Ella Thompson - Omen (Single)
Following recent support from Craig Charles BBC6Music, for her last single 'Let There Be Nothing' Naarm/Melbourne soul luminary Ella Thompson announces the release of a new album ‘Ripple On The Wing’(set for release on 15th November 2024 via Hopestreet Recordings) as she returns with her new single 'Omen' , due for release on 13th September 2024. Reminiscent of an Italo-horror cinematic soundtrack as Ella's vocals flow on top, narrating a haunting tale of otherworldly warning, ‘Omen’ is a dark, piano-driven big beat soul cut complimented by a propulsive bass and heavy drum fills. Ultimately, Omen is a song about the force of love, especially when confronted with dark forces. It embodies the idea of letting love guide us forward through fear.
Ella expands “I was intrigued by the eerie supernatural elements present across 1960s/1970s Italian Giallo Films & Soundtracks, where characters are followed by ghosts or dark spirits, trying to bring them a message. This concept brought to mind a painting by my great-grandfather, Len Annois, made in the 1950s. The painting depicted a black swan in watercolour & charcoal, inspired by a real-life incident where a swan had died on power lines near his home & which became the subject of many of his paintings. I've always been drawn to this particular painting, which was stored unframed in a dusty stack for over 70 years before being found again. Additionally, the painting and its backstory reminded me of William Blake's poem, ‘Auguries of Innocence’, which explores augury, the ancient practice of observing bird behaviour to predict omens.”
Ella Thompson is a musician and songwriter whose work traverses the landscape of classic and contemporary soul music. Finding her place in the spaces in-between, Ella and her band weave cinematic textures and arrangements around her luminous voice and lyrics, creating a mesmerising, timeless synthesis of influences from the 60’s and 70’s. Similarly, Ella’s performances are acutely considered, embodying elements of visual art and costume and her band are consummate musicians at the forefront of Melbourne's soulful DIY nest. Inspired by icons like The Shangri-Las, Renee Geyer & contemporary artists, Thee Sacred Souls & Baby Rose; Ella’s songwriting draws from poetry, philosophy, and personal experience.
The song (like the album) is co-produced by Ella with Liam McGorry (Dorsal Fins, Saskwatch) & Henry Jenkins (Karate Boogaloo), with Henry at the controls both in the recording process & on the mix. The song is mastered by NYC legend Alex De Turk. The songs of Ripple on the Wing, are written & arranged by both Ella & Liam, the latter also featuring in the horn section alongside Cheryl Durongpisitkul’s rich saxophone. Surprise Chef’s Lachlan Stuckey & Jethro Curtin provide tremendously tasteful guitar & keyboards respectively, with Alex Roper & Tom Pettit locking it all down on the drums & bass, and Backing Vocals from Hiatus Kaiyote’s Jace XL. ‘Ripple on the Wing’ is warm, immediate & honest, a group of friends recording live in a room together.