Hussy

Photo: Chris Pawlusek

Name, where are you from?
Sophie Nicole Ellison aka Hussy and I’m from the complete middle of nowhere in the North East of England, Northumberland. I now live in South East London!

Describe your style in three words?
Bargain bucket vintage with a trash flash.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Of recent gigs, I loved Body/Head at Cafe Otto earlier this year and Weyes Blood at The Dome was also incredible when she brought her gothic medieval stage show for the Front Row Seat to Earth tour.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Probably Sonic Youth and Ariel Pink.

Which Subcultures have influenced you?
NYC Punk in the '70s and New Wave I loved as a teenager, I read that book 'The Oral History' and it seemed like such a unique time. New Wave fashion of the '80s also inspires me a lot. The whole '90s Alternative scene really struck a chord with me growing up, and when everyone I knew was into Emo, I was trying to find the most nerdy obscure '90s alt bands. I think having grown up in such an isolated place, feeling like your connected to a scene even if it isn’t in your immediate surroundings is important.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
My ma, she’s a badass.

Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I really enjoyed playing at YES in Manchester earlier this year when we played with Lala Lala, was just such a cool vibe and everyone was so enthusiastic about music. Elsewhere in Margate is also great and has a lovely community of people there.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Kim Gordon, the fact she continually changes path and evolves her career as she gets older is so inspiring. I’d also say Juliana Hatfield has been somewhat of an underdog and a heroine of mine growing up. She just keeps doing her thing and releasing albums and there’s a sense of humour to what she does despite some themes being quite personal or hard-hitting. I found it really inspiring as a teenager when I got into her and the album 'Made in China', She pretty much did it herself and thought that was so punk.

Multi-instrumentalist, Sophie Nicole Ellison, moved from her native North East England to London, playing drums for various bands and working as a studio engineer. During this time, she started writing for her solo persona HUSSY, her avant-garde dream-pop project.

HUSSY's latest single 'YLMD' is out now.