Interview: Elly Ball Discusses Her New Single/Video "Jasmine"
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Photo Credit: Vaibhav Dalal
““Jasmine”, as well as future singles coming from Phresh and I, are one-off collaborations while we both are finishing solo EP’s. It is a way to get out of our own heads and move past creative blocks that happen when you are writing alone.”
Congratulations on the release of your new music video "Jasmine". What led to you to decide to film a visual for the song at home during quarantine?
Thank you! It's going to be a big year for me as an emerging artist really introducing myself to the world for the first time. I had planned to dive deep into live shows and being on the ground as part of the music community here in Toronto, but the option to play shows this year has become very challenging and limited as a result of the pandemic. I thought, how can I show who I am what and I have to give now, so as venues begin to open up I have something that can help me get on that shortlist.
Regarding the song itself, which was produced by Preshtones, what was your creative process for its development, and what inspired your songwriting?
The "Jasmine" instrumental was actually the first song Phresh had ever sent me. I love anything with a dark, worldly edge to it and right away fell in love with his production. As he sent more and we began to write and co-produce future tracks, “Jasmine” stayed pretty dormant until COVID.
“Jasmine”, by coincidence, is also the name of my partner's mother who I am very close to, and she was in the high risk demographic for the virus. Despite my fear of losing her, one thing her Hindu beliefs have taught me is that death is its own journey and is beautiful in its own right. It is a story that can be told with love and grace, and no one ever truly leaves us. They are waiting peacefully on the other side.
Can we expect to hear "Jasmine" on an upcoming EP or album this year? If so, what can you tell us about it?
“Jasmine”, as well as future singles coming from Phresh and I, are one-off collaborations while we both are finishing solo EP's. It is a way to get out of our own heads and move past creative blocks that happen when you are writing alone. It also allows me to react to what is happening in the world here and now, while my solo work is where I get to dive deep into my own story, exploring inwards rather than outwards.
What do you look forward to the most from an artistic standpoint when the city of Toronto is finally opened back up post-quarantine?
Being able to simply explore. I love riding my bike around the city, experiencing new places, and meeting new people. That is where I learn and grow as a person, and what inspires new stories to write.
I find connection through a screen very challenging and have felt quite disconnected.
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?
Darkly sensual and cinematic.
What are you most proud of with the debut EP you released in 2018 entitled "She Too, Was Naked"?
Just getting it out there! I come from a classical and theatre upbringing, so it was my first time working with a DAW.
I learned so much about myself and my style while gaining incredible respect for what great producers and engineers do. It was scary to put out work you know isn't close to being on par with the industry standards yet, but it still represents a huge part of you. Only up from here!