What made you decide to become a soloist?
I have always been in love with writing and telling stories. So it seemed like a natural progression for me into writing songs and performing them. It’s a romantic process.
Introduce us to you and your musical history?
My name’s ettie and I’m an alt-pop artist from London. I write all of my songs, and I have been releasing music since 2019.
What’s one question you’re sick of being asked when interviewed?
“How would you describe yourself in 3 words?” It’s honestly just such a stale question, ask me more questions and you’ll know what I’m about haha.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
Ok, I don’t really believe it BUT… If the Avril/Melissa theory turns out to be real I wouldn’t be surprised.
Did you buy anything you don’t need in the pandemic?
Probably one too many bottles of wine.
What useless party trick do you have?
I am a professional mixologist so I can definitely crack out some cocktails for everyone. That and finding any way possible to play ‘Party in the USA.’
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
I just played a HotVox gig as a duo for the first time. My good friend Stoos has become the best band mate, and it’s such a different experience performing alongside someone rather than just myself and my guitar. We are very similar and both love music so we have the best time.
What was the worst experience on stage?
My guitar strap broke so I had to sit down and play, but then the chair broke too…
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about?
My real name isn’t actually Ettie… Well, it is. But my full name is Etienne. I just intentionally spell my own nickname wrong because I think it looks cuter.
If you had to describe your music to an alien how would you describe it?
Anxious, gay and caffeinated.
What makes you stand out as a artist?
I draw very heavily on nostalgic pop-punk melodies and themes, and re-infusing them with my brand of honest storytelling. I love puns, I love twisting common notions on their heads and making people think.
Right now, what’s pissing you off the most?
Technology! I have had a swarm of broken devices which isn’t the best as an independent artist.
What’s your favourite song to play live and why?
Definitely, this new song ‘Until I Met U.’ It’s such a bop, it always gets people hyped.
I hear you have a new single, what can you tell us about it?
‘‘Until I Met U‘ is my next single coming out 20/5! It’s a little Avril Lavigne, a little Simple Plan, a little Taylor Swift, and a lot gay.
Talk me through the thought process of the single?
I wrote it about how I had found myself in a really happy, secure, comfortable relationship, and I had no idea how to deal with that. After years of being in the closet, and hurt a lot of times before, how was I meant to feel about falling in love when it came without any complications? It’s about finding something real and letting yourself be happy about it.
What was the recording process like?
I co-wrote it with Steven Chase over Zoom back in August, and it was produced in Hollywell Studios with Jennings Couch. It was really fun collaborating with them, as Steven is a pop mastermind and Jennings is very alternative-rock. I got them both back listening to old school 00s music for weeks.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the single?
My old process was very closed – I wrote the songs and then sent them to my producer with all of my notes on how it should sound, and it would just be us two. This time was a much bigger process, all of us collaborating and sending ideas. It taught me a big lesson in taking and sharing inspiration.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Nothing at all!
What are your plans for the year ahead?
I have been taking a break from recording to make sure I am 100% proud of my writing and what I am putting out. I am writing so much and I will be learning from this release, to put out the best music of my career. Also, getting those gigs in so if you’re in London come see me!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Loving someone is scary, but trust me someone will come along and show you that nothing else makes sense, until u met them 😉
CHECK OUT THE PRE SAVE LINK HERE