As part of global SWAN Day events running over March and April 2021, we are celebrating Women in the Arts with a connection to the Isle of Man. The aim of this series is to highlight the challenges that women face in the creative industry, share some advice to younger creatives and also to celebrate these women in their achievements. 

Ellie Quayle is a professional Composer, Performer and Songwriter from the Isle of Man. We caught up with Ellie to tell us more about her experiences as a woman in her industry.

What is your professional background in the arts?

I am a professional musician, composer, and songwriter. I play piano and sing in party band “Fundamentals”, as well as gigging as a solo artist. Currently, I am now accepting commissions, working on projects, and performing across the Island.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter?

I have wanted to be a musician from a young age. This is largely due to my upbringing surrounded by music and learning piano from the age of seven. Aged twelve, I started to write songs and short compositions. Soon I realised a passion for composition, and it was clear this was something that I wanted to pursue. Artists such as Victoria Wood, Jim Steinmann and Alan Menken have later inspired my songs, leading me to write in a variety of different genres.

What are the current challenges for women in your creative industry?

During the pandemic, musicians have struggled significantly. With no gigs and less income (especially in the UK), it is a tough profession to sustain. Currently, musicians are facing a lot of challenges and to keep doing what we love we must think outside the box. Female musicians face the same hurdles as male musicians – only potentially more in the current climate. It is statistically less likely for female musicians to be hired and therefore, we must try our hardest to create and produce exciting new material. I see this as an incentive to work harder towards my goal.

What progress have you seen for women in your field?

Over the years, I have seen much progress for females in my field. For example, musician and comedian Victoria Wood inspired me significantly and made great leaps in the music industry. At the time she was performing (1970s and 80s), female comic musicians were few and far between. However, as well and being a pivotal figure in female comedy, Wood made her mark through funny songs, something practically unheard of for a woman. Her works have inspired me greatly and my style of composition would not be what it is today without her influence. 

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

The music of Taylor Swift has influenced me for as long as I have been writing. Her clever lyrics and ability to tell a story have determined how I write, and I have admired her music since the age of twelve. She famously quotes, “I am intimidated by the fear of being average”. This gave me the determination to keep working and striving towards my goal, to exceed expectations. I have always found it difficult to pinpoint what I write and feel like I have never fitted in to a specific genre. I love to write in all styles of music, ranging from classical to rock to musical theatre and more. I felt like I had to choose a certain style and this quote gave me the confidence to know that it is okay to switch between genres and try different things.

What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?

As a young female artist, I think there can be many hurdles we have to face. However, one I find interesting is the stigma around the phrase “emerging artist”. This phrase is often placed in front of an artist’s name to show that they are a new act or just beginning their journey. However, the words could infer one should lower their expectations or the individual is less qualified. I think something to overcome as an artist is the title “emerging”. It is interesting to me whether this comes naturally over time or if it depends on how many pieces of work the artist has produced. I do not think the term is necessary negative, but as a female artist, who is already working that little bit harder, I think the status of “emerging artist” can make one feel less qualified or established.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It is not uncommon for women to bring each other down. We so often feel like we are in competition with each other when we really should be building each other up. The societal expectations on women are huge. So why should we tear each other down on top of this? Especially In the arts, it is easy to compare yourself to others. In the past, I have found myself thinking “I am not as good as her” or “She is better at singing than me”. However, when we stop viewing life as a competition and learn to celebrate each of our unique and individual talents, life begins. I think as women, we must push a little bit harder to make our dreams happen but along the way, we should value and support other women.

In the wake of International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about a career in the arts?

In the wake of International Women’s day, my message to any girls and women wanting a career in the arts is to find your passion, dream big and work hard. Find the thing that makes you shine and keeps you up at night. In my experience, it may take time to discover your passion. I have had goals that I thought were mine but when it came down to it, I was not that excited about them. It was the crowd I was with. Creativity using your individuality is a wonderful thing and it has produced some of the greatest works in history. Work hard at your art and put in the hours. Explore your interests to find your own artistic voice and celebrate unique ness. Finally, all I would say is there is no such thing as too big a dream.

What have you been up to?

Every day of lockdown, starting the third of March, I have been doing the “song a day challenge”. This has meant writing a brand-new original song every day in a variety of genres. The ideas for the songs have come from the public and there is no rules or restrictions. Anything goes. The suggestions have been funny, heartfelt, sad, or plain bonkers! Styles have included reggae, musical theatre, metal, and that is just to name a few. The songs are posted every day at 5:30 on my page, Ellie Quayle Music. The response has been touching and overwhelming. Check out my daily posts for fun little songs to boost your spirits in this tough time!

I am taking commissions and can write a song for any occasion- advertising, weddings, birthdays you name it! I will also put your words to music in any style you choose for a reduced fee. What could be more personal than a unique song made specially for you?

See more from Ellie Quayle

Instagram @elliequaylemusic
Facebook @elliequaylemusic
Website www.elliequayemusic.uk