Our latest feature for September 2025 is with Australian Singer-Songwriter Ella Edwards all about her new single ‘Limbo’. She also talks about the music scene in Australia and her overall approach to music making.

What can you tell us about the recording process for “Limbo”?

Ella: I created LIMBO with Hillary Bernstein and Micheal Kamerman at the beginning of this year. I’m really strong with my ideas and what I feel; I knew exactly what I wanted to say. “It’s called LIMBO” and I brought up an extensive list of things, people and feelings I had about where I was at in my short life. 

I had just graduated high school. I was terrified but so ready and determined to accomplish anything I could. I was constantly thinking about my future and ambitiously scared about what on earth I was going to do with my life. We worked in Micheal’s studio in LA for 7 hours that day. With about three rounds of uber eats, me blurting out every song I loved, and Hillary helping me form lyrics of exactly how I felt, we created limbo. But this recording process was truly global, back in Brisbane, Australia we continued to refine and mix the track via zoom and I filmed my content in Sydney with my Uncle Clark, Auntie Bec and the beautiful Sarah Laidlaw. 

How would you describe the style of music you perform?

Ella: I don’t want to confine my style to anything specific right now, I have just started this whole thing. Naturally and from LIMBO, it’s Pop, it’s fun. The tonality of my voice naturally leans into R&B and soul which I love. So even when doing pop, it has this smooth moody energy which is very me. I love stripped-back moments, layered dissonant harmonies and sounds that feel personal but hit hard. I do see R&B and hip-hop tracks in my future; I want to do everything. 

What can you tell us about the current music scene in Australia?

Ella: Right now, I’m in love with how diverse Australia has become in our music scene. Artists are mixing genres, culture and stories in a way I feel is so refreshing. There is this really strong DIY spirit and I feel I am surrounded by people who are just making it happen for themselves, no rules, gigs everywhere. We all come together to support each other in any way, no judgement, just create your thing. I really admire Jessica Mauboy and The Kid Laroi who have authentically paved the way for Aussies and shown how powerful and global Australian voices can be, especially when they stay true to their roots. 

I’m African American and Australian and I feel like I’m adding something new to this mix of artists. I want to blend international sounds with my own story and background. It’s so exciting to be a part of a scene that’s evolving rapidly and full of possibilities. 

Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?

Ella: Vocally, I’ve always been obsessed with Sade and her emotion-heavy, rich vocals, Lauryn Hill’s soul, SZA’s sonic palette, and Billie Eilish because she is literally Billie EILISH! Culturally I’m super inspired by the new popstars that are crushing it today in the industry. Katseye, Adéla, and Addison Rae. Aaaaaa. They’re not just dropping incredible music—they’re building these whole worlds around it and that’s why we love them. The visuals, their energy, but most importantly for me, I admire their powerful female creative control. They are fearless and fun but intentional. 

When people listen to your music, what are you hoping they get out of it?

Ella: I think we are all in limbo. It’s our present. We are all leaving some place or thing that was in our past (good or bad) and looking to something we want in the future, but not exactly sure how we are going to get there. Limbo is for the people who are stuck, or feel they are. In liminal spaces, looking out the window of a train at 6pm going home, staring out of your window watching cars drive down your street, dreaming of what you will become. You are alone. But you are strong. You are dreaming, or wishing, or praying whatever you want—but manifesting this future you will create for yourself. 

If you feel lost, reflective or in-between things. I’m in Limbo and that’s so exciting! I wrote from a real place in my heart and still resonate with the song now. If my music can help someone process what they’re going through with a bopping beat, or even just offer a chill moment of clarity, that would mean everything to me!

_

Listen to “Limbo” here
Follow Ella Edwards: Instagram
Follow Popternative Magazine: Instagram