Despite her age, Ella Henderson has already made a remarkable career and artistic impact. In 2014, Ella Henderson released the fastest-selling debut song by a British artist from her debut single, “Ghost”, which was released at just 18 years old. In the same year, Ella’s debut album, Chapter One, became one of only three UK albums to achieve platinum status. Additionally, she was nominated for two BRIT awards, including Best British Female and Best British Single, as well as selling out two shows at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Earlier this month, Ella Henderson released a heroic anthem, ‘Brave’, that is an ode to reminding ourselves that we are not alone during our life struggles. As it is a song she had written for some time now with co-writers Jordan Riley and Jen Decilveo, the production of the track feels big, anthemic, and influences, listeners, to come together.
Everything I Didn’t Say
“I feel like this record is the perfect representative of me as an artist and also of the forthcoming album Everything I Didn’t Say,” Ella says. “It’s soulful with gospel elements and has a singalong chorus which is what I always aim for when I’m writing a single! I think the production is a good balance between keeping it quite stripped and organic sounding but with a touch of modern influences and sounds. But overall this song is all about the vocals and lyrics.”
The marvelous singer-songwriter also adds that she has learned a lot of new things when writing ‘Brave’, having to do with the small things in life.
“I think what I’ve learned is that it’s the small things we do in everyday life without even realizing that makes us truly brave within,” Ella explains. “Whether it’s pushing through when you want to give up, change careers, take a risk, chase your dreams, be yourself, or even down to caring for someone else and being there for them in a time of need. It all takes a lot of strength, which we often don’t credit ourselves enough for.”
“Brave”
“Brave” also provides an extremely touching and intense music video to pair with the track, as it features a deep and raw storyline. The singer-songwriter says that the music video means so much to her as she was simultaneously just trying to make it simple and raw.
“Plum, the director was brilliant and understood that it had to be a true and honest narrative from start to finish,” Ella explains. “For me, this song has always been a record that spoke to me and just made sense to my own life. I often have struggled with anxiety and battled with experiencing panic attacks and mental health issues in recent years. Therefore, I wanted to create a mini-movie and narrative-led story that helped people understand the true essence of the meaning of the song and also that feels down-to-earth and relatable. I would hope people can take some kind of relatability from the video and help them on their own journey. Also, I want this song and video to empower my fans and remind them that they aren’t alone and that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Watch the music video for “Brave” down below:
With the pandemic sweeping the globe, both 2020 and 2021 have been roller coaster rides for many. In Ella’s case, this meant making sure she allowed herself some time for herself within these past 18 months, even if it was just the tiniest things. This is something we can definitely identify with.
“I think the pandemic gave us an opportunity to hit pause, take a minute to breathe, and re-focus our energy towards the things that matter to us and ultimately what makes us truly happy,” she says.
Listen to the courageous anthem, “Brave” down below:
