Interview: Ellee Duke Finds the Strength to Rise Above With “Fragile”

Nashville-based singer/songwriter Ellee Duke’s empowering song “Fragile” is the ultimate track for the beaten down and underestimated.

Stream: “fragile” – Ellee Duke

We all root for the underdog. We cheer as they prove everyone wrong and stand up to their bullies.

There are iconic movie scenes that represent this, like the one from Legally Blonde. After Elle Woods is embarrassed at a costume party, she is determined to show her Harvard peers her smarts. Joanna Pacitti’s powerful, confident anthem “Watch Me Shine” plays in the background and the viewer is immediately pumped and inspired. Ellee Duke’s “Fragile,” though not as upbeat, evokes that same type of feeling. The courageous single provides a sense of not backing down no matter how much they try to break you. It’s the relatable ode to sticking up for yourself we all need to hear.

fragile - Ellee Duke — fragile – Ellee Duke

The Utah-born, Nashville-based artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur takes her real life experiences and stunningly conveys them in her songs. Growing up in Salt Lake City in a Mormon household, she often felt weighed down by the strict confines of the religion. Now she is holding nothing back. Duke has a rare gift, allowing herself to be intimate and dive into complex emotions. Releases like “FU It’s Over” and “People Pleaser” do exactly that. “Fragile” is another offering where she fully opens up. We are hypnotically pulled in.

Her warm, fiery vocals fiercely sing, “Hanging by a thread I won’t unravel. Shatter me, but I’ll still keep the glass full. Throw your sticks and stones up in a castle. How’s that for fragile.” The singer has admitted others pick on her and see her as a delicate weakling. Lines like this show she is anything but. For anyone who has been counted out or miscalculated this is the track for you.

Atwood Magazine spoke with Duke about bullying, prominent musical collaborations, and more. Read our interview below, and stream “Fragile” out now!

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:: stream/purchase Fragile here ::

:: connect with Ellee Duke here ::

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A CONVERSATION WITH ELLEE DUKE

Atwood Magazine: You have a powerfully fierce yet delicate sound. The juxtaposition is wholly captivating. How was your unique style conceived?

Ellee Duke: That is such a compliment thank you. I love the concept of juxtaposition but I don’t intentionally chase that… I want my music to come from the most real place possible, and I think what allows it to happen very naturally is when the goal is to evoke emotion.

Your latest release “Fragile” is a deeply inspiring anthem for all the people pleasers and “pushovers” who are tired of getting bullied and tossed aside. Can you explain this track in more detail?

Ellee Duke: I’ve had different experiences with bullies from when I was in elementary school and all the boys made fun of me because I was taller than them, to leaving the Mormon church and having my own family members become the bully. This year specifically I had to part ways with someone and afterwards they decided to attack me in different ways for the majority of this year. I think what I’ve learned throughout my experiences is you can’t let someone control who you are, or how you feel. It’s a massive waste of my time and energy. How someone treats you is a direct reflection of how they feel about themself. So I write songs about it, thank them for the inspiration, and move the hell on.

You mention others saw you as weak and fragile and when you finally got the courage to stand up for yourself, you were badly bullied. What advice would you give to others who are scared to speak up about their own bullying?

Ellee Duke: The biggest fuel for a bully is silence. They’re typically terrified of people knowing just how much of a bully they are. The more you can start to reach out for support from people you trust, the less power and influence they will have on you. Get away from them as quickly as possible is my advice.

Your stunning piece is all about staying true to yourself. What has allowed you to remain so grounded?

Ellee Duke: It’s a daily struggle if I’m being honest. But it’s like anything, the more you build the muscle the easier it is to snap back into. Over the years I’ve had to build that muscle so even when I have bad days, I can find a way back to my center. A lot of practice and patience, and also giving myself a lot of grace.

You have previously joined forces with greats like Lukas Graham and JLO. What led to those iconic collaborations?

Ellee Duke: I wrote a song that the band Walk Off The Earth heard, and then Lucas’ team also heard, and they all loved it. They ended up cutting the song and releasing it together. I have a song I wrote that JLO cut years ago. It’s still on hold with her. That’s very much how this industry goes. Things happen and then can be stuck in a pipe or never happen at all, but the fact her voice is on a song I wrote is incredible and such a win to me.

If you could partner with any artist or band of your choosing on a release, who would that be?

Ellee Duke: Oh man, that is difficult. I’m a massive fan of Justin Bieber and also Post Malone. To do a song with either, I would be deceased. Chappell Roan or Benson Boone would also be up there for me.

You have a large social media presence with 13M views on TikTok, and 25M streams internationally. What would you say to other up and coming talents who are also looking to build their audience?

Ellee Duke: BE YOURSELF. When I start trying to be someone else or be “trendy,” it becomes so miserable. It can be very overwhelming and takes a TON of work, but consistency and finding ways to make it fun for yourself and the audience changes everything.

Speaking of your audience, what is something you hope your fans can really take away from your music?

Ellee Duke: I hope they heal by listening to my music or feel less alone? This world is rough and life can be super hard. I hope to be someone whose music helps people on their hardest days.

Finally, who are some artists on your recent playlist you can recommend to our readers?

Ellee Duke: Rachel Chinouriri, Remi Wolf, Trella, Debbi Dawson, Goldford, Flowerovlove

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