Interview | Lov'Ella

By Nadine White 
Friday 12th February 2016


After taking a bit of a break from the UK Reggae scene, Lov’Ella is back with her sultry new single ‘Loving You Baby’. The accompanying music video has amassed over 46,000 views on Youtube and is enjoying local and international acclaim.

In times gone by, she was known musically as she is otherwise, Lovella Ellis. However, she has since made the decision to go her first name - albeit slightly re-jigged - as part of an exciting renaissance for the South London born singer. I sat down with Lov’Ella to speak about new projects in the pipeline, family and music.    

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So, you were away from the UK Reggae Scene for a while. You’re now back with ‘Loving You Baby’ which is doing extremely well. What a great start for 2016; how do you feel and what have you been up to?

I’m actually impressed, given the fact that I’ve been away from the UK Reggae scene for a while. In that space of time, I was working on new projects overseas and basically trying to find myself, in terms of where I want to go artistically for this year. I wanted to broaden my horizons and bring reggae to wider audience, also. Reggae is a worldwide language; it’s everywhere! There’s a big world out there.

What do you credit to the universal appeal of reggae music? Why do people love it so much?

It’s got a loving vibe to it where it brings people together. No matter where you come from. It’s conscious music! 

As far as your stage name goes, you’ve dropped the ‘Ellis’. Why?

I have but, before I go on, I just want to say that I will always be an Ellis. My blood, my DNA – it’s in me. But Lov’Ella is about me and what I am bringing to the table as an artist in my own right. And, I am not just bringing the reggae, I’m a versatile artist. I’m not pigeonholing myself into a specific genre even though reggae is what I’m known for doing. I want people to be able to identify with with me when they hear Lov’Ella.

Rebranding?

That’s right, I’m rebranding! In the past, when people have heard the name Lovella Ellis, they expect certain things which I’d like to come away from. I’m working with a different image, style, unique quality on a completely different level to before. For instance, people will see a lot of material that I’ve released in the past start to gradually disappear from some of the online outlets because the quality of pictures and productions weren't up to a certain standard. But it will be re-mastered and re-released in the near future.

'Loving You Baby(1)|(C)MaxineMcKenzie/Facebook

Just picking up on your point about not being pigeonholed, does any pressure come with being the great Alton Ellis’ daughter?

Yes there is pressure, I’m not gonna lie. It’s strange…some people expect me to sing my Dad’s songs the way he sings it and basically be him on stage. But I could never be my Dad, no one can. It is a lot of pressure being an Ellis; people seem to think that because I am an Ellis I am “up there” or that’s why I’ve got to where I am, but I’ve worked very hard.

So, if anything, there seems to be even more obstacles because of who you are.

If it was easy, believe me, I think I would’ve got all of my Dad’s followers. It’s difficult particularly as a female in the industry but I’m working at it. I’ve seen a lot of negative things along the way and I’m sure there’s a lot more to learn when things start to hopefully progress. All I can do is remain focused and not get side tracked, staying true to who I am at the same time.

Why is it difficult, being a female in the music industry?

I’m gonna get to the point; I’d say that the main negative thing I’ve come across, as a female, is the sexploitation. Some men expect you to do certain things to get through the door and reach your goals.

I’ve heard that said before, actually.

I once went to a business meeting with a recording company. I was told by the gentleman from this company that “you’re not going to get anywhere with just focus, hard work, being yourself and good branding...you need to throw it up, throw it up”.

Out of order.

Yes and he was serious too. He told me that, as he sat in his executive chair with his legs wide open. I said even if having dignity and self-respect means it takes longer to get to the top, then I’m going to keep going, knowing that I will get there eventually.

I don’t always blame the men though, to be honest with you, because some women are like that. So there’s almost an expectation that all women in this industry will do certain things to succeed in this field. Me? I’m not for sale in anyway at all.

'Loving You Baby(2)'|(C)MaxineMcKenzie/Facebook

It’s admirable that you have decided to stick to your guns because, as we know, the music industry is a cut-throat place when many (male and female) may opt to compromise certain values in order to get ahead.

