Artist ELLE WINTER has been singing about self-worth and empowerment, independence and standing in her own power throughout her journey as an artist. In this exclusive interview, the singer spoke to A BOOK OF about her single “Don’t Blame It On My Boyfriend,” her music career, challenges, inspirations, life-lessons and more.

Hi Elle, how are you? Tell us more about your single “Don’t Blame It On My Boyfriend” 

I’m good, thank you!  My new single “Don’t Blame It On My Boyfriend” is from my upcoming EP “Yes Please” and is all about me asserting my independence while being in a relationship. I think many of us often let our relationships define our identity and dictate how we act in many situations. I wanted to write a song about being true to yourself and honest about how we feel even in a relationship. No matter who we are dating we should always remain in control of our own lives and opinions. There’s a throwback quality to the sound with live instruments and rich harmonies, and the song is sassy, fierce, and empowering. I want people to feel that way when they listen to it!

Tell us more about your music journey and what’s coming up next for you. 

I started my music journey at a very young age. I was part of Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” show at age 13 and have been writing and recording music since then. During the pandemic, I released my debut EP “Yeah, No” which really embodies what I stand for as an artist. The music on that project was inspired by my own life experiences with me setting the narrative for my own stories. The lead single “Yeah No” was my empowerment anthem about not letting anyone dictate how I feel. I carried this theme into my new EP “Yes Please.”  Most of this recent music was worked on with Grammy-winning producers and songwriters, Kizzo and Autumn Rowe. We created a sound that channels the ‘60s, one of the most revolutionary eras in music and when some of my favorite music was created. I have always been super inspired and influenced by the music of the ‘60s as it was a time in which women could finally use their voices and have agency. Creating this project furthered my messaging of empowerment but with a retro feel. 

How would you describe your music? 

My music has a real retro quality while telling my own stories of self-worth and empowerment. The songs on my current EP incorporate many of the elements of the music I grew up listening to such as live instruments, rich harmonies, uplifting themes, and concepts that truly reflect who I am both lyrically and sonically. 

What’s the most challenging part of your career so far? 

I think the most challenging part of being in music/entertainment is learning to forge one’s own path in a rapidly changing industry. Many more traditional careers have a much clear route to success. With music and entertainment, there are so many ways to succeed, and one has to find the path that works for them. 

How did you rise above these challenges? 

I learned to trust my own instincts and set goals for myself. I incorporate structure into my day and make sure I accomplish what I set out to do each week.  

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far? 

I am very proud of the connections my song “Yeah, No” has made with so many people around the world. The messages I received and the relationships I made with fans from this song have been so rewarding for me. It truly showed me the importance of telling my own stories through my music and how doing so can allow me to connect with so many different people.

What inspires you?

I am always inspired by the talented people I meet and work with and the life experiences I gain from spending time with them. 

What scares you? 

I am scared of having regrets / wasting time! I really want to live my life to the fullest and look back one day knowing I enjoyed and appreciated every day by being totally present in my own life.

Guilty pleasure? 

I love scrolling on my TikTok ‘For You’ page late at night! I can truly go down a rabbit hole.

Name your top 5 favorite songs of all time 

Oh wow. That’s a tough one. This will be a very eclectic mix.  

“Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder 

“I Say A Little Prayer For You” by Aretha Franklin

“Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne

“Complicated” by Avril Lavigne 

“Baby Love” by The Supremes

Last song that got stuck in your head 

“Credit” by Meghan Trainor

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

“Everything happens for a reason.” I have always loved this advice and try to live by it. Whenever something doesn’t work out the way I may have wanted it to, I know that something better is down the road for me. I think it helps one live with the ups and downs we all experience in life. 

What’s your ultimate goal? 

To keep creating music and art that connects with people around the world on a huge scale!

What are your dream projects? 

I would love to do a project incorporating my love of both music and acting. Lady Gaga is a huge inspiration of mine and doing a film like A Star is Born would be a dream project.

Is there a skill/talent that a lot of people don’t know about you?

I am a good whistler. I’m a NYC girl and can hail a cab with a whistle!