ELLA HOOPER UNLEASHES A BOLD BARROOM ANTHEM WITH NEW SINGLE I GOT EYES (ON YOU)
Ella Hooper storms into a new musical chapter with her fiery single I Got Eyes (On You), released today nationwide. The track delivers a bold, barroom energy built on stomping rhythms, cheeky confidence, and a razor‑sharp sense of emotional clarity. Hooper swaps heartbreak for empowerment, crafting an upbeat anthem packed with zydeco squeezebox flourishes and an irresistible chorus that lingers instantly.
The single lands like an Americana‑styled answer to Robyn’s Dancing On My Own, yet Hooper refuses to cry in any corner. Instead, she strides confidently toward the door, choosing self‑respect over sorrow and delivering a spirited reminder that lessons learned are powerful. This new release follows last year’s Springsteen‑inspired coming‑of‑age track Growing Up Is Hard To Do, continuing her evolving creative journey.
Hooper describes I Got Eyes (On You) as a bold step forward, showcasing her expanding interpretation of Americana and its many musical flavours. She embraces Cajun and zydeco influences while celebrating playful lyricism, dynamic production, and the wild musicianship that fuels the track’s energy. Additionally, she expresses pride in the song’s attitude, sound, and fearless approach to blending genres she deeply loves.
Modern Nashville Meet-cute
The single emerged from a modern Nashville meet‑cute after Hooper became captivated by the songwriting of East Nashville artist Melody Walker. Hooper reached out through social media to praise Walker’s work, sparking a creative connection that soon led to collaboration. Months later, Walker assembled Hooper’s backing band for Americanafest, and the pair found time to co‑write in Walker’s living room.
Their writing session followed a long walk around Radnor Lake, where both artists unpacked recent challenges and shared candid reflections. They wondered whether audiences were ready for humour and levity again, ultimately deciding to write something gritty, clever, and full of heart. Creating a relatable, no‑nonsense anthem for anyone choosing self‑worth over waiting to be chosen.
The studio band behind the track reads like a Nashville honour roll, featuring Sheryl Crow’s drummer Fred Eltringham and guitar legend Tom Bukovac. Bassist Rachel Loy brings her experience with Willie Nelson and Vince Gill, while pedal steel icon Dan Dugmore emerges from semi‑retirement to contribute. Furthermore, Melbourne’s Flora Smith adds squeezebox brilliance, continuing her family’s legacy as a descendant of Slim Dusty and Joy McKean.
The recording captures the electricity of seasoned musicians playing live in a room, chasing spontaneity and joy with every take. The sound feels loose, vibrant, and deeply human, reflecting Hooper’s desire to create music that breathes with authenticity. This collaborative spirit reinforces her connection to Nashville, a city she has admired since childhood through her parents’ record collections.
Hooper explains that recording in Nashville fulfilled a lifelong dream, inspired by the many great singer‑songwriters who shaped her musical upbringing. She feels increasingly connected to the East Nashville creative community, describing it as a nurturing environment for her artistic evolution. This sense of belonging fuels her confidence as she continues exploring new sonic territory and expanding her musical identity.
Accompanying the single is Hooper’s most unfiltered and energetic music video yet, filmed in North East Victoria around Euroa’s historic North Eastern Hotel. Directed by Laura May Grogan and shot by Indigo Tait‑Atkin, the clip captures Hooper’s authentic spirit in a beloved local venue. The all‑female crew embraced the pub’s rustic charm, creating a high‑octane visual celebration of Hooper’s personality and performance style.
Hooper relished the chance to create a live performance video, highlighting the importance of her band in shaping her artistic identity. She credits the creative team for encouraging her to embrace her playful energy and bring her full self to the screen. The shoot became a community effort, with local friends contributing cameos, catering, and support to bring the vision to life.
Her career began with the explosive success of Killing Heidi, earning number‑one albums, ARIA Awards, and widespread cultural recognition. Since branching into solo work, Hooper has continued surprising audiences with her versatility, exploring genres from pop rock to synth folk. Her 2023 album Small Town Temple earned an Australian Music Prize nomination and debuted at number one on the Australian Country chart.
Firmly in her country era, Hooper now splits her time between Melbourne and Nashville, continuing to evolve as a songwriter and performer. Her new single blends her trademark rock energy with twang‑filled Americana textures, creating a sound that feels both fresh and familiar. I Got Eyes (On You) showcases her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her bold artistic voice.
The single is officially out today, marking another exciting milestone in Hooper’s ongoing musical transformation. Additionally, she will join legendary Celtic country innovators The Waterboys on their Australian and New Zealand tour throughout May. Fans can expect a dynamic live presence that reflects her renewed creative fire and unwavering commitment to musical exploration.
