Fresh from releasing her debut single – the hauntingly ethereal, dark-folk flavoured 'Killing Time' – last month, emerging Gympie singer-songwriter Elke Louie showcases her diverse creativity-skillset, with a self-directed music video to accompany the song.
Also a member of Hugo and the Hive, 'Killing Time' has so far clocked up 5k Spotify streams, with the music video racking top another 23k views.
Super impressive for an indie artist, who has already collaborated with established artists Jen Mize from The Rough And Tumble and Clare Quinn from Those Folk – both international touring musicians in their own right.
Elke delves into the process and her approach to making of video. "I've always loved film studies. Back in high school, making little scenes with my friends was great fun. So, when it came time to release 'Killing Time', I thought, 'why not try making my first real film clip myself'.
"I didn't have a budget. . . I'm still a teen about to start uni in February, but I had a vision and plenty of help from my partner, my mum, her 4k camera, and the kind of artistic enthusiasm a debut release can give you.
"Growing up in a small regional town teaches you to get creative with what you've got – everyone pitches in, everyone has a skill, and everyone wants to see each other shine.
"Like my other music project – Hugo and the Hive, indie rock band with my best friends – I really wanted the clip to feel like that: simple, honest, handmade.
"The best part was making it with my mum and my partner. We all had had so many fun ideas that ended up working so well. My partner was so keen to collaborate and jumped straight into editing with me. It became this beautiful, little creative project we all built together; there was a lot of editing and reediting but in the end, it became something I'm really proud of.
"The video reflects 'Killing Time' perfectly for me – quiet moments, little pauses, the parts of life that feel small but turn out to matter the most. We shot it around the places that feel like home and always will for me; places that probably wouldn't mean much to anyone else (in my neighbourhood and my favourite forest walk and rock pools) but mean everything to me."
Who is... I am Elke Louie, a singer-songwriter, indie folk artist. I started playing guitar and singing when I was about ten. I love to write songs with my friends and have just released my debut single 'Killing Time'.
I sound like... Gregory Alan Isakov, Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief, Faye Webster.
My first gig was... At the local open-mic nights in Gympie; my first paid gig was with my band when we were young; I think we were given a deal of $5 per song.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... My name is Elke, my middle name is Louise, and my friends call me Louie, so Elke Louie just felt like the natural option.
In the studio I usually... I don't have a whole lot of studio experience to be honest, recording with Those Folk at Mantle Records was the first time I stepped into a recording studio as a solo artist.
If I could tour with anyone... I would love to tour with one of my favourite bands, The Lumineers. They have been an influential sound in my musical journey and to share the stage with them would be a dream come true.
Social media is... Something I struggle with but I'm lucky enough to surrounded by people who are kind enough to show me the ropes.
My favourite app at the moment... After my first release, I have been checking my Spotify For Artist on my phone every five minutes, it's addictive.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... When my music teacher Mr Ward decided to crawl across the stage at a school performance to fix a lead. He did not try to hide it at all, and you could see my face going red from the back of the hall.
Life on the road can be... I haven't had a life on the road yet, but I'd imagine it would be the dream. Spending 100 per cent of my time performing and exploring new places is the ideal life for me.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... one mixed HSP would keep me coming back to that venue no matter what.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... For performing, definitely having a bad sound tech; it's an artist's worst nightmare.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Phoebe Waller-Bridge for sure. I am ridiculously obsessed and I think I would evaporate.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Greece with my mum. We've always wanted to go there; it is so beautiful.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Jeff Buckley, Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogan. For Jeff, obviously for the music. Keanu Reeves because I feel like he is just the nicest person ever. Seth Rogan, for the culture.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Banana pancakes with lemon and sugar.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love pets, I will be having multiple cats and dogs when I grow up; maybe some rats and ferrets as well.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Mango Magic Boost Juice.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Friday (who do you think I am?).
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Yard work, the bugs freak me out.
Do you have any phobias... Bugs. Too many childhood experiences of finding them on myself without warning.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Maybe 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians', but with my band 'Keeping Up With The Hive'.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Any of my band mates, and it would probably be a Pavlov situation, like every time they go to pee I'll hum a song, so that every time I hum they need to pee.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Brodies. So glad it's back.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I wish Mr. Peanutbutter was a better guy, because we are definitely the same when it comes to people pleasing.
Last show you binge-watched? 'House M.D.'. He's such a terrible person and I'm obsessed with the character arc.
