Ella Eyre: The Powerhouse Voice of UK Alternative R&B

Ella Eyre is a British singer and songwriter known for her commanding vocals and fusion of alternative R&B with soul and pop influences. Hailing from London, her career breakthrough came through high-profile collaborations, leading to a UK number-one single and a certified gold debut album.

Early career

Born Ella McMahon in 1994 in London, her musical journey began with classical training and stage school. She first gained industry attention after providing powerful guest vocals on Rudimental's 2013 drum and bass anthem Waiting All Night, which topped the UK Singles Chart.

Breakthrough

This collaboration propelled Eyre into the spotlight, earning her the 2014 BRIT Award for British Single of the Year. She capitalized on this momentum with her own EP, Deeper, in 2013, showcasing her robust, soul-inflected voice and paving the way for her debut album.

Key tracks

Waiting All Night (with Rudimental) - This chart-topping feature served as her explosive introduction to a mainstream audience.

Comeback - Her debut solo single established her signature sound of defiant, anthemic R&B with a powerful vocal delivery.

Together - This single, featuring a sample from The xx, highlighted her ability to blend electronic and soul elements seamlessly.

If I Go - A standout track that exemplifies her knack for crafting emotionally charged, soaring pop-R&B ballads.

Answerphone (with Banx & Ranx) - A later hit that demonstrated her continued relevance in the dance-pop and R&B crossover scene.

Her debut studio album, Feline, was released in 2015 and achieved gold certification in the UK. The record blended her soulful roots with contemporary pop and R&B production, solidifying her position as a distinct voice. Ella Eyre has continued to release music and collaborate with artists across genres, maintaining a presence known for its energetic live performances and vocal strength.

Fans of Ella Eyre's style of potent, soul-drenched alternative R&B may also appreciate the work of Jorja Smith, who shares a similar depth in lyrical storytelling and vocal texture. The contemporary soul approach of Mahalia also resonates with Eyre's blend of R&B and pop sensibility. Listeners might also connect with the genre-fluid sounds of RAYE, who explores similar intersections of pop, electronic, and R&B.