At just 19 years old, Ellis J Barraclough is emerging as a compelling new voice in the UK’s indie-pop landscape — fusing heartfelt songwriting with a warm, classic sound that recalls the greats while feeling wholly his own. With the release of his evocative new single Blasphemy, Barraclough builds on the early momentum of his debut Patience and continues his steady rise as one of 2025’s most promising newcomers. Following a wave of critical praise from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio London, and BBC Radio Humberside, Ellis is now attracting national attention with added support from Americana UK and Music Talkers. While Patience showcased his delicate lyrical touch and melodic instinct, Blasphemy expands his palette: it’s brighter, more immediate, but just as emotionally rich.
Ellis J Barraclough
Opening with breezy acoustic strums and layered with golden-hour harmonies, Blasphemy is a sun-drenched anthem for anyone navigating uncertainty. On the surface, its jangly, radio-friendly vibe brings to mind early Vance Joy or peak-era James Bay, but beneath the light lies a deeper introspection. “It was a time when I felt really confused,” Ellis shares. “Everything in my life seemed to come with a thousand questions, and I didn’t have any of the answers.”
That emotional rawness is carried through the song’s bittersweet lyrics, capturing the melancholy of love lost and the hopeful process of moving forward. The song was written solely by Ellis and produced by Vincent Garcia, the acclaimed veteran behind Drizabone and numerous ‘90s soul classics. Garcia’s mix elevates the track, foregrounding its groove and lush instrumentation, while never losing touch with Ellis’s confessional voice at its centre. The accompanying music video, shot in Venice, Italy, sees Ellis performing Blasphemy on the city’s iconic canals. The simplicity of the visuals — no flash, just Ellis, his guitar, and the timeless city around him — is part of its charm. It’s a performance that radiates authenticity and quiet star power. In a world of over-produced visuals, this feels refreshingly stripped-back and intimate.
There’s a natural ease to Ellis on camera — a relaxed charisma that hints at his live appeal. And audiences won’t have to wait long to experience it for themselves.
Having played mostly solo shows up to this point — including supports for Inspiral Carpets, Thomas Dolby, and a special performance alongside Lucy Beaumont — Ellis is now stepping out with a full live band. His five-piece outfit, The Sunscreen, will make their live debut later this month with two hotly anticipated headline dates: The Whiskey Jar in Manchester (May 20th) and Hull Social (May 22nd). Expect jangly guitars, tender lyricism, and the kind of musical chemistry only found among true collaborators. The shows come ahead of a packed summer for the young artist, who is also confirmed to perform at Off The Tracks Festival in Castle Donington in August.
Ellis’s story is one rooted in music from the very beginning. Raised in a musical household in Hull, he was surrounded by a family that lived and breathed melody. His grandfather was a seasoned gigging musician, while his uncle played in an indie band that almost broke through during the early 2000s guitar boom. From the age of seven, Ellis was on the guitar, and by twelve, he was writing his own songs. The Beatles and Kings of Leon formed the backbone of his musical upbringing, but he also absorbed everything from Sade to Tool, The Housemartins to Bathory. This blend of influences gives his sound a unique character: emotionally literate, melodically sharp, and surprisingly expansive.
With only two singles out, Ellis J Barraclough is still in the early chapters of his career — but the foundation he’s laying is undeniable. From self-penned songs crafted in his bedroom to music videos filmed in Venice, and from local open mics to festival slots and full-band shows, he’s proving that real talent cuts through. If Patience was the introduction and Blasphemy the breakthrough, what’s next for Ellis J Barraclough might just be something special.
Share Thing