Check out our interview with London-based singer/songwriter Ebony Buckle
Taking listeners on a whimsical leftfield-pop journey with her complex harmonies and imaginative storytelling lyricism, Buckle sings about universal themes of romance, broken hearts and depression, to more poetic themes of disgruntled mermaids, lonely whales and joyous, hypothetical alien invasions.
Buckle’s latest single “You’re Loved” is a calming and encouraging song that we all need in our lives at the moment. Have you ever wished you could send a message to yourself, just to let yourself know that you are ok? Well that’s exactly what the songwriter has done, sending a reassuring message to her future self. Buckle confides, “This song is something I wrote one winter when I felt really lost and alone. The song just came out and it was like I had needed to hear that voice saying ‘it’s ok, you are ok’.”
Follow Ebony @ebonybuckleofficial
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz_U4rZyiko&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=EbonyBuckle” title=”EBONY BUCKLE – YOU’RE LOVED (Lyric video)”][vc_column_text]
Hi Ebony, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a singer-songwriter and I live in London with my Husband and co-writer/producer Nick.
As a child, I wanted to be an astronaut but it didn’t pan out so now I write songs about space travel instead.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Optimistic, sensitive, loving
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I started out in theatre and musical theatre and I studied classical music. I’ve done plays and some TV and I love it, but I always wrote my own music on the side. It took me quite a while to realise that I wanted to make and share my own music and that this was an option for me. I finally made the jump about 5 years ago.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Conceptual, Dream, Atmospheric
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’ve always written my own poems and songs from a young age. I had an amazing music teacher who really inspired me.
Do you play any instrument?
I play piano and sometimes violin and I am a very keen percussionist. I’m also going to teach myself how to play the synths next year!
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes all the time! I guess that’s part of the job. When you perform or put yourself in front of people you are vulnerable so it is nerve wracking. But also very worth it!
Tell us about your new single “You’re Loved?”
I wrote this song a few years ago when I was really down. I wasn’t getting any acting work and didn’t have much confidence in myself. It felt like a part of myself was trying to comfort me and tell me what I needed to hear.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
We have had loads of livestreams this year! We started our ‘Live in the Lounge’ series on Youtube and you can still watch them on my YouTube channel.
We also set up a Patreon this year in January and so people can now subscribe monthly to be part of the Ebony Buckle musical world! We are writing an album and sharing everything there. I feel really lucky I had set up Patreon before cover happened as it meant we had a bit of a safety net. We did lose all of our live shows and work for the entire year so it was tough. But we have had more time to make music so I guess that was a real positive. You can check out my Patreon.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
It’s not a project per se but I really need to see the Northern Lights!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The creative side of things is wonderful and I feel so lucky all the time to be able to spend my days writing music and sharing it. Patreon has been wonderful because it has allowed me to develop as an artist and share this with a group of really supportive people. The side I find really stressful is constant pressure to have impressive numbers. Thousands of followers and millions of streams. Numbers might look impressive but they don’t always reflect the quality of work. I try not to focus too much on those things, and to put more energy in to making the work I want to make.
What’s next for Ebony Buckle in 2021?
We are releasing our first album! I am so excited and nervous it has been keeping me up at night.
What is your favorite song? And why?
I have so many favourite songs! I’m going to go with an album if that’s ok. It’s Regina Spektor ‘Remember us to life’. It’s just the most incredible piece of work.
Any loves other than music?
Loads! Dogs, yoga, books (Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, Philip Pullman) swimming, being in the wild, interpretive dancing are just a few!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Cleopatra. I would like to ask her what it was like being such a powerful woman in Ancient Egypt!
Best advice ever given?
Vulnerability is your greatest power.
How’s a typical day in your life?
It’s pretty varied. I get up early and start working, go for a walk or do some yoga, eat, keep working. If we are in the studio we will spend all day in there. Sometimes I feel like I need to hibernate so I will spend a day being quite and alone.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to do what makes my soul feel whole.
Do you support any charities?
I am currently donating 100% of profits from my merch store to Mermaids UK, which is a charity supporting transgender, non-binary and gender fluid young people. Click here!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Blueberries
And your favorite cheat food?
CHEESE!
How would you describe your fashion style?
Quirky
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it is a great way to communicate, but it isn’t real life. I much prefer interacting with people in the real world.
Where we can follow you?
Sign up to my mailing list here!
Instagram.com/ebonybuckleofficial
Facebook.com/ebonybuckleofficial
Subscribe to my Youtube.com/ebonybuckleofficial
Join my Patreon at patreon.com/ebonybuckleofficial
Quote: “And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin
Movie: Pan’s Labrinth
Travel Destination: Antarctica
