British singer-songwriter Elly Jackson of La Roux discusses her plans to perform in the U.S. again and her upcoming album.
Fiery Comeback:
Elly Jackson, aka La Roux, is gunning for a blazing return to the spotlight this weekend, as she kicks off a month-long residency in Los Angeles. It's been over a decade since the English electronic pop sensation last performed stateside, and she's as eager as ever to get back in the game.
"I can't wait to perform again, to revisit the old classics," says Jackson, who burst onto the scene with her groundbreaking self-titled debut album in 2009. "Ten years is a long time, but I'm ready to bring it."
Throughout her career, La Roux has been known for her electrifying synthpop tunes and androgynous charm. Her live gigs have varied from solo shows to appearances with acts like New Order and festival spots such as Governors Ball and Glastonbury. Not to mention, she snagged a Grammy in 2011 for Best Dance/Electronic Album for her debut record.
Now, La Roux's comeback doesn't just serve as a treat for her American fans - it's also a sneak peek of new music from her upcoming album, yet to be officially announced. This residency could very well be the launch pad for her next era.
"This album has a distinctly American influence," Jackson, a London native, states. "It feels more at home here. I've peppered in plenty of U.S. references in the lyrics and the visuals. Plus, L.A. has always been a welcoming place for me. This is where the vibe of this album should be."
When it comes to performing in front of American audiences versus British crowds, Jackson notes a clear difference. "People in the U.S. are more eager to connect with you," she explains. "They appreciate the conversation-starters, which translates on stage and results in a warmer response from the audience."
In creating her new album, Jackson wrote around 80-90% of the material herself before bringing in her trusted collaborator, Sean Oakley, based in L.A. "We mixed Supervision together," she says. "I wanted to spend some time in L.A. to allow the record to absorb its surroundings. I feel like the American production influences have given this album a unique twist."
As for the upcoming record, Jackson promises more straightforward lyrics compared to her previous work. "This time around, it's more about clarity and transparency than hiding behind metaphors. It's a very honest, but fun record. I've even dabbled in character development, but maintained a level of sincerity."
La Roux's long-awaited return coincides with the 15th anniversary of her debut album, which catapulted her into fame and resonated with the '80s synthpop wave. "It's strange to see how much time has elapsed," Jackson reflects. "I remember being part of rave culture and merging that with old references when La Roux first started. I wanted it to be more than just a passing trend, a crossover record - which is hard to achieve now. It's a different world."
La Roux's second album, Trouble in Paradise, released in 2014, strayed from the classic synthpop sound, embracing funk influences and experimenting with genres like Chic-styled funk. However, the departure of her original collaborator and move away from major labels was not without challenges.
"There was tension around Trouble in Paradise, but I'm proud of it," she admits. "I feel like it's grown on me over the years. I revisited some of the tracks while rehearsing for the residency, and I still love them."
La Roux's third album, Supervision, came out in 2020 through her own label, and its standout track, "Gullible Fool," showcased the evolution of her sound. "I was coming up to another five-year gap between albums, and I knew I couldn't do it again," she says. "I'd just come out of a long relationship, and I needed to pour everything out. 'Gullible Fool' reflects that growth and introspection."
While the L.A. shows are the only ones scheduled so far, Jackson is eager to book future gigs. "I know fans have been clamoring for me to come to their cities," she says. "Trust me, I want to satisfy their cravings. This residency is simply the beginning. I'm experimenting with different settings and curious to see how well the new tracks translate live. I'd love to try a residency in New York, in Paris - there's a lot of potential for that, but I'm open to exploring different approaches."
Don't Miss Out:Catch La Roux at one of the following Los Angeles performances:
- March 15 at Sun Rose
- March 22 at Peppermint Club
- March 29 at Moroccan Lounge
- April 5 at El Cid
- After a hiatus spanning over a decade, musicians like Ellly Jackson, known as La Roux, are getting ready for a comeback, starting with a month-long residency in Los Angeles.
- Having residency in Los Angeles, La Roux may be presenting a sneak peek of her upcoming album, with American influences woven into the lyrics and visuals, as she states.
- While performing in the United States, musicians like La Roux notice a difference in the audience's enthusiasm, resulting in warmer responses during concerts.