Ella Haber Moments Between Dreams (Clear)

Multi-talented Eora-based artist, Ella Haber's highly-anticipated upcoming EP, 'Moments Between Dreams’ is out 16 February via Soul Has No Tempo.
Written by Haber and co-produced with longtime collaborator, Yianni Adams (Kyoshi), the EP is a beautiful journey of discovery, the artist opening herself up into intimate new worlds both musical and emotional. A six-track record that follows Haber through a myriad of awakenings, the songs were all written and conceptualised on pianos in bedrooms. The intimacy and quietness of these spaces, combined with the emotional resonance of her treasured instrument, shaped the album's soft and close-knit atmosphere.
A treasured collection of songs that poured out in the warmer months of 2021-2022 with urgency and passion, Ella reflects: “I needed to release myself from my own numbness, isolation, inactivity and loneliness induced by successive lockdowns, a long-term relationship coming to a close and a disconnection from my own body and heart.”
“As soon as lockdown ended, I found new love, threw myself into activism and connected deeply with new friends for the first time in years. I felt a profound hope for the future, and I felt a restlessness to dive into the next chapter of my life with all senses open and alive with feeling.”
The record is a maturation in songwriting and production for Haber, a classically-trained pianist, trumpet player and vocalist, beginning her musical training at just 5 years of age. A stunning follow-up to her 2019 debut ‘Clay’, which received critical acclaim and support both home and abroad, ‘Moments Between Dreams’ displays a bare honesty and vulnerability in both songwriting and production with Ella taking the lead in creating the soundscapes and arrangements to accompany the stories. “It represents a maturation in songwriting and production for me as an artist. I feel the scope of my songwriting has expanded significantly on this record, much past the confines of Clay. The record draws from folk, indie, pop and rock but still to me is founded in the bedrock of soul and jazz.“
Completing production across 3 years via lockdown Zooms and in Yianni’s studio, the pair then called upon the expertise of producer/engineer extraordinaire Nick Herrera (Hiatus Kaiyote, Danika Smith, Hannah Macklin, Miss Kaninna) to engineer, mix and master the record. Label manager Gavin Boyd adds “Nick has a proven track record of creating very special dream-like worlds and sonic landscapes through his engineering and recording techniques - bringing a unique life and soul to songs. Engaging him to add the final touches to Ella’s stories was a no-brainer for us”
The lead single, 'My Father' sets the tone for the EP, delving into themes of familial love. Dedicated to her dad, ‘My Father’ is a tender tribute and acknowledgment - how we can overcome intergenerational trauma to show up with boundless and unconditional love for our families. A testament to her ability to convey profound emotions through her music, she compliments the song with a delicate arrangement of strings and a chanting choir that builds an emotive foundation beneath her soulful vocals, supported by a groove-driven live sound and vintage drum tones.
Since the 2019 release of her debut EP ‘Clay’, Ella has reinforced her ability to communicate and forge connections through her music, imbuing her live performances with a spellbinding magic. Earning recognition from UK tastemakers, Ella was the sole representative from Sydney invited to perform at Gilles Peterson's inaugural ‘We Out Here’ festival in London. Her talent was further highlighted when Jamz Supernova (BBC 1XTRA/Future Bounce) selected her for an exclusive London headline showcase alongside Soul Has No Tempo label-mate Tiana Khasi.
She has become an in-demand support act for esteemed internationals, recently opening for Emma-Jean Thackeray, Kamaal Williams, Julien Dyne & Lord Echo (Aotearoa), and local legends, Surprise Chef and Ngaiire. As part of Vivid's 2023 program, Ella played the prestigious Sydney Opera House, supporting jazz phenom Alfa Mist and the improv wizards, Swooping.
In a genre and society where identity faces increasing scrutiny, Ella strives to carve out a space for reclamation and self-celebration through music. 'Moments Between Dreams' represents a refined and evolved expression of her artistry.