The moniker of Meanjin/ Brisbane-based indie artist Eloise McElroy, Quarter Short is a music project bridging alt-pop with neo-soul heard through a '90s rock filter.
Inspired by the likes of Regina Spektor, Hayley Williams and Kate Miller-Heidke, last week Quarter Short released their debut EP titled 'No Sense'. A five-song project, Eloise wrote the material after becoming a first-time mother, working with producer Cameron Bower.
"The name of the EP, 'No Sense', is like a twofer. Inspired by the same idea as 'quarter short of a dollar', it's a little self-deprecating humour that I have no sense while also being a delightful homophone of no cents. As a bonus, add a letter and you get nonsense."
The EP's lead track 'Feel The Answer' lyrically details the deterioration of a relationship and the related emotional fallout. "The songs on this EP were written when I was trying to reclaim my identity after having children.
"The focal track, 'Feel The Answer' was the first track I wrote. It was so freeing to just dissolve into songwriting and build the arrangements. I daresay my son has these songs ingrained in his DNA by now from how often I reviewed them on a drive to whatever appointment we had to get to. Fortunately, he doesn't hate them, so that's got to be a win."
Ahead of a live show tomorrow (17 December) at Metro Arts (Brisbane), Eloise shares a few insights into her music making as well as showcasing Quarter Short's personality that includes a call-out to save Billy Tea Campfire Brew from disappearing from supermarket shelves forever.
Who is Quarter Short... Is lil ole me, Eloise McElroy. I chose to use an artist name instead of my own because any variation of my name sounded country or folk, which I am not; I write alt-pop/ rock songs.
I also want to be a safe place people can go to talk and learn about music and songwriting, and I don't feel my name can be the safe community space that my artist name can be.
I sound like... I've been told Fiona Apple's 'Tidal' era, or a mix of The Beatles, OK Go and Tori Amos. I personally think it's a mix of Hayley Williams and Regina Spektor with a '90s flavour.
Our first gig was... For Quarter Short; Can You Keep A Secret, Woollongabba in Brisbane. For original music, many moons ago – a primary school fete with coloured-in volleys.
When did you settle on the name, and was it a unanimous decision... I was inspired after a week-long course with Pat Pattison. I can't recall how it came up but the idiom 'quarter short of a dollar' really stuck with me.
It kicked off an idea that we're all, and always will be, a quarter short of a dollar. I'm finding that being a perpetual student is a lovely way to travel through life – with curiosity for everything. Also, it's wonderfully self-deprecating.
In the studio I usually... Am in heaven. Any time I'm in a space where I can work on music makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop, even during the painstaking moments. It's the kind of labour I could do forever. When I'm working with friends it feels even better.
If I could tour with anyone... It would be Hayley Williams/ Paramore, John Mayer, Tina Arena, Mia Wray, The Darkness, Ben Lee – if anyone wants to hook me up. It would be great to tour, but also to jam with these incredible musos and have a yarn.
Social media is... The devil and yet you'll find me on it. I'm a sucker for the endless scrolling.
My favourite app at the moment is... I don't have a favourite app, but I do have an app I use all the time which is NYT Games. Love me some brain puzzles.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Ouf! I'd just highlight all my teen years and, you know what, keep going. Just go until the highlighter starts to fade.
Life on the road can be... Full of bliss, fresh air and homesickness for a home-cooked meal.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that our rider contains... A nice cup of tea with the teeniest bit of milk and a good spoonful of sugar.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I was walking home after work around 10pm. A 20-minute walk from the bus, while on the phone to my boyfriend and commented how many cop cars were driving around.
I get to my street, but still about 600 metres to go, and a cop pulls over asking me if I've seen a guy who just so happened to rob a place armed with a syringe that very evening, I said no and they drove off.
So, naturally, I sprinted home and then got pulled up at my door with a cops flashlight and a German Shepherd because they heard the running. I just threw my hands up and shouted 'I'm scared' with I'm sure very panicked pre-amble. I had a shaky cup of tea after that and a guaranteed lift home after every night shift.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Here she goes, harping on about Hayley Williams again – yes. Hayley Williams. Because who wouldn't? And Elton John for the exact same reason.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I've been trying to convince my husband to live for six months in France at some point in our lives.
I started learning French when my youngest was born (four years now) and would love to immerse myself in the country so I can really hone the skill. And then repeat this process for every language I'd like to learn, ha!
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Hayley Williams: because I have always loved her music, and as I have grown older, I admire her even more for the strength she has in her convictions. I aspire to be the same.
Robin Williams: I knew him as an actor from 'Hook', 'Blubber' and 'Aladdin', and would have loved to have a conversation with him about creativity and comedy but also the darker side of what he was dealing with.
Jameela Jamil: Her unapologetic and unwavering pride in her beliefs, her accountability and her creativity. That would be an incredible table to sit at.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Once upon a time it was garlic bread, spaghetti and a Viennetta ice-cream at the end. Now, it would be any number of recipes from a Nagi Maehashi book – and still likely following it up with a Viennetta. Can't disrespect the classics.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover. I have two small-breed pooches at home that are pure chaos and snuggly love.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Billy Tea Campfire Brew. It's a very specific brand that seems to be disappearing from stores and I (and my whole family) will be devastated if it disappears forever.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last week, I like keeping active.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I'll take 'all of them' for 100 please, but if AI could take over the laundry that would be great.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Maybe, but not as a contestant. The editing and stress of competition would be the end of me.
If you could prank any of your friends, who’s your target, and how are you bringing them down? My favourite pranks are really stupid ones. One I did at work, that I'm particularly proud of, I used to swap the knives, forks and spoons around. I'd leave them for long enough, then swap them again.
I mentioned it to a friend at work and she got so mad because she couldn't work out why she kept pulling out the wrong utensil, and now she knew it was because of that stupid prank. It was beautiful.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? If you're going for a food coma, go to an Indian restaurant. Fill up on the delicious curry, naan and rice. You won't be able to stop and it'll feel like Christmas and a no regrets kind of regret.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Jess Day from 'New Girl'. She's a familiar mix of hopeful, nervous and chaotic. I'd also take Nick Miller from the same show, I think his reaction to seeing Prince feels right.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Nobody Wants This'.
