Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Elle Winter

Elle Winter is no stranger to success. At the age of twelve, she was discovered by Radio Disney. A year later, she embarked on a national tour filled with television appearances and performances. Now in her twenties, the gifted singer-songwriter has signed with Sony’s Red Music, and has been working hard on her forthcoming EP. Writing from personal experiences, the EP is a powerful statement on who Elle is as an artist and where she’s been. Pop Culturalist spoke with Elle about her upcoming EP and her brand new single, “Do You”.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Elle: My family says that I’ve always been singing. I grew up on pop divas like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. I would watch them on TV and listen to their records knowing that it was what I wanted to do. I’m fortunate to have grown up in New York City where opportunities to explore my creative side seemed endless. I took part in an acting course when I was seven-years-old, which led me to signing my first agent. Later, I was discovered by Radio Disney at the age of twelve, and it just took off from there!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Elle: I would say all the music that I grew up listening to, like the Black Eyed Peas. I have such fond memories of recording karaoke over their cassettes…wow, what a throwback! [laughs] All those pop acts really influenced me. I’ve just always loved performing—I would perform for anyone who would listen, like my friends and family.

PC: You have a new single out right now, “Sick of You”. What inspired that song?
Elle: “Sick of You” was recorded and written during a session I had with The Orphanage, a production team, and Ricky Manning, an amazing songwriter. It actually happened on the last day. It was at the end of this trip where I had just worked out the majority of my upcoming EP—I was so excited! The project felt really genuine and authentic. It just felt so right. I got carried away with that happiness and feeling of fulfillment.

“Sick of You” embodies that joy and the feeling you get when you meet someone that really understands you, which is how I felt about this music and working with these amazing producers and writers. They really understood my vision as an artist.

PC: You’re releasing an EP later this fall. What can you tease about that?
Elle: All the songs are about my life and experiences. It’s very genuine. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the stories and messages that are conveyed in each song. I take inspiration from not only my experiences, but also the people I love and the people who are closest to me, and what they’ve been through. What I wanted to capture in my music is this feeling of connection and how we all experience similar circumstances and come together through these stories.

PC: If you had to choose one song off the EP that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Elle: That’s a good question. I have another single out called “Do You”. It’s very true to me because it’s about focusing on your own journey and doing what makes you happy. You can’t let other people bring you down, or as I say in the song, “dim your light”. Sometimes people are struggling with their own battles and they try to affect you with that. You have to focus on your own goals and your own path. It’s a reflective song.

PC: Like you said earlier, you were discovered by Radio Disney at the age of twelve. How big of an impact has that had on your career? What’s been the most surprising part about this journey?
Elle: It gave me insight into what the future would hold and propelled my career in so many different ways. By the age of thirteen, they put me on a national tour—I was doing television appearances and all that stuff. It was an incredible experience in shaping who I am as an artist.

PC: How has your creative process evolved throughout the years?
Elle: When I was younger, I went into these studio sessions with seasoned writers and producers. I looked up to and admired them, and I would sit there and I didn’t feel like my stories were valid to share with them. I wanted them to lead the way and trust their judgment. As I’ve gone into the studio more, I’ve really come into my own as an artist. I realize that my stories are just as valuable and need to be shared. That’s when music means the most to me: when I’m singing about my own experiences in order to connect with other people and find that commonality.

PC: What’s one thing that you know now that you wish you knew at the age of twelve?
Elle: That’s a great question. It would be to enjoy each moment. As I’m getting older, I am being more mindful of being present and in the moment. I’m enjoying each day. I’ll look at my life and be like, “Whoa. I’m actually doing this right now. That’s crazy. I’m so grateful.”

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Elle: Hopefully a tour! We’re hoping to share some exciting news soon, but I do have a bunch of shows coming up.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Elle: Stevie Wonder is my favorite artist of all time.

PC: First album you bought?
Elle: That’s a good one. The Rent soundtrack. I was way too young to listen to that, but I loved it. [laughs] I would sing “Out Tonight” with my vocal coach when I was four.

PC: First concert you attended?
Elle: Dora the Explorer at Radio Disney [laughs]

PC: Someone you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Elle: I’d love to collaborate with Ed Sheeran. I think he’s such a brilliant songwriter as well as a performer. I think that would be amazing.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Elle: I’m really loving Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You album. I walk down the street just feeling so cool. I listen to her songs and find them so empowering. Some of the songs off my EP are about empowerment, too—it’s incredibly important in this day and age. I love listening to her music and what she stands for.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Elle: Madison Square Garden, since I’m a New Yorker. That or the Super Bowl.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Elle: Throat Coat Tea and Manuka honey. Lifesavers. You have to try Manuka honey. If you ever have a sore throat, it just makes it disappear.

To keep up with Elle, make sure to follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Do You” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.

Photo Credit: Angelo Kritikos