Bio
Ellie Walker & The Folly
Indie Folk from Cambridgeshire
Ellie is a Cambridge born musician who has been writing and performing her unique, captivating songs for over two decades. Using twinkly pianos, striking vocals and flowing melodies, Ellie draws upon her eclectic influences to create soulful songs which span many genres. Ellie has recently been joined by her band, The Folly, on the creation of her new album, 'Sink Or Swim', to bring the songs to life both live and on record.
Classically trained in flute, voice and saxophone, Ellie has been a musician from an early age. Her influences are wide ranging, and include Kate Bush, Bjork, Joni Mitchell, Elgar, Bernstein and Radiohead, to name a few. After recording her debut EP 'I Know' in 2007, Ellie established herself as a firm favourite of the Cambridgeshire and London live music scene, including notable performances at The Junction, 93 Feet East and Strawberry Fair, as well as national radio coverage and a live session with BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
Ellie then went on to enjoy further success in 2010 with electronica group Saturday Night Gym Club's reimagining of her song 'I Know', culminating with extensive play on Radio 1, a performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend, and the use of the song on a worldwide advert for Rotary watches. Ellie then took a break from performing to focus on raising her family and her work as a music therapist, however her songs were percolating in the background, ready to metamorphise when she felt able to return to the stage. Ellie's song writing has gone from strength to strength as she has honed her individual style and grown in confidence, and she will be releasing her debut album, 'Sink Or Swim', in October 2023.
A collection of nine songs written over the course of ten(ish) years, 'Sink Or Swim' marks Ellie's long awaited return. With songs covering many genres from folk, to pop, to indie, to soul, 'Sink Or Swim' is a collection of reflections on personal experiences and observations written straight from the heart. Ellie's honest lyrics and beautiful melodies capture moments from her life and speak of heartache, joy, familiarity and fear. With soaring strings, driving guitars, warm pianos and arresting vocals, 'Sink Or Swim' takes the listener on a journey through various emotional landscapes.
The Folly are Mike (guitar), Max (bass) and Mark (drums), all Cambridgeshire based and members of other bands including Mammouth Penguins, The Pony Collaboration and Violet Woods. Ellie was also joined in the studio by her brother Matthew Walker, and Claire Hadidjenar on violins. Ellie also plays the flute on many of the songs.
Ellie and The Folly have enjoyed an exciting year of live shows since coming together in Autumn 2022, including performances at Cambridge Folk Club, the Junction, Ely Folk Club, Baldock Folk Club and Alexfest in Cambridge. They are looking forward to many more shows in the future.
For more information or to send Ellie a message, please get in touch via the button below.