While another Halloween has just past, one person that is ensuring that spooky SZN continues to live on for the rest of the year is the dark-pop artist Ellise and her new track “Soul Sucker pt.2”. While angelic vocals feature, listeners should brace themselves for devilish lyricism and creepy themes throughout the new cut, all of which are vividly brought to life by the track’s bloody music video.

“Soul Sucker” is a big departure from the lyrical content of a lot of my older music. In the past, much of my music presents me, or whatever female character I’m talking about as a victim – someone who’s been hurt or heartbroken,” explains the artist when contemplating her latest single. “Soul Sucker” is just the opposite. I wanted to get out of that mode and present myself as the toxic, crazy one. I’ve grown and realised that there are always two sides to every story, and everyone has their toxic tendencies and bad qualities. “Soul Sucker” represents that side of me.”

Upon the release of her infectiously dark single, the artist sat down with Wonderland to discuss her dualistic aesthetic and her favourite track from her most recent project, Letting The Wolf In. Head below to read our interview with Ellise…

Hi Ellise, how are you doing today?
I’m doing well. I just got a kitten, so I’ve been spending a lot of time at home with him, making sure he’s okay.

Your vocal ability is quite impressive! When did you first realise that you could sing?
Thank you so much! Honestly, singing came naturally to me as early as I can remember. It was almost like an instinct, and from a young age, I knew that singing was my passion, and it was the first thing I truly fell in love with. I think I realised I had a special talent for singing when I performed “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson at my 4th grade back to school night. After I got off the tiny multipurpose stage, I felt so high and knew performing was what I wanted to do forever.

Who were your favourite artists growing up? Are they still your favourites today?
I was heavily inspired by the sort of grunge alt-pop scene as a young teenager. I was obsessed with Lana Del Rey, Melanie Martinez and Arctic Monkeys, and I still love all of those artists today! Vocally, I always grew up trying to learn how to sing by imitating powerhouse vocalists like Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Amy Winehouse.

Congratulations on the release of “Soul Sucker pt.2”! Talk us through the meaning behind the track!
“Soul Sucker” is a big departure from the lyrical content of a lot of my older music. In the past, much of my music presents me, or whatever female character I’m talking about as a victim – someone who’s been hurt or heartbroken. “Soul Sucker” is just the opposite. I wanted to get out of that mode and present myself as the toxic, crazy one. I’ve grown and realised that there are always two sides to every story, and everyone has their toxic tendencies and bad qualities. “Soul Sucker” represents that side of me.

And it is taken from your new Halloween record! How would you describe its sound?
Yes! Letting the Wolf In is my third Halloween project, and the one I feel shows the most growth, sonically. Obviously, it still fits the dark, spooky pop category, but I really wanted to step out of my Halloween comfort zone and ride off the coattails of my earlier project this year, Chaotic. I felt like I had more to say in that lane and more to expand on with that sound. LTWI was sort of the wrap up for that specific style of pop – and now I plan on reinventing and changing up my sound for future releases.

Do you have a favourite track from the new record?
I’d say “The Woods” is my favourite right now! I just love making the more off-centre, weirder songs. There’s something so fun about making a pop banger, but something so unique and fulfilling to me about creating a song that doesn’t sound like anything else, and is just raw emotion, which is how “The Woods” feels to me.

You have quite a dark-yet-ethereal aesthetic that is present in all of your projects. How would you describe your personal look?
I honestly never know how to describe my personal look, because I’m just tweaking my appearance and style over time as my mood changes. I wear stuff I like; big platform shoes, baby doll dresses, tiny miniskirts, long gowns, whatever. I sometimes dress darker because I feel it, whereas sometimes I’ll wear all pink and super girly, usually when I’m happier and less stressed.

What is next for you, do you have any other projects you are currently working on?
Honestly, I was so lucky to be able to drop so much music this year, but now I’m really just focusing on getting my head right and gaining inspiration to make something new. I want to switch up my sound for future releases, so I need to have new life experiences and intake a lot of new media in order to change up my headspace! Also, one of my biggest goals for next year is to tour, so currently, I’m focusing on that.