Ella Tiritiello’s new track “Take It Personal” is about the unlikely benefits of sometimes just being frank. “The inspiration came from how you often say to people to not take it personally and ‘it’s not you, it’s me’, but maybe sometimes it’s better to just keep it straight,” she explains. It’s wisdom beyond the years of an artist who’s only recently turned 16, however, as previous debut cut “Say Something” proved, the Swedish popstar-in-the-making isn’t exactly doing things by halves.

With a childhood punctuated with mammoth pop from the likes of Sia, Adele and Diana Ross, Tiritiello’s inbuilt aptitude for making a musical smash was harnessed. Now unstoppable, having already overcome issues with stage fright, aged 14, after she was selected to sing, release and perform Avicci’s “For A Better Day”, alongside the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in front of 16,000 people. Primed for whatever comes her way, Tiritiello is adding her name to Sweden’s array of international pop wonders.

Head below to read our chat with her about life since dropping her debut track, new single “Take It Personal”, and dreams of collaborating with Billie Eilish…

Hey Ella, how are you? Where are we speaking to you from right now?
Hi Wonderland, I’m very well thanks! From a small town called Kristianstad, in the south of Sweden.

You made your debut earlier this year, how has life been since dropping your first track? What has the reception been like?
It’s been so much fun! I was really nervous before since this is the first time I’m releasing my own music, but the reception has been great. I’ve had the chance to play some really cool gigs and done fun interviews, and my song has been played on the radio. This is a brand new world for me, but I love it!

When did you first start singing? Was this always the plan?
I’ve always loved to sing, but I used to be so afraid of singing in front of others. I don’t think anyone, including my family, had ever heard me sing until very recently. So, this was not the plan, I did not think I would actually dare to sing for others. But after an internship at a music company in Stockholm, I was forced out of my comfort zone and learned to be more comfortable with singing. Now I’ve even done several big gigs for really large audiences, which I could never have imagined just one year ago.

Congratulations on the release of “Take It Personal”. What was the inspiration behind the tune?
The inspiration came from how you often tell people to not take things personally, and use lines such as “it’s not you, it’s me” when many of the times are not even true. Take It Personal says exactly the opposite. Sometimes it’s better to just keep it straight.

What was your creative process like when you got into the studio?
Being in the studio is still very new for me. I mostly work with a very talented trio, Ruth and the Neighbours, who always knows how to get the most out of me, which makes the process really fun and easy. I’m still learning every time we’re in the studio together.

Who was the first person you played this track to?
This is one of my favourite tracks on my EP, so as soon as we recorded this, I sent it to my whole family. I was so happy and proud.

Who would be your dream collaborator to get in the studio with?
Oh, that would definitely be Billie Eilish. She is crazy talented and I honestly think every single one of her songs are amazing. I probably know her whole debut album Don’t Smile At Me by heart.

Tell us one thing about yourself that we wouldn’t be able to find out in a press release!
I’m from a really large family and am very family oriented. My dad’s side is Italian – my grandfather was a touring musician who fell in love with my grandmother when playing in Sweden. So I have many Italian influences. One of my favourite artists growing up was Laura Pausini.

What is next for you, do you have any other fun plans for 2022?
I will continue to release new music. I have another single coming in 2022, and then I will release my debut EP in early 2023 which I’m so excited for!