Yeah. I’ve performed at shows where DJs will approach me for a dance and I have to explain that I do not get down like that. I just want to be a businesswoman, go out there and sing – I’m a singer/songwriter/entertainer and nothing else.

Sharing your experience of being a woman in this industry will help get a conversation going that’s rarely had and maybe even help to encourage aspiring female artists who want to break into the business, letting them know that it is okay to say no to what you aren’t comfortable with.

I do want them to realise that. I’m not being negative about anyone who goes about things differently. But I’d tell those women to just work hard and you will get there. If you stick to your guns, then the same guys who made advances or had certain expectations will eventually have to give you respect. They’ll have to.

Is there a rift between you and Christopher Ellis, your brother?  The streets are talking.

I love my brother, I’ve said this to anyone and everyone that’s asked me and it’s not something that I just say, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I don’t have any qualms or problems with him. People’s asked if I would have an interview with him, kind of like the younger version of your Dad and Aunty, yes! If I’d work with him – yes!

That would be beautiful – a song!

I’m telling you, straight, honestly.

You do strike me as a very candid person (Lov'Ella laughs) so I definitely believe that you would say it straight; in any case, I'm aware that you didn’t have to answer at all. But as there’s widespread speculation, I was hoping to put this to bed and we've done so. Thank you!

All I want is for my whole family to come together and create an Ellis empire, our own little establishment, people working for us, writing songs for people, doing what we do best - that is what I’ve wanted from day one.

Certainly, there's so many of your family who are successful in the music and creative field. Back to you; is there an EP coming out?

I’m working slowly towards an album but I’m doing a couple of singles first, each with a video.

'Loving You Baby(3)'|(C)MaxineMcKenzie/Facebook

Ooh, so we can look forward to more visuals then. As sleek and polished as ‘Loving You Baby’? That was a great video.

Definitely more visual; I’m going commercial, hun! I’m glad you liked the video, thank you. I was going for a subtle sexiness, not too over the top, the mix of cultures, the ballet dancers meet reggae. So many people have responded well to it. It was worth the work which we put into it – over one year!

And I love the white dress you were wearing in it.

Thank you hun, it’s by Genieve Vasconcelos. Jeffeth Thompson is the Executive Producer of the video and Rodney Victor Williams directed it. The dogs in the video are actually actors! They featured in a DFS advert in 2004. One of the love interests in the video is played by actor Chukumuna Modu, who is also in Season 6 of 'Games of Thrones' (Episode One). 

That’s so cool! When exactly did you write that song?

I actually wrote it in 2004. I was meant to be meeting my Partner and my Dad phoned me, calling name in his signature way. As soon as I hear him say my name that way, I know he wants something (laughs) and he’ll know he has me. It wouldn’t matter where I was, if I have to get on a plane, I’d get on it if he asked, once he said my name like that!

Anyway, I’m making my way to my Partner, miles away from my Dad who wanted me to trot all the way back to North London, telling me that he had a song that I would like. I told him to play it to me over the phone, so that I could get it in my head as I’m good as memorising melodies. Anyway, I got to where my Dad was eventually and it took me five minutes – harmonies, vocals, everything. I was inspired by the fact that I was loving my baby and was meant to be meeting him! We kept it in the treasure chest until recently.

What’s the plan next?

Well, after this song, I plan to release original content all the way through. I’ve got a good team behind me. There is a tour coming up with dates in London, Berlin and more to be confirmed. I’ll be going to Jamaica very soon on some business and to shoot part of a video. 

Any parting words for your fans?

If you believe in yourself, invest in yourself. Reach for the stars and when you’ve got them, even reach further.

‘Loving You Baby’ will be available on ITunes and other major digital outlets on 14^th February and can be pre-ordered in the meantime; “Valentine’s Day is not the same, if no one ain’t Loving You Baby”

Connect with Lov’Ella on Social Media:

Facebook: Lov’Ella

Twitter: @LovellaOfficial

Soundcloud: Lovella