads’ there’s a feeling in the sea air that this could be the start of something exciting. Our Manly had the chance to talk to Ella to discover a little more about her music, her influences and just where the whole thing started.
Our Manly: I was wondering, how old were you when you realised that music was for you?
Ella Freestone: Well I’ve always done something with music for as long as I can remember. I started playing the violin when I was three… so I guess it all started then.
But I probably realised that I wanted to do music as a career around this time last year.
OM: And do you still play the violin?
EF: Not anymore… although I played for about seven years. After that I started piano and did that for a few years and then I started teaching myself guitar when I was 14.
My Dad’s always played guitar, so it’s always been around. But I kind of had that thing where I wanted to teach myself… so that’s how it all started.
OM: And at what age did you actually start writing your own songs?
EF: When I picked up the guitar, I learnt four chords and straight after that I wrote my first song!
I’d never really written songs before then; so I guess the guitar became the first stepping stone for that.
OM: Naturally you’ve progressed as a songwriter since that time. How would you describe the music you’re writing now?
EF: I guess with the songs on the album there’s gonna be quite a variety of stuff…with a few being sort of pop acoustic. Lots of ‘radio friendly’ songs.
But then there are some others that are more alternative… sort of more Angus and Julia Stone style.
OM: Growing up on the Northern Beaches with it’s rich musical history, are there any local bands that are a particular inspiration to you? You’ve obviously highlighted Angus and Julia Stone, so I assume they’re up there?
EF: Yeah, I love Angus and Julia Stone. I think their new album is amazing.
As for other Northern Beaches bands; or that ‘Northern Beaches sound’… I’m not really sure….
But Erana Clarke (Australian Idol Vocal Director) is my mentor at the moment.
Being in touch with her has been great... a really big influence on me. And through her I’ve been able to perform at venues like The Manly Boatshed.
So, yeah, I just love the acoustic sort of feel that the Northern Beaches inspires; along with that open, outdoor sort of lifestyle we get around here. And I think it’s that lifestyle that’s been the main influence on my music.
I love skating and hiking and I give surfing a go… and it’s that type of openness and freedom that I hope comes across in my songs!
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