Over the last decade, Bristol-based singer-songwriter Elles Bailey has become one of the UK’s most revered independent artists, making an impact through sheer determination, creative integrity and an extraordinary voice. Based in the spheres of blues, Americana and rock, she’s earned multiple awards and critical acclaim for her compelling songwriting and magnetic live performances; tireless touring and steadfast self-belief have seen her performing relentlessly across the UK, Europe and the USA.
Alongside her own artistic endeavours, she’s become an outspoken advocate for Women in Music, using her platform to challenge the gender imbalance within blues, a genre that for too long has been dominated by men. Her voice, a smokey blend with grit and emotion, recounts tales of endurance, hope and transformation in songs that illuminate the strength found in poignant contemplation.
During her decorated career, she’s shared multiple critically-acclaimed releases while winning over fans around the world an clocking tens of millions of spins online along the way. Sharing her original sonic output over the last ten years, he debut EP Who Am I To Me, landed in 2015 which she’s since followed up with a string of well-received singles, EPs and full-length records. Last year, her fourth studio album, Beneath The Neon Glow, hit #12 on the UK Official Album Charts, topped the UK Blues Chart, reached #2 on the Americana Chart and #3 on the Independent Chart confirming Elles Bailey as a leading voice in modern roots music.
Now, she prepares to usher in a new era with Can’t Take My Story Away, her highly anticipated fifth album, set for release on January 16th via Cooking Vinyl and Outlaw Music. The project, produced by Luke Potashnick, represents the result of years of creative exploration and artistic expression. Recorded with an entirely new group of musicians, separate from her long-time touring band, the eleven-track album paints a portrait of her journey via songs penned across a decade coming together over three transformative years to create what she describes as her most personal record yet.
“There’s definitely an empowerment to this record. I feel like that has actually evolved since I first started making it – as though I was a different person,” she explains. “There is a quiet strength running through this album and a deep-rooted honesty. Whilst there are some moments that reflect on some of the hardest chapters of my story, there’s a feeling of joy threaded through every note.”
Leading the album is its first single titled “Growing Roots,” a groove-focused track that revolves around Elles’ stunning vocals. Thematically, it’s a love song about finding home in another person, the one who makes you want to stop running and truly settle. “It’s about choosing to put down roots and to grow together, but it’s also about what that person teaches you, who you are when you’re with them, and the beauty of truly living in the moment,” she offers.
Opened by the laid back shuffle of rustling drums and bright acoustic guitar flickers, Elles’ alluring voice glides in to spin charming melodic leads carrying heartfelt lyricism above. Flowing with soulful aesthetic, dashed with tinges of gritty vibes, her vocal layers stack up above the bouncy groove of the arrangement to cast a dazzling slice of bluesy pop music that’s truly impossible not to love.
Cut with slick lead guitar work, propelled by the ever-present hop of the mellow instrumentation and peppered with warm brass flashes, “Growing Roots” sees Elles Bailey serve up a magical musical moment that further builds the hype for her forthcoming record. To bring Can’t Take My Story Away to life on stage, Elles will reunite with her touring band for an extensive UK and European tour in early 2026. Kicking off in Stuttgart on February 20th, the run will include shows at London’s Islington Assembly Hall on March 19th and a hometown performance at Bristol’s Electric on March 21st. She’ll also make a special appearance at Florida’s Sun, Sand and Soul Festival alongside Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and Drive-By Truckers on April 24th.
Listen to Growing Roots below
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