Sound and Music’s Seed Award brings together a diverse group of composers, each with a unique voice and vision. This Q&A series offers a glimpse into their creative worlds, revealing their musical influences, current projects, and aspirations for the future.

Here, we speak to Seed Award 2024 composer Ellen Beth Abdi.

Can you tell us about your musical influences?

I listen to everything, there was always music on in my family home. Soul, reggae, rock, ska and indie always playing in the car or in the kitchen. I was always very drawn to vocalists and lyricists, no matter the genre if the words hit me then I was hooked. As a vocalist I’d say I’m very influenced by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Minnie Riperton, Charles Stepney and also the Jazz singers Sarah Vaughan, Ella and Billy. More contemporary electronic and pop also really influences the way I create music and the sounds I choose, things like Tune-Yards, Sade, Hot Chip, Frances Bebey, Stereolab and Massive Attack.

Generally music that is any combination of deep, odd and interesting.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m putting the end touches to my debut album and just about to set off on a support tour.