Get To Know: Ella Ion
Ella Ion. Photo credit: Marcelle Bradbeer
Adelaide/Kaurna songwriter Ella Ion has quickly become one of the most exciting voices in Australia’s folk-rock scene. Fresh off the back of a run of UK/EU shows, she landed at BIGSOUND with momentum behind her and a stunning new release, Blue Black Crows.
Ella fuses soft, heartfelt folk with the intensity of post-rock, crafting songs that move seamlessly between reflective calm and soaring energy. Her music carries a sense of honesty laced with subtle playfulness, inviting listeners into a world of emotion that feels both immediate and deeply personal.
We caught up with Ella to chat about Guinness, tour memories, current film and book recs, and the early influences that shaped her songwriting.
For fans of Alex G, Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin, Sharon Van Etten
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You’ve just been on tour across UK/EU. What were some of your highlights?
Indeed! Green Man was an absolute dream, it was the first big festival stage I’ve played which has always been a goal of mine. The whole festival was magical. Also my incredible UK band comprised of the bassist, guitarist and drummer of Black Foxxes (UK). Touring is made special by the people you have around you, they are incredibly fun and caring humans and I can’t imagine doing these last 3 tours over there without them.
Favourite food & drink you had on tour?
So many Guinesses (a rite of passage in Ireland), and all the home cooked meals in London by my beautiful sister, very lucky to have her there and a proper hot meal goes a long way on tour! Also every meal from Wetherspoons, I love that crazy chain.
Could you share a UK/EU Tour photo dump?
Who are you excited to see play live at BIGSOUND?
Without being too biased, my cellist Lucinda Machin’s band, Tullamarines (Kaurna land)— absolute hit machines. Also Shock Corridor, Dogworld, Effe!
Who are some up-and-coming acts from Kaurna land/Adelaide that you're excited about right now?
Too many to mention.. but, country-folk star— Ned Baulderstone; born for the stage, writes beautiful songs. Pop electronic angel— My Chérie. Country-rock darling— Ricky Albeck. Pop-grunge princess— Effie Isobel. The Empty Threats. Swapmeet. Expect great things from all these artists; if they’re not on your radar already, they will be soon.
Who would be your dream artist to support on tour?
Lucinda Williams / Alex G.
What have you been reading and watching lately? Do you have any book or film recs?
I haven’t had much time for consuming art forms other than music this year, but I fell in love with author James Baldwin— I was given his book “Giovanni’s Room” by someone in my travels— a heart-aching queer love story. I also rewatched BlackKkKlansman on the plane; a very well made commentary on the continuing racism and far-right mentality in the US. An important reminder also of the dangerous cultural issues in Australia involving the neo-nazi anti-immigration rallies happening right now.
What music did you grow up listening to?
My parents loved melodic 60s and 70s pop music— the BeeGees, the Eagles. They played together in cover bands when I was a child. I suppose this is where I get my love of layered harmonies from.
My mum was also really into Latin jazz and Fado music, which is what made me want to start learning guitar. I still write everything on my classical nylon I got when I was 10.
Where would you take a friend visiting Kaurna land/Adelaide for the first time? Any hidden gem spots-food, parks, shops etc. that you think more people should know about?
I think everyone needs to go to the Scenic Hotel in the Adelaide Hills and watch the sun go down on a summer evening with a ‘roo schnitzel.
Is there anything else you want the world to know about Ella Ion?
I just love making music. I want to spread the message that if you are an artist, you should always prioritise authenticity and make whatever you want to make, never think about pleasing anyone else. And for the listener, I just hope that the genuineness I strive for in my songwriting makes people feel connected to their humanness in a world full of fakeness. My goal is to plant the seed for deep thought and emotional expression. Peace and love, obviously!
Check out Ella Ion below.