In the realm of folk music, new talents often emerge with stories that resonate deeply with listeners. One such artist is Elanor Moss a London-based singer-songwriter whose music is gaining recognition for its emotional depth and poetic storytelling. Her upcoming debut album, The Knife, The Needle set for release on August 21st via Merge Records, is a testament to her unique musical journey.
Elanor Moss’s musical roots trace back to her upbringing in a creative and devoutly Catholic family. Homeschooled during her early years, she was immersed in nature, reading, and music. Her initial musical experiences were at church events, but her path took a significant turn when she left the faith and began writing her own songs while studying English literature in York. It was during this period that she discovered the works of Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles which profoundly influenced her songwriting.
The Evolution of Elanor Moss’s Musical Career
Moss’s musical career began to take shape when she met producer Oli Deakin who offered to record her first EP, Citrus. This collaboration led her to New York City, where she started building a sense of community. Between her EPs Citrus (2026) and Cosmic (2026), Moss toured with notable artists such as Christian Lee Hutson, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, and LYR and performed at prestigious events like Pitchfork London, Green Man Festival, and Mosely Folk.
The creation of The Knife, The Needle was a complex journey for Moss. She found herself adrift from her music, seeking a sound that felt authentic. ‘Nothing felt right,’ she recalls, ‘so I took the pressure off myself and tried to calibrate my relationship with songwriting and music.’ The three years she spent writing the songs for this album led her back to her roots, focusing on the music that truly resonated with her.
The Making of The Knife, The Needle
The album’s press release provides insight into Moss’s creative process. Initially recording an entirely different version of the album in New York City, she felt drawn to a quieter, weirder, more English sound. This led her to rerecord the album with a new ensemble and producer/engineer Pete Miles. The result is a collection of songs that capture the fleeting and honest moments where love, for better or worse, changes someone.
The album’s title track, Fixer is a poignant exploration of the dual nature of love. Moss grapples with the idea that love can both heal and harm. The chorus, ‘Somewhere, deep down / I’m afraid that if you show me the knife / I might use it on you babe,’ shifts from the fear of being harmed to the possibility of using the knife to stitch wounds together. This metaphorical depth is a hallmark of Moss’s songwriting.
The Musical Ensemble and Tour Dates
The album features a talented ensemble, including Matthew Herd on saxophone, Marcus Hamblett on flugel horn, Jools Owen on tenor horn, Reid Jenkins on fiddle, and Andrew Stuart-Buttle on violin. The collaboration of these artists has resulted in a rich, opulently rendered sound that complements Moss’s vulnerable and patient lyrics.
Elanor Moss will be embarking on a tour to promote The Knife, The Needle with dates in the US and UK. Highlights include performances at Rough Trade Denmark St in London, The Attic in Leeds, and Nightclub 101 in New York City. Fans can look forward to experiencing the emotional depth of her music live.
To connect with Elanor Moss and listen to her music, visit her websiteYouTube channel or explore her work on platforms like SpotifyApple Music and Bandcamp. The Knife, The Needle is set to release on August 21st, and it promises to be a captivating addition to the folk music landscape.
