Irish singer-songwriter Elly D, real name Elaine Doyle, hails from West Dublin and has been writing songs since she was eleven years old.
After recording demos in her home studio and undertaking an Irish and European tour with her band Riot Tapes (you will recall our interview with Elaine back in 2015), she’s now made the move to a solo venture. Her debut EP, ‘Rise’, was released in May 2016.
Elly took ‘Rise’ to Berlin, where she premiered the album to successful reviews ahead of its launch. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Martin Quinn at Jam Studios, in Kells, County Meath, the highly anticipated EP reached number 8 on the iTunes charts, and has seen play on national and local Irish radio stations.
The four track EP is the perfect platform for Elly’s strong, rocky vocals and wide range. Lead track, ‘If It’s Cool’, is an 80s style pop anthem which nonetheless has a timeless quality about it. This is followed by the much slower ‘Say’, which matches Elly’s pure vocals to a simple keys and drums instrumental track. Title track, ‘Rise’, is an indie-rock track in a similar vein to Goldfrapp, and is testimony to Doyle’s honed musical talent.
The final track is a remix of her song, ‘Say’ by Geisha Music (Rob Crosbie), one of Dublin’s finest ambient acts, who has previously worked with Elly during her time with Riot Tapes. He’s taken the track and imbued it with a very pleasing Eastern-sounding trancey quality.
As well as playing in Berlin, Elly D has graced the stages of some well known Irish venues, including Whelans, and The Workmans Club. She’s also performed at The Naas Acoustic Festival and The Achill Battle of the Lakes Festival, among others.
Elly D has accompanied her singles with self-made videos, the most recent being that for ‘Rise’, released in late November. Check out the others on her YouTube channel.
You can find out more about Elly D online on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to ‘Rise’ on Soundcloud.
