Allanian Female DJ speaks of Passion for the Region as she launches Debut Single

The 21-year-old, who grew up in Whitley Bay and attended Dame Allan’s Schools between 2012 and 2021, showed an early love for music, spending her evenings as a schoolgirl creating playlists to entertain her classmates. After time spent playing piano and violin during her time at Dame Allan’s, it was dance music where Ellie found her true passion. 

“It’s an absolute dream come true to release my own single,” said Ellie, “I’ve been DJing for a while and trying to promote myself on Tik Tok and other social media platforms, so I feel really lucky to get this opportunity. 

Visiting a festival with Dame Allan’s school friend Lily Fisher, Ellie saw her first female DJ performance by House music mainstay Sam Divine. This was the spark she needed to consider DJing as a possible career, with vocal support from Lily giving her the boost she needed to take on the music industry. Ellie enthused:  “I have a fantastic group of friends who I met at Dame Allan’s, and they have been so supportive of my music! I wouldn’t be doing this without them”

“Sometimes I feel the need to work to a higher standard than male DJ’s because there’s a higher expectation.” Ellie reflected. “Dame Allan’s helped me to develop the work ethic that has been such a part of my music journey, the school helped me to embrace my ambition. You’re around a lot of hardworking people and that is very inspiring.

“My Dame Allan’s teachers also helped to build up my general confidence, in particular my psychology teachers, Miss Brady and Mrs Walton, who are still so happy for me whenever I post about my music on social media! I also have many fond memories of Mrs Clark, my Theatre Studies teacher, who led me through many of Dame Allan’s productions; Sister Act was a real highlight!”

Inspired by the likes of electronic duo Gorgon City and DJ Hannah Laing, Ellie has become a mainstay of the dance scene in Newcastle. She has now performed for crowds of more than 1500 people at leading Newcastle music venues like NX - where she actually supported Hannah Laing in March of this year. 

“The North East has so much amazing talent in the dance music scene. It’s a great community but there is a definite lack of female role models; that is something I am really passionate about changing. I have had fantastic support from local radio stations, and I hope that young girls who, like myself, have a love for dance music from a young age, can be encouraged to also follow a career in the music industry.” 

As well as her music production, Ellie also launched a podcast all about the dance music industry, Inside the USB. With a particular focus on women in the industry, she has now created more than 40 episodes and cracked the top 20 of the podcast charts, with fans tuning in to hear her chat to music icons such as Sam Divine and BBC Radio 1’s Arielle Free.

“I’d say to other women and girls who want to follow in my footsteps, just do it. There’s no right time to explore a career in the music industry, start now! Make sure you network and reach out to people via social media. We need more women in dance music and - especially in the North East - I’ve found that people do want to support you.” 

Ellie also works as an A&R (artist and repertoire) at Warner Music, helping to discover the next big stars in music. She is the first woman from outside of London to hold this prestigious role.

Ellie’s debut single Keep it Tight (feat. Mizbee, a fellow Geordie) is released today, Friday 23 August, via Interval Records, Universal Music Group.