26: Alt. Down Under - Ella Thompson

About this episode

Ella Thompson discusses her musical career, influences, and passion for soul music.

Soul is having a moment right now. Acts like Joy Crookes over in the UK, Thee Sacred Souls stateside and right here in Australia, with Ella Thompson. The Melbourne-born artist drops by for a chat all about her wide-ranging musical career so far… featuring in bands, before going all-out as a solo artist whilst still collaborating A pretty cool journey for an artist who was in school bands with The Teskey Brothers! Ella sheds light on her “fascination” with music and, how being a fan and discovering new artists, fizzes her up to keep her love and joy for music on a constant upward swing. Plus, find out how her parents’ record collection and mentorship from Aussie soul icon, Renee Geyer, helped root her within soul and lead her down a path where her confidence as an artist now places her vocals front and centre. Turns out Ella was named after soul legend, Ella Fitzgerald. It was destiny! AND it’s free margaritas on tap as Ella builds her Dream Gig Venue!

People in this episode

Host: Alt. Down Under

Guest: Ella Thompson

Topics covered

• soul music
• artist journey
• music collaboration
• influences
• music discovery

Keywords

• Ella Thompson
• soul music
• music career
• The Teskey Brothers
• Renee Geyer
• music influences
• Dream Gig Venue

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Teskey Brothers

Places: Australia, Melbourne

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• 34: Alt. Down Under - Owelu Dreamhouse - “Black in Australia, White in Nigeria” · March 25, 2026 · 34 min
• 33: Alt. Down Under - Cut Copy - From Indie Sleaze, early 2000s nostalgia, to Golden Plains · February 20, 2026 · 34 min
• 32: Alt. Down Under - WILSN: Latest album, the importance of influences as a teenager and the quiet rise of Melbourne Soul · February 6, 2026 · 35 min
• 31: Alt. Down Under - Making Your Own Luck: The Bel Air Lip Bombs on Album Two · January 22, 2026 · 42 min
• 30: Alt. Down Under - These New South Whales - Sleepovers in adult life, new album, advice for upcoming artists · November 26, 2025 · 41 min
• 29: Alt. Down Under - Joy Crookes · November 12, 2025 · 49 min