15-year-old singer/songwriter Elan (pronounced Elle-Ann) Catrin Parry has the world at her talented feet and has become the first Welsh female artist since superstar Katherine Jenkins to sign to Decca Records.
Here we speak exclusively to Elan Catrin Parry about signing to Decca, 2018 plans and much, much more:
You have recently signed to Decca making you the first Welsh female singer to do so since Katherine Jenkins, how excited are you about that?
It’s so exciting! Its 15 years since Katherine Jenkins signed and now they have signed me. I can hardly believe it and I am still pinching myself.
How did signing to the record label come about?
I came second in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July 2016 and I didn’t know at the time, but Decca were watching. A few weeks later they got in touch and asked me to go for an audition in Cardiff and then I did 3 demo tracks.
How are you planning on juggling schoolwork with your singing career?
My exams are really important, so they will take priority. I have always sung and played music in my life anyway, so nothing will really change.
How has the reception been since you announced you are now signed to Decca?
It was only announced on Tuesday and the reaction has been amazing. Everyone from family and friends to Robat Arwyn who wrote the original of my single to complete strangers. Everyone has been really positive and supportive, and I am so grateful and would like to thank them for that.
What can we expect from your first single?
It’s a beautiful Welsh song called Anfonaf Angel. Robat Arwyn wrote the original melody and the lyrics are by Hywel Gwynfryn. It’s basically about a Guardian Angel that is sent when you are feeling down and sad. It’s out now so please have a listen. I’d love to hear what you think.
Do you have any plans to release and album soon?
There will be an announcement very soon on the album.
Would you like to tour in the near future?
Whatever we do has to fit in with my schoolwork, so any tours will need to be planned around this.
How would you describe your sound to new listeners?
I have a young, maybe fresh voice. People may disagree but to be honest I rarely listen to myself! I do know that on my adjudication remarks in past competitions it has been noted on numerous occasions that I have a ‘tinc arbennig’ to my voice – its means ‘unique tone’ in Welsh
When did you decide to pursue music as a career?
Is that what I am doing? The way I see it is that I have always loved to sing and want other people to enjoy my music too. If I can continue to do that, I will be happy.
What are your long-term career goals?
It is very early days and I just want to enjoy my music and make songs that other people get pleasure from listening to. If I can reach lots of people and make them happy through music and singing, then that seems like a worthwhile goal.
Make sure you follow Elan on Twitter @elancatrinparry to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
Did you enjoy our exclusive interview with Elan Catrin Parry? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @CelebMix.