To an artist without the creative energy and laser-focused determination of Elles Bailey, it could all have been very different. But when you’re one of the hardest-working women in blues, rock and roots, not even the tumultuous world events of the past few years can stop you from writing several new chapters in a remarkable story.
Elles Bailey, the smokey-voiced, human dynamo who has powered her way to the forefront of the British blues and roots scene in recent years, finally unveiled her eagerly-awaited third album ‘Shining in the Half Light’ in the spring of 2022. Crammed with vibrant originals brought to life with her A-list band, it’s another significant step forward in a career already feted with awards and acclaim generated by her two previous studio sets, 2017’s ‘Wildfire’ and 2019’s ‘Road I Call Home.’
‘Shining in the Half Light’ debuted at the top of her native genre charts: #1 in the Official Blues charts; #2 in the Official Americana charts; and #4 in the Official Independent Charts. In a landmark breakthrough for an independent artist, ‘Shining In The Half Light’ also appeared on the RADAR of the UK Charts, reaching #11 in the mid-week album charts, and finishing just a handful of sales away from the UK’s Top 40 at #42. For a fully independent artist, without the clout of a major label, it is one hell of an achievement.
Recorded in those ‘silent’ days during the 2020 lockdowns, all four singles have garnered support from BBC Radio Two and Planet Rock. ‘Cheats & Liars’, ‘Sunshine City’, ‘The Game & Stones’ were all added to the Planet Rock A list playlist, with 15 weeks collectively at the top spot on the UK Airplay Charts. The title track ‘Shining in the Half light’ received its first play, along with an interview with Cerys Matthews on the BBC Radio 2 Blues Show. And it not just about getting spins on the radio for this multi talented artist – on the back of all her radio success with Planet Rock she was offered a weekly show and you can now hear Elles every Saturday at midday on Planet Rock Radio, sharing her love of rock with a sprinkling of Americana.
This self-confessed ‘rolling stone’ continues to do everything she can to call the road her home. 2022 saw Elles play multiple high profile headline festival slots across the length and breadth of the UK and into Europe, taking to the high seas to play Joe Bonamassa’s ‘Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea’ cruise, opening for Blues Legend Walter Trout and joining Don McLean on his 50th anniversary American Pie UK tour.
Spring 2023 finally sees her able to do a full UK headline tour of Shining in the Half Light, play three exclusive co-headline shows with Chantel McGregor and headline Winters End Festival alongside Kris Barras Band and the Von Hertzen Brothers. She’s also heading out to Germany to open for roots rockers Kitty, Daisy & Lewis in April 2023.
Miss Bailey really does call the road home & when she arrives near you, don’t think twice, get there. A great evening and a long musical friendship will be waiting.
Artist of the Year at The UK Blues Awards 2020/2021
Nominated Artist of the Year at The UK Americana Awards 2022
2020 Live Album ‘Ain’t Nothing But’ nominated as Album of the Year and As ‘Most Inspirational Online Performance’ at The UK Blues Awards 2021
‘Little Piece of Heaven’ – Song of the Year at The UK Americana Awards 2020
Album of the Year (‘Road I Call Home’) – UK Blues Awards 2020. Also nominated for Band of the Year.
Also nominated as Female Artist of the Year at the ‘European Blues Awards’ 2017/2018 and four nominations at the UK Blues Awards 2018
PRS Momentum Funded Artist 2018, PRS ISF Funded artist 2019 & Art Council Funded Artist 2018 & 2019, MEGS Grant 2020
Medicine Man included in the Charting Earache Records ‘New Wave of Rock & Roll’ Compilation album