It’s been an explosive start to 2023 for Elles Bailey, who picked up two awards at the recent Americana Music Association UK ceremony: UK Artist of the Year and UK Live Act of the Year. She’s also on the shortlist for three awards at the UK Blues Awards 2023, which will be taking place soon. To help her celebrate, here’s one of the highlights from her last album. ‘Who’s That’ is a fine example of Bailey’s sound. It’s a strong, rhythmic bluesy song that showcases her smoky voice, full of character and depth and buoyed by excellent hymn-like backing vocals. The video is a moody visual that follows Bailey during a photoshoot in an atmospheric location. It’s a classy video to accompany a classically well-crafted song. ‘Who’s That’, which was written with Brett Boyett, reached number 20 in the global Spotify blues chart.
Of her recent success at the AMAUK Awards, Bailey says: “In 2018, I went to my first Americana Awards at the Hackney Empire after showcasing for the first time. Back then, I was a completely unknown artist to almost everyone there, but over the last five years this community has welcomed me, and so many other artists, with open arms. To win Artist of the Year means absolutely everything (especially when so many of my favourite artists, whom I look up to and respect, have previously won this award). There is nothing more special than the magical connection that sparks between artist and audience in a live setting. It’s honest, real, raw and utterly spectacular. To win the inaugural ‘Live Act of the Year’ (as voted for by the public) is quite frankly the hugest of honours. This award is a testament to all the incredible musicians who share the stage with me and help me tell my story, and I am so grateful to each and every one of them.”
‘Who’s That’ is taken from Bailey’s 2022 album ‘Shining in the Half Light’, which was amongst the top 40 best selling Americana albums of 2022. After the success of her third album, Bailey will have a busy 2023 on the road. You can catch Bailey on tour throughout the spring in the UK and Germany. Check out dates and venues here.
