BIGSOUND 2018 Artist Focus: Eliott

Give us a short description of your music: Elements of pop, folk and soul. The vocals and lyrics at the forefront with production acting as support.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? CLEWS, KAIIT, Gretta Stanley, JEFFE.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? When I played my first headline show, that was so surreal. Singing with Jack Grace at the Recital Centre Melbourne was a big highlight, that venue is phenomenal. Hearing my songs on the radio for the first time.

If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be? I'd tell her to trust her own judgement, in the way you write, and the way you make music. To care less about others opinions of you, about money, about being the best, and just to write music that makes you feel alive and hopefully makes others feel that way too.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? I like to think my lyrics are authentic, and there is strength in my voice. I love telling a story and making people feel something a little bit deeper - so I just hope I can experience that with the audience at BIGSOUND! (if they come and watch).

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I think it will just be a great opportunity to meet artists in the same situation as me, people with common ground, it's all gonna be one big learning experience!

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? Gender diversity is a big one.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? Girl boss singer-songwriters!

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 4 Sep, Heya Bar, 11.40pm; 5 Sep, Laruche, 11.30.