Ellee Duke
Ellee Duke recently released her empowering new single titled “fragile”. It is probably one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. “fragile” is about standing up for ourselves and reclaiming our own self-worth. It’s an important song, and Duke definitely delivered something powerful with this one.
"When I stood up for myself I was verbally and emotionally attacked and bullied for months. I was told I was nothing but "weak and fragile," and "that's all I'd ever be. "fragile" is a big cheers to being underestimated. I have immense peace with people thinking they know me and labeling me as such. I know who I am and I need no one's validation but my own. This song helped me through one of the darkest, loneliest seasons of my life, and I hope it will be an anthem for others to stay grounded in who they are no matter how difficult life may get,” she explains.
“fragile” is now available everywhere.
Photo credit: @manpluscamera
Hi Ellee, how are you? Could you please introduce yourself? What's your story?
Hi doing just peachy. I’m Ellee Duke, I’m from Utah, and currently live in Los Angeles. Making music has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I lived in Nashville for a few years when I was 18 before I moved to LA, and learned so much about songwriting, and met so many great people there. Growing up Mormon, I’ve had a hard time with how that’s affected me, especially as I’ve gotten older. I ended up leaving it all a few years ago. That’s been a crazy journey to go through, but music has massively helped me process and heal from it. As has my husband Austin and my service dog Noodle. They’re my angels.
Do you remember your earliest musical memory?
Yes my parents bought a piano when I was maybe 4 years old. I remember sitting at the bench staring at the keys, and being so aggravated I didn’t know how to play it so I threw a tantrum (laughs). I just remember crying and pounding on it.
When did you know you could sing?
When I was 5 I knew I could sing.
Do you remember a specific time in your life where music made a huge impact?
I lost a really close family member to suicide in 2018. It was one of the most heartbreaking things to go through. There were a lot of days music felt like the only place I could really go to. One night I wrote a song about it all called “Broken Crayons,” and it’s helped me and my family through it.
"fragile" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
I’ve been talking for years about how I’m trying not to be a people pleaser anymore. This year has forced that lesson on me over and over. I’ve had to walk away from people I thought would be in my life forever, and it’s been difficult. This song is a reminder that I can handle whatever life throws at me no matter how difficult. The things I’ve had to let go of are only allowing more space for my health and happiness.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this new single? When did you start working on it? Who helped you create it?
The scream was the first thing that came with this song. I was hanging at my friend Mira’s house, she’s an amazing writer and producer. I showed her some of my ideas and we both got super excited. The song came from such a raw place for me that we wrote it quickly.
What did you feel when recording this song?
It was kinda hard for me to sing because of how much emotion I felt, but that’s always my sign I’m on the right track.
When did you know "fragile" had to be a single?
To be honest I wrote this song for myself because I needed a reminder I can get through anything. I think that’s when it’s coming from the most real place and I knew it was special and one I wanted to share after I finished it.
What's your favorite lyric on "fragile"?
I love the part in the bridge that says “so how’s that for turning tears to glitter when i could be sad and bitter”
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I shot the artwork with my friend Joshua De LaGarza in one of my best friend’s backyards. We were playing with light and flowers. I loved the idea of me screaming as I’m holding a flower looking fragile in a sense, yet fierce. The lyric in the song inspired this a bit too: “I might look like a flower, But I could also be a bomb about to go off.”
What message do you want to deliver through this song? What do you want people to feel when listening to it?
I want people to feel that reminder that just because you feel things deeply it doesn’t make you weak. I want them to feel a surge of energy that they can keep going. They are allowed to do whatever they need to be their best self, even if it means disappointing someone else.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part is how damn long it takes to get to the wins sometimes. They always come if you keep going, but the time in between can be especially grueling. The best part is connecting with the fans. I love performing and I love talking to my fans and hearing how they feel about my music. It lights me up like nothing else.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I think there’s a lot of different perspectives you can take. Social media has made it hard and competitive, but it’s also made it possible for anyone to make it. I think I would change how Spotify works, and make it so songwriters and artists are actually paid a fair wage from streams. The system is wicked in my opinion just leaching off our art and basically giving us nothing.
What advice would you give to young songwriters?
Keep finding ways to highlight what makes you unique instead of trying to be like everybody else.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
It’s such a vast combo of random stuff. I love Natasha Bedingfield, John Mayer, Train’s early stuff, Sheryl Crow. Also a big Swiftie, and love Chappell Roan, Remi Wolf, and Olivia Rodrigo.
In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?
If everyone went to therapy.
What can we expect to hear/see next?
More original music, shows, and a secret project.
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