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Newport City Radio – Live Right here, Right Now
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Episode 81: The end
Newport City Show graphic with Elliot Oakley
Elliot Oakley is back!
After a long period away from releasing his own music, singer-songwriter Elliot Oakley is back — and this time, it means more than ever.
Speaking candidly in the studio, Elliot opened up about the personal and professional journey that led him back to doing what he loves most: writing and releasing his own songs. Since last visiting the station, life has changed dramatically. He’s become a father, bought a house, taken on a new job, and spent years touring Europe playing weddings and corporate shows — all while keeping music at the centre of his life.
“It’s incredible, and I’m so grateful to be able to make a living through music,” Elliot explained. “But somewhere along the way, I stopped releasing my own.”
That realisation hit home when he began thinking about his daughter’s future. As a parent, Elliot wants to encourage her to chase her dreams — but that raised an uncomfortable question. How could he give that advice if he wasn’t doing the same himself?
“For me, the dream was always Glastonbury,” he said. “I’ve played Isle of Wight and festivals all over the country, but I’ve never played Glastonbury. And I thought, how can I tell her to go after her dreams if I’m not?”
A New Chapter — On His Own Terms
That moment of clarity sparked the return of Elliot Oakley as a solo artist. Free from labels, publishers, and managers, this new chapter is completely independent. While that brings challenges, it’s also brought something he hadn’t felt in a long time — genuine excitement.
“I’ve just got the love back,” he said. “I can feel it again.”
His comeback single, “Ever After,” marked the first step. Nervous but exhilarated, Elliot released the track as a statement of intent: this isn’t a side project — it’s the real thing. The song has already received airplay on Newport City Radio, with presenters Dani and Stephen both giving it support.
From Glass Jacket to Going Solo
Many will remember Elliot from his time with Cardiff-based band Glass Jacket, a project that saw him tour internationally, including dates in the United States. While that chapter has closed, he remains on good terms with his former bandmates and still collaborates creatively with some of them.
“I think we got what we needed creatively out of that project,” he reflected. “Now it’s about moving forward.”
Balancing Music, Fatherhood, and Reality
One of the most powerful themes in Elliot’s story is balance. Juggling touring work, producing music for others, lecturing, content creation, and being a present dad is no small task.
“It’s hard,” he admitted. “But I want my daughter to grow up knowing that this is what dad does. He writes music. He sings it.”
Elliot hopes that by documenting his return to music through a new YouTube channel — launching this January — others might relate to the struggle of balancing financial responsibility, family life, and creative ambition.
Looking Ahead: Releases, Vinyl, and Glastonbury
With five singles already lined up and plans for a vinyl EP release in August, alongside a major headline show (likely in London), momentum is building. And yes — Glastonbury is firmly in sight, with 2027 set as the target.
“I don’t want to play covers on a small stage,” Elliot said. “I want my name on that poster.”
A Renewed Perspective
Elliot’s outlook has been shaped not just by fatherhood, but by experience including a serious illness in 2019 that left him temporarily unable to walk.
“Every day I get out of bed now, I’m grateful,” he said. “Some day, you might not be able to do the things you want to do. So if you can do it today do it.”
With renewed purpose, creative freedom, and a clear sense of why he started in the first place, Elliot Oakley’s return isn’t just a comeback it’s a continuation, fuelled by love, gratitude, and unfinished dreams