Interview: Elle Limebear
Worship leader Elle (ELL-ee) Limebear, a fresh voice hailing from Brighton, UK, has just released her self titled EP. This talented young artist has been making waves both sides of the Atlantic with her well received series of infectious singles, so LTTM decided to catch up with her to find out a little more about what makes her tick! Read on to find out where the songs came from, expressing her personality through music, and how she was inspired by her famous Dad, Martin Smith, the lead singer from Delirious.
For people who haven't come across you before, tell us a little about yourself and how you get involved in making music.
My name is Elle Limebear, I’m 22 and I live in Brighton, UK. I was brought up in a really musical family. My dad was in a band [Delirious?] and he traveled and toured a lot with me and my 5 other siblings. So I guess I’ve always been surround by music. Although it never really was my dream to write my own music, I think I kind of fell into it! In 2017 I was on a tour with my dad and I felt God speak to me so clearly and injecting me with a dream to write music for my generation and the one to come. It sounds dramatic but from that day on God’s been opening doors all over the place. I’m so grateful!
Tell us about your new self titled EP?
This EP is a collection of songs that were birthed from stories and moments of revelation in my life. There’s a real mixture of joy, awe and surrender in these songs. I worked with people all over the world, from my hometown in Brighton, UK to Nashville, USA. I always write with the person listening in mind and my hope is that this collection of songs will meet people where they are and take them on a journey of discovering more of who they are as they look at the wonder of who God is.
What is your favourite song on the EP ?
I think my favourite song is ‘Call On Your Name’. Probably because it is a song that’s super close to home for me. It’s all about my fear of the dark and reminding/telling/urging myself to call on the name of Jesus because when we speak the name of Jesus everything shifts.
The production is a little bit risky too and I love that! Every time I listen back, it takes me by surprise and I hear something new!
You released a lot of songs on here as singles before the release of the EP, what was the thinking behind that ?
It was pretty simple reason for me, every song is really different and carries a really specific message that I want to communicate. Releasing them one at a time a way of making sure each song got the space to breathe and be heard fully.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Honestly, my style of music reflects my personality. I love dancing, so some electronic vibe drips in and some groovy bass lines. Combined with epic, cinematic, wonder-full moments that lead me to look up in absoulte awe! In the studio, anything can happen, I haven’t really got a specific pallet of sounds that I always come back to. Sometimes I think the thing that ties it all together is the sound of my voice.
My dad has always been a massive influence- he’s my hero! I listen to a lot of stuff - Bon Iver, Hillsong, London Grammar, Leon, Sigrid, Steffany Gretzinger.
Do you think artists should be more honest in their music?
I don’t really know! Art is such a subjective thing. Everyone is working stuff out aren’t they? I think it’s tough because what could be an honest expression from a creative could be perceived as not honest enough from a consumer.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
100% Brooke Ligertwood. I love everything she does and she really is a massive inspiration to me. And Chris Martin, obvs.
How would you define success in your career?
For me, success is all measured by stories. I love hearing about people being set free, meeting Jesus for the first time, getting fresh revelation and discovering more of Him. That’s what I get out of bed in the morning for!
What is your favourite album of all time?
Ahhh, this is to hard!! Can I name a few?! Empires by Hillsong United, Bon Iver by Bon Iver and A Different Kind Of Fix by Bombay Bicycle Club.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Love the details in the question! I think I’d probably put on something fun considering the horrible conditions. Let’s play ‘Lovely Day’ by Bill Withers, that should cheer me up!
What does the next year hold for Elle?
This next year is gonna be fun! I’m terrified but excited all at the same time. Lots of travelling and touring all over the place. I can’t wait to share a tonne of new music too!
