Estelle Fox

HOLLYWOOD – Blame it on Billie Eilish. Certainly, we adults have been telling young girls to believe in themselves, to express themselves and to strive for greatness.

At age 14, Billie Eilish, with the help of her brother had the gall to actually go and do it, from their bedroom studios no less.

Her success, of course, is huge and amazing. Besides her musical talent accomplishment, she has laid the gauntlet for other ambitious teen singer songwriters to sail into her wake.

Now, one has. I won’t call her the “new Billie Eilish” because she is not the “new” anyone else.

She is Estelle Fox. She is unique, haunting, empathetic and artistically human. Her debut EP is currently being made available one song at a time. The EP’s title Prettiest Parts of Me is ironic. The two songs that have been released so far, Crazy and I Always Do This, are self-effacing and at times brutally honest self-portrayals of insecurity and obsession. Fox’s voice is lovely and alluring, while delivering a confessional that most people save for their therapist.

Her next single, Losing a Friend, drops at the end of September, and I can’t wait.

I sat down with Estelle on the podcast RATED LGBT RADIO. We talked about her influences that includes musical artists Clairo and Beach Bunny. “Clairo is one of my all-time favorite artists. Her older stuff is soft pop and I was drawn to the queer music and women voice aspect of her work. My generation has had it easier growing up than those before us, but even we are built to have internalized homophobia. She gave us great representation in music, which I really enjoyed obviously. She has this incredible and really really beautiful sound. She has a soft calming voice and her instrumentals are so moving. She is very connected to lyrics which is what I like to look for in songs,” she tells me.

It is clear how her appreciation of Clairo is a clear path to her own work. “I always knew music was what I was going to do, particularly writing… I’m always looking to connect with new people and tons of people. So, being able to write songs that people can relate to, and listen to, and be seen by, it’s just been so good to have that opportunity now and be able to reach people with my music, definitely always something that I’ve wanted to do since I was very little.“

The song Crazy , and the accompanying video, shows the internal emotions behind a dysfunctional relationship. It reflects a truth Estelle does not attempt to hide. “When the people you are involved with are incapable of feeling the same amount of love that you can, because obviously that’s your own perception…it’s hard to comprehend. My songs deal with the fact that I feel so deeply. Some people, some people just don’t. That crazy goes through you. There’s a calm-like verse where I’m talking about my feelings in a chaotic and intense chorus where I am having a full on break down,” she says.

Being emotionally real is part of Estelle’s true mission. She is driven by the need to empower young women in a world of excessive social media, stereotyping, and unrealistic expectations stamped upon them in teen culture. “A lot of my songs are about women. Some of them are about non-binary people and some of them are about trans men. It just comes down to love and loving people. Whether it’s platonic or romantic, we should never be ashamed of it,” she states.

Estelle has the attention of the industry’s top creatives. She took her songs to the top 5 Billboard chart-topping and Platinum record producer Barb Morrison (Blondie, Rufus Wainwright, Franz Ferdinand). Morrison fell in love with the voice immediately and got her into the studio. There, they gave Estelle’s songs “the love and attention” that her songs so rightly commanded.

While Estelle’s songs are deeply personal, her message behind them is not, it is a message in which she wants to speak for her entire generation. When she looks at the public oppression that teens are under from intolerance, to gun violence, to anti-lgbtq animus , she says her generation is “heartbroken.”

“The younger generation has always had so much more influence and impact than people could imagine. And I think that that’s going to be true for our generation. Definitely, I think that we have we have a new perspective and we’re able to see beyond the binaries… our generation is definitely one that’s going to be more unified, and more loving, and more accepting…I think that we’re going to be able to step in and make our messages known and be able to change things for the better. We still need to keep fighting and we can’t just wait it out. Kids growing up, being told that gay is a bad thing. Being trans is a bad thing or something that we can’t speak about. Those identities are a very real reality of so many people and they need to be celebrated because we can’t be going backwards,” she asserts.

So that is what happens when you let teen girls follow their passion, They not only make incredible cutting edge music, they also dream big about changing the world.

We need to let them. - LA Blade

If you’re looking for an up and coming artist that combines emotional and earnest lyricism with lo-fi pop-inspired production, you may not have to search much further.

