SWANSEA country pop artist Eleri Angharad performs music that captures traditional country music storytelling with catchy pop melodies.
With a handful of EPs under her belt, Eleri released her album debut, Earthbound in 2019, supported by a 39-date tour across the UK and Europe.
Eleri’s follow up single to 2020’s seductive country-pop hit New Sin, is Delete It a piano led track about anticipation which sees a return to the Welsh singer/songwriter’s country pop roots.
Here, Eleri discusses her Music DNA influences with Andy Howells.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
I remember absolutely loving Catatonia growing up and one of my favourites was Road Rage, which I always used to sing along to in the car with my mum. I think we played that International Velvet album to death! Cerys Matthews has one of the most incredibly expressive and unique voices.
What was the first single you bought?
You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor’s version, we sang it in our school choir and I absolutely loved it. Still a huge James Taylor fan and I love his storytelling.
What was the first album you owned?
The first album I bought was Avril Lavigne’s first album – Let Go, still her best album in my opinion! Absolutely loved Complicated and I’m With You.
I’ll also never forget trying to find Taylor Swift’s – Fearless album in HMV because I was looking in the Rock and Pop section, I hadn’t even heard of Country Music by this point, but I totally fell in love with it!
What’s your constant go-to track?
Oh, it’s definitely a Taylor Swift one but it’s a hard choice. It depends on my mood it’s either All Too Well, or lately August.
Or Space Cowboy – Kacey Musgraves I also absolutely love!
What’s your constant go-to album?
Again, Folklore – Taylor Swift, I’ve been obsessed with it since its release last year. Another album I always go back to though is Melodrama – Lorde, I love every single track on that album!
Who’s your latest music discovery?
One artist I’m loving at the moment is Halle Kearns, she’s a new country artist from Nashville and I absolutely love her sound!
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
My sound has evolved to become more pop based recently and I think Delete It really encapsulates the blend of Pop and Country that I love. It’s also such a personal one as it’s about the anxiety of communicating via technology and I definitely overthink every message I send!