Nieve Ella is a remarkable talent. Her journey unfolds on the transitional EP ‘Watch It Ache And Bleed’ – a blend of sharp lyricism and indie-pop anthems. The West Midlands-born, London-based singer-songwriter is resolute about her artistic vision. “I don’t want to release another EP. I’m ready for an album; I want to create a project that allows me to build a complete world around it,” she shares with CLASH.
Currently, Nieve Ella isn’t focused on a specific project, even though she is constantly writing. “I just have to keep creating; I need to keep making art. If I don’t express my feelings, I’d genuinely go mad!” She experiences, writes, releases, and repeats this cycle, both literally and figuratively, with a consistent output of singles and EPs that document her recent life.
During the ages of 18 to 22, a person undergoes significant changes. While most people capture their development in photo albums, journals, or private social media accounts, Nieve’s evolution now belongs to others through their playlists and potentially even lyrics transcribed into their diaries. “I thrive on that change,” she remarks. “Looking back, it’s amazing that I accomplished that. I’m really proud of myself, even if some songs make me cringe! I always said I’d never perform ‘Blu Shirt Boy’ [a song about Harry Styles] again, but I’m realizing that what these songs mean to the fans is so much more impactful.”
“I remember the fun of demoing it. I was 18 and just so happy to be writing songs,” she recalls. “We’re rehearsing next week, and I want to see how ‘Blu Shirt Boy’ feels – if we can adjust anything to make it resonate more with who I am now. Or maybe it won’t change at all. It’s normal, right? People lose interest in parts of who they were at 18.”
Finding others who understand you well enough to co-write can be challenging, especially with deeply personal material. “A couple of years back, I wrote with Will and Nick from Flyte, who are my songwriting idols. It was incredible, the best experience, but I know that won’t always be the case.” Who does Nieve aspire to collaborate with today? “For me, it’s always been Sam Fender,” she responds, then reevaluates. “But Sam writes from his own experiences, and that isn't my life.”
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WHAT: ‘90s indie with a polished pop twist
WHERE: West Midlands
3 SONGS: ‘Car Park’, ‘Sweet Nothings’, ‘Sugarcoated’
FACT: Nieve is part of Loud LDN, a collective that supports female and gender-expansive artists
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Nieve Ella wears the Dr Martens Buzz in Brown Multi, available at schuh. Featured in CLASH 130.
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Words: Ims Taylor
Photography: Bella Howard
Fashion: Jessica Ann Richardson
Styling Assistant: Ana Lamond
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Nieve Ella is a powerful presence. Growing into her own with the transformative EP ‘Watch It Ache And Bleed’ - featuring a blend of sharp lyrics and indie-pop anthems - the