Artist Spotlight: Estelle

With a new album slated for Fall 2018 and a hot single topping the charts, Estelle is ready to dominate the airwaves and love is leading the way.

Your song, “Love Like Ours” is a celebration of love, embodying the pride and joy of being in a relationship. What was the inspiration behind the song?

The song is kind of a summation of the vibe of the new record. Celebrating your love on your terms. Not held to anyone else’s expectations or life plans.

Is love a reoccurring theme and inspiration within your music?

Yes. I write about love or the search for it because that’s a continual thing for me.

Were you always destined for music, or was there a moment when you realized being a musician was going to be your life?

I've always done music, in some way, form or fashion. I decided to go for it after being made redundant from a job I was doing after a while just for the money. It was quote uncomfortable to leave in that way but I surmised that I would only have one chance to live the life I loved and so I did.

If you had to select an alternative road in life, what career path aside from music do you see yourself following?

I don’t. I wouldn’t. I’m glad about the life I have.

Millions of people find inspiration in your music. Which musicians have you found the most inspiration in throughout life?

My Influences range from Ella Fitzgerald to Mary J Blige, to Kanye West, Beres Hammond, and Buju Banton - great artists in general.

Who was your biggest influence growing up?

My family were my biggest influences. They have given meperspective and things to write about.

Trapped on a desert island scenario; What are the five albums you couldn't live without?

Nerd - Nerd, Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life, Ella Fitzgerald- At the Opera House Live, Reggae Gold - 1996, Marvin Gaye - I Want You; Rarities and Oddities.

How has the place of your upbringing shaped who you are?

Growing up in London shapes the way I hear music in general, I’m open to a lot more genres than are socially assumed as a black woman.

Do you ever experience writer's block? If so, how do you stay inspired?

Writer’s block is a rolling train, I get off and go live for a while.

What is the greatest reward you receive from music?

One of the rewards I receive from being a musician is being able to give back what God and the world has ultimately given me.

And lastly, being a wedding magazine, we must ask, while growing up did you often envision your own wedding? How did you imagine it to be?

I never really imagined the wedding I’d like until a few years ago. I was a late bloomer there. But it will be a small ceremony with my core family and friends.