Ella Tiritiello‘s “Younger” offers a poignant narrative of adolescence’s fleeting moments. Released on Oct. 20, the track distills the essence of her swift journey from small-town obscurity to the glaring spotlight of fame. With rich, melodic vocals, the Swedish singer-songwriter encapsulates the universal trials of teenage life, reflecting a maturity that belies her 17 years.
The single resonates with Ella’s personal evolution, marked by her defining 2021 tribute to Avicii. The performance catapulted her from local anonymity to a recognized talent on the cusp of stardom. “Younger” similarly touches on the whirlwind of change, delivering a sound that’s both raw and polished.
In her own words, Ella confronts her transformed existence: “Sometimes I think about what a special teenage life I have. From one day to another, my life changed drastically when I went from being just a ‘normal 14-year-old’ from a small town in Sweden to all of a sudden getting lots of attention, thousands of new followers, performing in front of tens of thousands and get to meet and work with some of my biggest idols.”
She adds, “It’s been an amazing journey but a new reality to which I’m still adapting. Some days, I wish I could go back to the time before or fast forward so I have a few more years of experience. That’s what ‘Younger’ is about for me, growing up.” Since her auspicious debut, Ella has graced stages alongside Zara Larsson and Nile Rodgers, indicating her escalating influence in the pop genre.
Ella Tiritiello’s upcoming EP heightens anticipation for what’s next, with “Younger” serving as a tantalizing preview. Below, she spoke to us about her introduction to the genre, dream collaborations, and her evolution.
For those unfamiliar, can you tell us more about yourself and how you got into music?
Absolutely! My name is Ella Tiritiello, I’m 17 years old and from a small town in Sweden. I grew up in a music-loving family, where my mom, dad, and both grandfathers all used to perform in some way. I, however, had stage fright and had never let anyone hear me sing until I was 13 (I used to sing for myself in my bedroom only). After posting a video of me singing (without showing my face) on social media, I got an internship at a studio in Stockholm.
During my week there I recorded ‘For A Better Day’ with Avicii, without knowing why. A few months later, I found out that Avicii’s dad Klas had heard that version and wanted me to perform it for a campaign his foundation ‘Tim Bergling Foundation’ did for mental health. After that tribute came out, my life completely changed. I got lots of new followers from around the world, got to perform in Sweden’s biggest arena, Avicii Arena, and a record deal.
Now I’m releasing my own music, and earlier this year, I released my debut EP the youth, emotions and everything in between.
Your debut single, “Say Something,” dropped a bit over a year ago. What’s changed since then, both personally and musically?
A lot! I think Say Something was actually the first song (after For A Better Day) that I ever recorded in a studio, so everything was completely new for me. I feel more confident now in myself and my music. Since then, I’ve also needed to work a lot on my stage fright. I’ve been invited to perform at some big venues and events, which has been very good for me to grow more confident. Although I still think it’s so scary to perform live, haha…
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from that first release?
To believe in yourself! If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s hard for anyone else to do it. And also to push yourself to do things even though they really scare you. You’ll always manage, and you’re so proud of yourself afterward!
Not to mention, you’re still only 17 years old and already doing so well. How is it to be a young, upcoming artist in the industry?
It’s exciting and scary at the same time. I think this is a scary age as it is. You’re experiencing things for the first time; you’re trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. So, at the same time, putting yourself out there and being an artist can feel scary. I’ve had anxiety about social media and what others will think of me and my music, but it’s getting better and better! At the same time, I feel so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and actually being able to do what I love.
Earlier this month, you dropped a new single called “Younger” — what inspired that song?
Younger is for me about growing up. It can be a confusing time, and some days I wish I could go back to the time before when you had zero obligations or fast forward, so you got a few more years of experience.
It’s the second standalone record that’s come out since the youth, emotions and everything in between. Is there a sound you want to explore more in the future?
Yes, for sure, I love this sound that Younger and my upcoming EP has. I love to mix ballads and more uptempo songs, which is what I’ll be doing more of.
You’re also part of this new generation of artists that can completely rely on the internet, whether it be collaboration or connecting with fans. Who are some of your peers that inspire you?
Zara Larsson is a huge inspiration for me. I love her sound and everything about her. It’s also very inspiring for me to watch the journey she’s made, starting off at a young age as me.
I’m listening to and getting inspired by so many different artists and genres, though. My playlists go from Nessa Barrett to Arctic Monkeys to Brent Faiyaz. Imagine me and Brent Faiyaz in a collaboration. That would be so cool!
