Inspired #350 - Ea Othilde
Indie-pop artist Ea Othilde has just released her new single ‘Back To You’ - the first installment of her debut EP. Ea Othilde has been writing songs ever since she was eleven years old, and she started working on her debut-EP when she was only fifteen. After spending two years exploring in the studio with producer Hans Olav Settem she is finally ready to reveal her very first songs to the world. She took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
Elliott Smith has been my biggest inspiration for a long time. I believe it was him who first introduced me to the singer/songwriter genre, and his music was what made me find my own music taste and sound. I’ve always loved the way his music can be very simple and unpolished, and still express a lot of emotions. Another important artist to me is Simen Mitlid. It feels a bit funny to mention him since he works in Koke Plate, the label that releases my music, but he has truly inspired my music. I love his songs and especially his lyrics. I would describe him as the king of simpleness, he can write the most basic sentences and it just works. I have so many memories of listening to him during the summer of 2021 when I made my upcoming EP. Also, I have to mention PJ Harvey. She has also been a big obsession of mine. Her music is quite different from mine, and I think that is what attracts me. Her sound, lyrics and image is so raw and tough, and she inspires me to be unafraid and experiment with my style and sound.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
I’ve never been much of a film nerd, and I don't think there is a specific film that I can say inspires me or my music. But I think we’ve all experienced watching a film and being left with the feeling of "this is the day I’m changing my life", so maybe some films have inspired me more than I’m aware of.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
Lately I’ve been really obsessed with Berlin, I’m not sure why. I’ve only been there once, but it wasn’t until a few months ago I just had this revelation that I have to move there. I often daydream about being 24 and studying there.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
I think the person who inspired me the most when finishing and releasing Back to You is PJ Harvey. Especially her image and photos. I have to admit I showed my hairdresser a picture of her when I cut my hair last week, and I was very inspired by her when I had my first photoshoot. I just love her style and attitude, and I admire how raw and authentic she is.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
I wrote this song over a year ago when there was a family situation that was very frustrating and hurtful, and I remember I felt really fed up and tired of it. Some people think the lyrics revolve around a teenage heartbreak, which is the furthest thing from what it actually is. But I guess that's the beauty of interpretation, we can all decide for ourselves what the message is.
How would you like to inspire people?
I really hope I can give someone the "this is the day I’m changing my life''-feeling after listening to my music.
