In Conversation With #198 - PELA
Brighton duo PELA have just released their highly anticipated debut EP ‘Little Ceremonies’.
Layering Hannah Coombes' caramel-soft vocals with Olly Shelton's textured production, the combination of the pair is what makes PELA so incredibly special. Co-writing two tracks with the brilliant Liz Lawrence -"Tell Me" and "Heavy" - and recently sharing "holy / wholly", the EP reveals itself to be an atmospheric blend of feelgood melodies built on sublime orchestration. "This EP is a bridge between where our music was and where it is going" says PELA.
They took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there PELA, how are you? So your debut EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
We’re so happy that Little Ceremonies is out! We had such a great time making it form the EP tracks to the live videos, it has been very creatively fulfilling.
Being an independent artist in the current landscape of the music industry means you learn a lot of lessons through releasing so it has definitely been a time of learning and growth for us.
It is titled ‘Little Ceremonies’ - does that have a certain meaning behind it?
It’s about focussing in on things that have authentic meaning, which are often smaller moments that we may not take the time to really feel. It’s also about finding and nurturing those people that bring you a sense of peace.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
The EP was recorded partly at home, partly at Iguana Studios in Brixton and then at the studio Daniel Moyler works from in Brockley.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
Influences…we think you can hear some 4 Non Blondes in Heavy for sure and the sentiment is similar to ‘What’s Going On’ too. Little Ceremonies is rooted in that driving 80s indie sound (Cocteau Twins are one of Hannah’s favourite bands of all time). I hope you are Happy dives into ambient influences -, we both love ambient electronic (Jon Hopkins, Winged Victory for the Sullen). Generally, we’re influenced by a lot of different genres and artists and because we’re not starting from a specific genre, it gives us freedom to float between.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
The lyrics in Little Ceremonies are our favourite on the EP. Particularly ‘all our little ceremonies, you bring a peace to me’ and the first verse:
There you were looking so heavenly
Remember when I first saw the symmetry
Thinking of the roads running through the grey land
Back when we were tricked by the thrill of it
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which would it be and why?
We’re just going to say it, we know it’s not a film….but Stranger Things. We love the song placements in it and like everyone else, we are obsessed with the series (and Kate Bush for ever)
Now the EP is out there - what next for you?
We have our EP launch show at Komedia in Brighton on Thursday 16th June, then we’re playing Nozstock in July. When we started putting music out as PELA, it wasn’t long before lockdowns happened so we missed out on playing live so our main priority is that at the moment and we’re always working on new music.
