Ella Hooper Drops Stomping New Single ‘I Got Eyes (On You)’
The release follows last year’s single ‘Growing Up Is Hard To Do’.
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Ella Hooper has embraced country music with her latest release ‘I Got Eyes (On You)’ – a foot-stomping, bootscooting three and a half minutes of outback bliss that’s sure to have crowds kicking up their heels with joy.
Describe in press material as “an Americana response to Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’, the song ushers in a new chapter for Hooper.
“‘I Got Eyes (On You)’ is the next step in sharing this new era,” says Hooper. “I’m pushing the boundaries of what Americana means to me, including more of the diverse flavours I love, like the Cajun and Zydeco elements here. From the crazy playing on it, to the production, to the cheeky lyrics - I’m really proud of it”
The single was written and recorded in Nashville with acclaimed songwriter Melody Walker and features Sheryl Crow’s drummer Fred Eltringham, Tom “Uncle Larry” Bukovac on guitar, Rachel Loy (Willie Nelson, Vince Gill) on bass and Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor’s pedal steel player Dan Dugmore. A notable Melbourne-based addition to the track was Flora Smith, squeeze box virtuoso and granddaughter-in-law of Australian music pioneers, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean.
“I’ve wanted to record in Nashville since I was a kid reading my parents’ record liner notes, seeing the city’s name pop up again and again,” says Hooper. “Seems like every great singer-songwriter from Dylan to CMAT has their Nashville record, and I felt ready for mine. Being there so much these last few years, I feel plugged into a community — especially in East Nashville — that feels like a perfect chrysalis for my musical evolution.”
‘I Got Eyes (On You)’ is accompanied by a music video shot in and around the iconic North Eastern Hotel in Euroa, directed by Hooper’s long-time photographic collaborator, Laura May Grogan, and shot by Indigo Tait-Atkin.
“I’ve been wanting to do a live performance clip for ages, as playing with my band is such a big part of what I do,” beams Hooper. “Laura and Indi encouraged me to bring my authentic energy and yes, my silliness to the fore. Working with a tight crew of young female creatives on something so badass was honestly pretty special. Everyone burned the midnight oil to get it done, including calling in favours from my country friends for catering and cameos. This a window into my actual reality. Just add dancing on top of cars, being a bar-wench and bringing the razzle dazzle to a 1880s Victorian era pub – which I definitely don’t do every weekend!”
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As the frontperson of alt-rockers Killing Heidi, Hooper became a household name when the band’s 2000 debut album Reflector topped the charts and took home four ARIA Awards.
Two more Killig Heidi albums followed before Hooper went solo, releasing her debut studio album In Tongues in 2014 and following up with Small Town Temple in 2023, which was nominated for the Australian Music Prize.
Now splitting her time between Melbourne and Nashville, Hooper is ready to show fans a new side to her music as she adds a country twang to her sound.
‘I Got Eyes (On You)’ by Ella Hooper is out now. Listen here.