Fresh to the alternative music scene at the opportune age of 16, Pennsylvanian pop artist Estelle Fox brings her youthful honesty and captivating vocals together in her new single, “I Always Do This,” which dropped today, August 26th.

Piano-driven and full of emotion, Fox tells the story of unreciprocated love and her desire for honesty above all. Regarding the song, Fox says, “My loving nature is a crucial part of my identity and it’s something I never want to feel shame or guilt about.” She backs her frank lyricism in this project with delicate guitar instrumentation, natural percussion, and a foundational piano progression.

Fox finds her inspiration from alternative artists that share her production and lyricism, like Clairo and Beach Bunny. After discovering her love for songwriting while learning piano when she was a kid, she has used her music as an outlet to express her emotions and growing pains, as an inherent artist does no matter what the age.

She has been working hand-in-hand with renowned producer Barb Morrison, who is known for their previous work with big time artists like Franz Ferdinand and Blondie. Morrison has used their vetted musical style to mentor Fox through her projects, and this single is one of two they have already released together.

“I Always Do This,” has the ability to fit comfortably on any of your fresh pop playlists, and thematically follows her piano ballad and debut single, “Crazy” which dropped earlier this summer. While Fox may just be beginning her musical career, her maturity and talent have already taken shape, and can be seen in her projects thus far.

The sky is the limit for this emerging songstress. - Music Mecca

Check out our interview with Alternative pop artist Estelle Fox who just released her debut single “Crazy.”

Estelle found a connection with music from a very young age with a piano front and center. Video clips of Kelly Clarkson, Katie Perry, and Taylor Swift captivated Estelle. She glued herself to the screen absorbing the art of performance by indestructible, commanding, and highly celebrated female musicians.

She took her songs to the top 5 Billboard chart-topping and Platinum record producer Barb Morrison (Blondie, Rufus Wainwright, Franz Ferdinand) who gave Estelle’s songs the love and attention that they so rightly commanded. Spending time with Barb in the studio gave Estelle a life-affirming experience that would see Estelle create songs that are starkly honest and personal, with fiercely catchy and sublime indie pop hooks.

Hi Estelle, please tell us a little about you?

I’m a 16-year-old singer-songwriter who’s been writing songs since I was about 10. Outside of music, I love to skateboard and hang out with my friends. I’m passionate about social and environmental issues and I’m a huge animal lover.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

methodical, passionate, and creative

We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get into the industry?

I’ve known I wanted to pursue music since I was super young. When I turned 16 my parents thought it was a good age for me to start pursuing my dream seriously. A family friend suggested I reach out to Platinum record producer Barb Morrison. To my surprise after sending in two recordings of my songs to their manager, they got back to me saying they loved the songs and Barb would definitely be interested in working with me. Since then I’ve been introduced to tons of people within the industry and have been able to experience the process of recording, mixing, mastering, and promoting a song.

How has this changed your life?

Having the ability to pursue my passion at such a young age has been such a gift. Creating my EP was such an incredible process and taught me so much about recording, but the main thing that’s impacted me is the connections I’ve been able to make with people in the industry who are unbelievably supportive of my work. For a very long time, I was super insecure about my writing but hearing that other people enjoy my music has been such a surreal experience.

Describe your sound in 3 words?

dramatic, bright, strong

Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?

My more recent influences are artists like Clairo and Mitski, but growing up I pulled a lot of inspiration from artists like Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, and Katy Perry. I’m also a huge fan of old jazz singers. I chose to make music because it was the easiest way for me to express how I felt in an emotional yet productive way. I’m able to make painful feelings into something beautiful and creative with my music.

Do you play any instrument?

Yes, I started piano around the age of 6 and guitar around 13.

Tell us about your debut single “Crazy?”

Crazy has an upbeat pop feel with dramatic and emotional lyrics. It’s a catchy moderately fast-paced song with a powerful chorus and passionate but controlled vocals. It takes a poetic storytelling narrative in its verses followed by an almost breakdown-like chorus.

What’s the story behind the song?

