El Tee Keep Walking Interview

El Tee Releases New Single Keep Walking

Californian-Melbournian artist El Tee – the moniker of Lauren Tarver – has been building a devoted following amongst Melbourne's thriving music scene since 2018. El Tee has quickly positioned herself as much more than just an honest and vulnerable songwriter. She demands attention as she marries her dark-mood lyrics with a blanket of sonic warmth and intimacy – an unassuming pair that sits comfortably between the ebbs and flows of energy in her songs. Releasing her debut single 'Hold On' and B-side 'Inside' to a reception of open arms in 2018, El Tee followed up with a new, refined sound and a much anticipated single, 'How I Like It' in August 2019 and celebrated with her first headline show in a packed room at the Gasometer upstairs. Now she is excited to share her latest energetic single 'Keep Walking'.

Through layered guitars and punching progressions, 'Keep Walking' exhibits a dynamic force that settles in the heart of introspective pop. 'Keep Walking' is lyrically and sonically a cry towards the frustration of emotional accountability – or lack thereof. El Tee's honest refrains are embedded in warm chords and visceral melodies that find listeners yearning for more. Recorded and mixed by Andrew McEwan (Huntly, Gregor), 'Keep Walking' is an investigation into how to find closure and move on with not only peace of mind, but also dignity.

"Stuck in limbo between wanting closure and never getting it, 'Keep Walking' begs you to look inward and move on. It poses the tough questions of vulnerability with the risk of leaving them unanswered: Why do we stick around for those who don't deserve it? Why are we ashamed of how we feel? Why is it so difficult for others to confront their own emotions? 'Keep Walking' captures the frustration of having to do all the emotional labour alone. It's an inner monologue, a solitary debate between rational and reality and how to resolve the unresolved. And yet it always comes back to a simple conclusion: trust your gut, and trust yourself." – El Tee

El Tee has been compared to the likes of Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, and her songs have drawn dedicated community radio support (3RR, PBS, FBi, 4zz, 2ser). El Tee is a captivating live performer whose authentic lyricism finds new life on stage. Her songs saunter through chilling, intimate moments, and then drive hard and fast straight into the pit of your heart – all within the same few minutes. Now backed by a four-piece band, El Tee has supported the likes of Ryan Downey, Clea, and Freya Josephine Hollick and has graced lineups alongside artists such as Julia Jacklin, Elizabeth and Jade Imagine. Playing various local festivals such as Music That Matters Bushfire Benefit and Leaps and Bounds Music Festival, El Tee has been steadily gathering a wake of dedicated music lovers in tow.

El Tee 'Keep Walking' single

Interview with El Tee (Lauren Tarver)

Question: How would you describe your music?

Lauren Tarver: Emotional rock.


Question: Can you tell us about Keep Walking?

Lauren Tarver: Like many of the song I was writing at the time, Keep Walking is about acknowledging the shame felt in the breakdown of the relationship, and trying to create a new narrative of validity and empowerment.


Question: What inspired Keep Walking?

Lauren Tarver: Quite literally, the confusion I felt when I was left alone to find closure. When writing this song and looking back, I realised that I should have saw it coming – or rather, I did see it coming, but didn't want to believe it.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Lauren Tarver: People are shit and it's not your fault. Also, your feelings are valid.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Lauren Tarver: Both, they're different and exciting in their own ways.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Lauren Tarver: Keep Walking, it's always a fun one to play with the band.


Question: What should we expect from your upcoming shows?

Lauren Tarver: Full band goodness and a few newbies that I'll play solo. Our band keeps getting better the longer we play together, and that's always exciting. Also, I've been trying to learn how to head bang (at appropriate times). Stay tuned.

Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Lauren Tarver: Blink-182.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Lauren Tarver: Honestly, the physicality of playing the guitar and singing; watching and listening to music always amps me up to play and write, as well.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Lauren Tarver: Weyes Blood, Hand Habits and Merpire.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Lauren Tarver: The love of songwriting, performing and creating.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Lauren Tarver: Probably just my friends at this moment and I'm excited to work on new songs with my band.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Lauren Tarver: The financial viability of pursuing music.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Lauren Tarver: During release cycle, I wake up early to write or respond to emails. Then I go to work. When I come home I'm usually am too tired to do any music admin, but I'll always pick up the guitar to rehearse or write, even if it's for five minutes.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Lauren Tarver: Having people relate to the songs I write.


Question: What's next, for you?

Lauren Tarver: Releasing more music and going on tour – soon.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Lauren Tarver: @elteeeee
Facebook.com/elteemusic/
https://www.elteemusic.co/


Interview by Brooke Hunter