Singer-songwriter Elles Bailey released her latest album, Can’t Take My Story Away, at the beginning of this year. Produced by Luke Potashnick, the album is deeply personal and quietly powerful—rooted in resilience, reflection, and self-ownership. The songs were written over the course of almost a decade, forming a body of work that charts Bailey’s journey as an artist and storyteller.
Throughout February and March, Bailey will be touring the UK and Europe, including a performance at Islington Assembly Hall in London on March 19, followed by a hometown show in Bristol. She will also appear in April at Florida’s Sun, Sand & Soul Festival alongside Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and Drive-By Truckers.
We caught up with Elles Bailey to talk about the inspiration behind Can’t Take My Story Away and the themes running through the record.
What’s the question you wish people would ask you when they meet you for the first time?
I actually prefer to be the one asking the questions. I much prefer hearing about other people than talking about myself.
When was the last time you tried something new?
I tried matcha in a latte recently… and I will never do that again!
Which one of these is most like you: upholder, obliger, questioner, or rebel?
That’s tricky. I’m not really sure. I’d like to think I’m a rebel, but I’m probably not — so let’s go with questioner.
What inspired your new album, Can’t Take My Story Away?
Unlike my last three albums, which felt like snapshots of who I was at very specific moments in my life, Can’t Take My Story Away has been a much longer journey. I guess you could call it a slow-burning fire — nine years in the writing and three years in the making.
It’s a body of work that quietly grew in the background while I was touring heavily and writing, recording, and releasing my previous album, Beneath The Neon Glow. Because of that, the inspiration for this record comes from such a long stretch of time. It really feels like the story of my life since becoming a full-time artist.
What can you share about the themes of the album?
Can’t Take My Story Away is a deeply personal journey that explores the ways we connect — and sometimes disconnect — with ourselves and with others. It moves from the quiet, private conversations we have within, to the meaningful bonds we form with the world around us, and eventually to the gradual release of relationships that once defined us.
In that unravelling, the album finds moments of freedom, lightness, and joy.
The stories in this record celebrate being seen and loved for who you truly are — quirks and all. There’s a quiet strength woven through every song, and I think that makes the album feel deeply empowering.
Who produced the album? Are you pleased with how it turned out?
I’m delighted with how the album turned out. At its heart, this record is a true collaboration with Luke Potashnick, who has poured countless hours into shaping and refining these songs with me.
Over the three years we spent bringing this record to life, I learned so much from Luke. His patience, vision, and deep care for songcraft have left a lasting mark on me musically.
What do you want listeners to take away from the album?
This record is a rollercoaster. Even though it reflects on some of the hardest chapters of my story, there’s a real sense of joy threaded through every note.
It feels like a light has found its way in, even during the darkest moments — and I want listeners to feel that joy when they hear the record.
What kind of guitar do you play?
I play an old, beat-up Fender acoustic guitar — very badly! And very rarely live.
Luckily I’m surrounded by amazing musicians. Demi Marriner and Joe Wilkins play alongside me, and they’re incredible pros.
What’s your definition of tone? Has your tone stayed the same or evolved?
Joe Wilkins has been central to the Elles Bailey sound. I’ve shared a stage with him for 11 years, and his beautiful guitar tone plays a huge part in shaping what people hear when they come to our shows.
You’ll be hitting the road across the UK and Europe in February and March. What’s your favourite part about touring?
Connecting with the audience. There’s nothing better than that mutual appreciation between artist and audience, and audience and artist. It’s a beautiful moment — one I would never trade.
Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and start your music career again, what would you do differently?
Honestly, I’m not sure I would change much. I don’t have many regrets.
I’m a very trusting person, and sometimes that’s been my downfall because this industry does attract sharks. But some of my most successful songs have actually come from those experiences — from my dalliances with the devils of the industry. So in a strange way, I think everything had its purpose.
What are you good at that no one would ever suspect?
I used to be really good at mono skiing — good enough that I could have gone pro! But it’s been so long since I last tried it that if I attempted it now, I’m pretty sure my muscles would give out.
If you weren’t a musician, you’d be…
A counsellor.
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