Crazy deals with unrequited love in a toxic dynamic between a hopeless romantic and an emotionally distant abuser. It touches on issues within the said relationship while reflecting on the emotional impacts this has on one’s self-worth.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

Being able to share my work and see people feel and relate to it is probably the best part. Times, when I’ve written some of these songs, are points where I’ve felt most isolated, and being able to see that other people have gone through similar things makes me feel less alone.

What book should every entrepreneur read?

I’m not the biggest fan of self-help books. There is so much to be learned simply through experience, especially in this industry and words can’t begin to explain. That being said something that has really good practical advice for singer-songwriters is the Indie Bible. It can give you a lot of information on how to go about anything from booking shows to uploading music videos.

What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?

Be open to new sounds and ideas always. Some of my favorite parts of my EP came from random weird ideas.

What advice would you give to your younger self and why?

Start showing your art now! Not everyone is going to be supportive of what you do and that’s okay. Keep writing and sharing your work because eventually someone is going to be touched by it more than you could ever imagine.

How would your best friend describe you?

Compassionate and driven. A blind lover and a lighthearted person.

If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?

I’d like to imagine it being something cute like What Lovers Feel because I try very hard to approach every situation with love and understanding sometimes to a fault.

What’s next for Estelle Fox in 2022?

I plan on booking shows around the Tri-State area! In October I’m set to fly out to Nashville to be on the morning show Today in Nashville. The rest of my songs will continue to be dropped throughout the upcoming months as well as some music videos.

What is your favorite healthy food?

I love watermelon so much. Hands down the best fruit and it’s so hydrating I’m in love with it.

And your favorite cheat food?

I’m a vegetarian and I love impossible whopper from Burger King. I beg for them quite often and my parents are very annoyed.

How would you explain your fashion style?

It’s a pretty basic streetwear skater style. I usually like to dress comfortably in cool sweatpants, but I do love occasionally dressing up and shocking everyone with my once-in-a-blue-moon looks.

What is your definition of happiness?

Being content with where you are right now is my definition of happiness. So much of our lives are spent chasing the next big high but it’s so important to reflect on the people we have in our lives and the memories we’ve already got to make.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

It’d probably have to be Billie Holiday. Not only was she such an incredible artist and performer, but she was also an incredible civil rights activist and she put herself at risk often for her cause. I admire her as a person and I’d want to get better insight into her thoughts and motivations throughout her career.

What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?

I’d love to go to France and explore the country with my family and girlfriend.

Best advice ever given?

Be authentic! Life is way more enjoyable when you’re able to openly express yourself.

Do you support any charity?

Yes, I’m a big supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and participate in their students of the year campaign.

Where do you see yourself and your career 5 years from now?

Ideally, I’ll be touring around the country with a livable wage sharing my music with tons of supportive people. I hope to be able to work with a lot of other artists and keep creating because there’s nothing else I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.

Favorite song? Why?

Tough question but right now probably Stay Soft by Mitski. She’s such an incredible lyricist but this song has a cool electronic instrumental and the chorus is just super catchy. I’ve been blasting it in the car recently.

What do you think of Social Media?

I acknowledge that it can have a negative impact on young people’s self-esteem and shouldn’t be a replacement for in-person conversation, but ultimately I think it’s a super crucial step in expanding our perceptions and being able to connect with people from different cultures and ideas throughout the world.

Where we can follow you?

You can check out my website at estellefoxmusic.com and follow me on Instagram and TikTok @estelle.fox

Book: I’m not a huge reader but Lies My Girlfriend Told Me by Julie Anne Peters is a favorite

Quote: “I will love you in the only way an artist can – with everything I am” – R. Clift

Movie: Midsommar

Tv Series: You

Favorite Food: Lo Mein

Travel Destination: Paris - Naluda Magazine

16-year-old, Eastern Pennsylvania Alternative pop artist Estelle Fox found a connection with music from a very young age with a piano front and center.

Video clips of Kelly Clarkson, Katie Perry, and Taylor Swift captivated Estelle. She glued herself to the screen absorbing the art of performance by indestructible, commanding, and highly celebrated female musicians. At 10 years old, an unexpected change in piano coach heard Estelle sing and encouraged her to let her stunning voice be heard. It was this lightbulb moment that gave Estelle the creative blossoming to pursue her dream of singing and songwriting. Her talent was unleashed.

