ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE
ELLIE DIXON, SINGER-SONGWRITER There are many musical nooks scattered across Cambridgeshire, from which an exciting crop of artists are emerging. Ellie Dixon, TikTok wizard and alt-pop artist, is among them. From open mics in Saffron Walden to her first Junction performance, an endorsement by Cambridge 105 Radio’s Tim Willett to a BBC Radio 1 spotlight, Ellie has rocketed on to the national stage. This culminated in a performance at Camp Bestival and headline set on the BBC Introducing stage at Latitude.
because it’s scarier and more vulnerable projecting yourself.”
“I started producing unseriously when my dad downloaded a piece of software on the family computer called Mixcraft,” says Ellie. “I was obsessed with being able to make any sound I wanted. It was stupid songs and experiments, which I think is the best way to get started with anything – the fun comes first.” From there, Ellie’s studio started to grow, accumulating equipment purchased with birthday and Christmas money. “If you can make sounds you like on rubbish kit, then you don’t take it for granted when using the good stuff – and really know what you’re doing.” Ellie’s songs are injected with a healthy dose of humour, both in her approach to sound and subject matter. “Randomness is such an amazing tool – I’ve always been interested in people rolling the dice to figure out what note to sing next. “Music is an extension of myself – and I’m just stupid,” Ellie continues. “I didn’t write funny songs originally; they were emotional and mysterious. When I started writing songs that felt like me, it was better. It did take confidence to get to that point,
Ellie’s talents don’t end with songwriting. Directing her music videos and creating all her social content, she explains: “I like things to be fully formed – a visual experience, as well as auditory.” On TikTok, she has amassed over one million followers, a medium which has been crucial for the next generation of musicians, many of whom are part of the burgeoning landscape. “Bedroom pop is the absolute height of freedom of expression,” says Ellie, “but it’s not easy coming out of your room. It’s nice to have a supportive scene, especially post-Covid. The world of music has completely changed.” Ellie credits the Cambridge scene for setting her on the right track. The NMG Awards, especially, were crucial for mingling with other artists. “There’s such a difference between local shows and the national industry. Seeing Cambridge musicians made it feel less like jumping into complete darkness.”
TOTAL PACKAGE With some eye-catching visual instincts, humour-laden lyrics and melodic beats, Ellie Dixon is a growing presence
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK AUGUST 2022 45
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