From Disney to the Airwaves, You Won’t Be Able to “Let Go” of Elle Winter

Discovered by Disney but quickly making a name for herself, Elle Winter is a force to be reckoned with. The singer, songwriter, and actress has been gathering critical acclaim with her newest singles, all while attending an Ivy League university, and let us tell you we could never.

Taking part in Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing,” at the age of 14, Elle secured a solid fan base at a young age, helping her continue her music career for the last 6 years. Securing spots on The Today Show and also being named Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month, Elle Winter is a name you won’t soon forget. Or a face for that matter, as Elle has been making big moves in the movie world as well! She was featured in Netflix‘s The After Party, and the film 3 Generations starring Elle Fanning, Susan Sarandon, and Naomi Watts.

Amidst all of this, Elle also took the time out to talk with us about her new EP, Yeah,No and we’re warning you right now you will be hooked by the captivating tunes.

In your new Single ‘Yeah, No.’ you talk about solidarity among women, have you found anyone in this industry who served as an inspiration in this matter? 

Throughout my journey as an artist, I’ve looked up to several inspiring women in the industry such as Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne, to name a few, who have been trailblazers in their field and have motivated me to speak my truth and hold my ground as an artist. Additionally, my mother is one of the most hardworking women I have ever known and she has been my biggest champion since the moment I started pursuing music as my career. Her dedication to her profession has inspired me at a young age to know that I have a valuable voice and agency as a woman and can go after my dreams if I work hard and do my best.

You always said you wanted to connect with your fans on a personal level, how was it building this relationship from such a young age? 

It has been incredible to be able to connect with fans through my music, particularly those fans who have supported me since I was 14 years old. Since my start in the entertainment industry I have watched the social media landscape transform and allow for an even more intimate and hands on connection with fans and listeners. That is super important to me. Growing up, my favorite artists’ music helped me feel a sense of solidarity and community with them knowing I wasn’t alone in my experiences, and to be able to connect with my fans and give them that communal feeling through my work is very special.

You work with the duo The Orphanage, who produced massive hits for the likes of Demi Lovato, Alessia Cara, and much more. How is the process in the studio with them? Any fun memories?

They are not only super talented musicians and artists, but they are truly kind and wonderful people! In every session I felt so comfortable to be open and honest in my writing. One of my favorite memories of working on the project with them was a fun dance party we had at the end of writing/ recording of our first song we made together “Do You” which is included on my recently released EP. Do you have a favourite song off the EP, which is it, and why? **I’d say my favorite song off the EP is “Yeah, No”. It truly embodies the message of the EP and my direction as an artist. It is an anthemic song about being independent and fulfilled on my own. It is also about re- claiming my narrative and not letting someone dictate who I am and how I feel based on their own assumptions. Music is a space where I can speak my truth and set the record straight, so I feel “Yeah, No” is a song that is very reflective of my mission as an artist.

Music clearly isn’t your only passion. Acting is a big part of your career too. How do you balance between them? Would you consider getting back to acting?

I do find that music and acting go hand in hand. Both crafts are centered around empathy and connecting with others. While through my music I am telling my own stories in the hopes of connecting with listeners, through acting I connect with a character’s story from my own experiences. Now that I have made the move to be bicoastal and live in both LA and NY I do want to get back into acting. 

Can you remember the first time you heard your music on a supermarket aisle or even on the radio? How was that experience?

I do remember the first time I heard my song on the radio! It was a super surreal moment. Growing up and listening to all my favorite artists on the radio, it feels very fulfilling to know that my music is being shared with so many people all over the world through radio.

As a New York City native discovered by Disney at age thirteen, do you like the rush and energy of living in a big city or do you prefer a more calm and easy going city/town? What is your favourite place to go on holidays? 

I honestly love big cities. I am so grateful to have grown up in NYC. It provided me with so many opportunities to be creative growing up. I find it very inspiring and the energy motivating in a big city. For my holidays, I do enjoy relaxing in a more calm and quiet location, specifically if I can be there with my family. It doesn’t matter where I am, if I enjoy the people I am with!

We at THP are very much Disney fans. Being discovered by them and working with the franchise, which is your favourite Disney character ever?

Hmmm.. I do love Hannah Montana and Lizzie McGuire. I adored both of those female leading ladies growing up and I find they really did inspire me to pursue my dreams as well. Fun fact, I have an older small dog named Miley! My sister and I named her when we were in elementary school.

Some people like to prepare for listening to an album or EP, like going to a special spot, grabbing some comfort food… What would be the ideal set-up to listen to your debut EP ‘Yeah No’?

I think in the car looking out the window is the ideal way to listen! That’s where I most enjoy listening to music.

What is it like juggling between Ivy League University, recording and acting? Does it ever feel like it’s too much to handle? 

It has really taught me how to prioritize my time. I find that juggling these pursuits has allowed me to truly appreciate moments of rest and time with my family, as well as direct my focus on things that truly matter.

You are pretty active on social media. Are you connected all the time or do you find yourself needing some time away to keep you grounded? What is the most crazy fan related experience you had on social media?

I do find that I am always connected and online and have not needed that time away yet. I find social media super empowering. It allows me to speak my mind and communicate freely with those that support my music. I love being able to support other artists online and my friends as well. I also find it an incredible creative outlet. Actually, social media has been so comforting for me during this difficult time we are all going through. Social media has allowed me to continue to feel connected to my family and friends who are not here with me and not feel isolated. It has also allowed me to engage my fans and continue to be creative while in quarantine. It is so fun when fans reach out on social media, whether they are covering your song or drawing a portrait of me online. It has been so amazing to see so many fans make fun Tik Tok videos for ‘Yeah, No.’

You can stream Elle Winter’s new EP, ‘Yeah, No’ right here! And let us know what you thought of the project in the comments below or tweet us @thehoneypop!

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All Images: Angelo Kritikos