Estelle took the lead role of Veruca Salt in the school production of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” highlighting to her peers and the public that she was meant for the stage. As Estelle hit her early teens, the world around her was changing, and she found solace in writing songs that shone a light into her very own thoughts and sensibilities. As personal emotions surfaced while navigating the world around her, Estelle became invested in the need to empower young women in a world of excessive social media, stereotyping, and unrealistic expectations stamped upon teen culture.

Estelle took her songs to the top 5 Billboard chart-topping and Platinum record producer Barb Morrison (Blondie, Rufus Wainwright, Franz Ferdinand) who gave Estelle’s songs the love and attention that they so rightly commanded. Spending time with Barb in the studio gave Estelle a life-affirming experience that would see Estelle create songs that are starkly honest and personal, with fiercely catchy and sublime indie pop hooks.

Turning 17 this year, Estelle’s musical influences depict the times. Indie act Clairo and Alt Pop band Beach Bunny can be heard pumping from her room, through the family home. Estelle is an avid animal rights activist and is politically engaged, actively seeking ways to create a cleaner, inclusive and fairer world for all.

Estelle Fox is a young female trailblazer who offers her songs with selfless humility, singing the sentiment of the next generation… a collective voice just trying to be heard.

When did you start writing music?

I started writing music formally at 9 or 10 years old

Have you always been interested in music? Was there a particular song/performance that made you say “Woah! I want to do that!”?

I’ve been interested in music for as long as I can remember, but I do remember watching Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video and being in absolute shock at the beautiful gowns and gorgeous ballroom. I think that’s when I decided I want to do music and be able to see my music come to life through film. I love music on its own but seeing a story painted so beautifully at such a young age stuck with me.

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?

I like being able to express my emotions through music. I think it’s an easy way for people to feel comfortable expressing negative emotions which are often perceived as weak or dramatic. As an artist, I’m able to create something that has the power to impact people very deeply and I want to be able to make a positive difference in the world.

What is your creative process like?

I start the writing process very naturally by simply reflecting on my emotions and how I’d want to express them in words. Then usually I’ll come up with a melody for the chorus of the song and I’ll write down the chord progression it follows. Sometimes I’ll continue writing the piano or guitar part and other times I’ll continue writing the lyrics or melody depending on which comes easier at the moment. It can vary and sometimes I’ll just have a good idea for lyrics or a cool piano part and it will be weeks before I finally put the song together.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

100% Clairo, Even though her music recently has been folkier, and in the past has had more of a bedroom pop feel, I think her fans have a wide taste in music and they’d appreciate my sound and lyrics. I think she’s inspiring and I’d be honored to be able to open for her.

In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to making yourself noticed?

Social media has become a super huge platform for building an audience, but I think when it comes down to it, to keep and expand your audience you have to be making and performing art that’s authentic to you. People can sense when someone sells out or their hearts are not in their work and to be successful in this industry you have to hustle and stay committed. It’s really hard to do that when you’re not in it for the right reasons.

Do you have any other plans relating to this release? A video? Online Shows?

My music video dropped for “Crazy” on July 29th!

Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Put yourself out there. You don’t have to know a ton of theory or be good at an instrument to do what you do. Start writing and singing and performing everywhere you can and surround yourself with other musicians.

What was the last thing you dressed up as for fancy dress?

Our local High School Theatre Award Show The Freddy Awards

As a kid were you ever frightened of a monster under the bed or in the cupboard?

I was terrified of dolls as a child to the point where I made my parents give all of them away. I used to have an armoire with glass doors and I was convinced the little porcelain dolls were blinking at me and moving.

If you could learn any language fluently what would it be?

Spanish, because a lot of my family on my mom’s side speaks it and I think it’d help me to become more in touch with my family’s cultural traditions.

What movie ending really frustrated you? And how would you change it?

The Mist was a movie ending that upset me. I know it’s based on a Stephen King book but I would’ve liked to see a happier ending on the screen where the car is found by the military before everyone but the main character dies.

If you were talking to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

Start showing your art now! You can only get better from where you are. People are going to like what you’re doing so quit doubting yourself and keep writing - Divine Magazine