When it comes to her musical identity, Christchurch-based Elly Hanssen just goes under her first name. “Keeping it real,” as she says. With a lifelong parallel career in professional dancing, Elly’s 2017 single Round And Round got some airplay locally, but her new single Faking Out was off to a good start when it was picked up by Spotify in both NZ and Australia shortly after its release. NZ On Air Music featured her infectious latest release on their February NewTracks compilation, and we got curious about the artist behind the tune.

What’s your musical background?

I was introduced to the music industry being in a girl group called Pretty Toni State-side (USA) that featured R&B singer Keri Hilson. I just kept on from there.

What made Faking Out stand out for you as a single?

For me – a genuine approach to lyric writing and [that it was] created with no pressure – which I like.

What is the story behind Faking Out?

To be honest, a friendship that I thought was more transparent but there was a lot of ‘what you see isn’t what you get’.  I realised that I too can be fake like this – sometimes that’s to protect ourselves but it leads nowhere good. So no more faking out…

What’s your favourite musical moment in the song?

The pre-chorus vibe!

Who did you record/produce the single with and where?

I smashed this song out in one session with Sam de Jong at Parachute Studios.

Describe in one sentence what you want listeners to take away from it.

Get really honest with your self. Evaluate… We are all very pro our ‘rights’ but not always our ‘responsibilities’.

Are there any other projects you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

There will be follow up Elly singles coming out this year.

Can you name three other local tunes that should be on a playlist alongside your song?

Marley Sola – Call My Name

Cass – Tomorrow Will Come

And look out for new artist Loren Sila – her first single drops soon on our label.

Was there an NZOA criterion you struggled with in the application? 

Some of the fanbase stuff I had to work a little harder for at the start.

How can we find you on social media?

https://www.instagram.com/itselly/

https://www.itselly.com

Any last words?

Thanks for taking time, appreciate NZ Musician and go take a listen to Faking Out.