Ellis J Barraclough In Conversation With FAULT Magazine

At just 19, Ellis J Barraclough is emerging as one of the UK’s most promising young singer-songwriters. Following the success of debut single Patience, Ellis returns with Blasphemy, a track inspired by moments of inner conflict. With upcoming live shows in Hull and Manchester, and a festival slot on the horizon, Ellis J Barraclough sat down with FAULT Magazine to discuss his inspirations and of course, his FAULTs.

FAULT Magazine: What inspired Blasphemy?
Ellis J Barraclough: Blasphemy was inspired by my surroundings and situation at the time. But the song itself was roughly inspired by Everlong by the Foo Fighters, in terms of chord progression.

FAULT Magazine: You’ve said ‘Blasphemy’ came from a time of confusion and unanswered questions. Looking back now, what clarity (if any) have you found through the process of writing and releasing it?
Ellis J Barraclough: Writing music is a coping mechanism for me, so by completing and fully recording the song after I write it, it relaxes me and helps me understand that little bit more about myself. So yes, actually completing the song itself gives me the most clarity and closure.

FAULT Magazine: You started writing songs at twelve. What do you think that younger version of yourself would say if they heard your music today?
Ellis J Barraclough: I think of this question myself on occasion, and I can always picture not being able to believe it. In the most humble way, I mean, I love my music and the process it takes to get it there, so I can picture that little kid being overwhelmed with joy.

FAULT Magazine: How has growing up in a musically active family impacted your view of success in the industry?
Ellis J Barraclough: It has impacted it in a way that I know—God forbid—it doesn’t work out the way we planned, I’ll always have my family here to fall back on. But at the same time, it’s my family that are pushing me and cheering me on.

FAULT Magazine: You’ve described your voice as having a “bright pop edge,” yet there’s a real weight behind your lyrics. Do you write more from lived experience or use songwriting to imagine other emotional realities?
Ellis J Barraclough: My lyrics come from a mixture of fact and fiction. It all depends on the tone of the song. I love to be descriptive in my words but also comical and storytelling. Half of my lyrics just come to me without having to think for too long, and at the end of the day, the tone of the music will always influence the outcome of my words. Sometimes I get bored talking about myself and just ramble on about something random.

FAULT Magazine: Do you feel different creatively in front of a camera for your music videos versus a live crowd?
Ellis J Barraclough: Yes, it’s a very different feeling. When you can see everyone in front of you, it’s more comfortable for me. But when I look into a camera, it’s like I can see everyone in the world—anybody can see that video. But in a live crowd, the experience leaves with the people in that room.

FAULT Magazine: When you’re writing, do you think more about what you want to express or how your audience might feel when they hear it? Has that balance shifted over time?

Ellis J Barraclough: These are great questions. I try to be true to myself and just write from the heart without caring too much how the audience may take it, as everything is up for interpretation. However, I do also try to appease the audience, but I think that feels more like a conscience, and I always talk myself into just writing from me and my brain. Sometimes I change a lyric that just sits a little too personally.

FAULT Magazine: What is your FAULT?
Ellis J Barraclough: My flaw is that I sometimes forget how much I can impress myself and sometimes go days without picking up the guitar, just for me to write something and get straight back into the flow of it.