Once in a while you stumble across the rare case of a pop artist who is 100% in charge of their own vision.

Such is the case for Elle Exxe. The British songwriter and producer not only knows what she wants, but how to get her desired result. And it shows on her most recent full-length, “Love Fuelled Hate.” Rich with bubblegum hooks and production, but also translating well as rock ‘n’ roll, the album translates a village that is larger-than-life, but also relatable. On her most recent US tour, C-Heads caught up with Elle at Creep Records in Philadelphia to take a look at some records she’s loved over the years, and how they play into her being as an artist.

Words and Photography by Andy Gorel

Paramore – All We Know Is Falling

“That album made me want to quit making music because it was so perfect. The production was so inspiring to me at that time. It’s quirky, it’s cute, it’s emotive, it’s got some heavier stuff. It’s balanced. The way they combined those two vibes was very inspirational to me. I think Paramore has even gotten better with age as well.”

Beyonce – Lemonade

“I love this album because it’s a concept album. I think in the age we’re living in, it’s cooler to make something that’s connected and has that synergy rather than trying to make a compilation of hits. She had the visual element too. That’s kind of my dream – to make a whole visual album. I loved it for the visual elements and what she was singing about as well. I thought it was quite interesting, the Jay-Z stuff. I related to a lot of it and I like the way she did it. The song with Jack White – I thought that was such a cool idea to have Beyonce with Jack White.”

The Very Best of The Beach Boys

“Just thinking of the Beach Boys makes me smile because – it’s just childhood memories.. My dad playing them, my friend’s dad playing them, in the car, singing along, happy music. It makes you think of summer.”

Taylor Swift – 1989

“I had to throw this in because my manager loves her. In terms of perfect pop songs, she nailed it with 1989. They were really catchy, and really cool. Well cool might be an overstatement, but to me it was a very authentic album for her. I wasn’t really a Swift fan before this album, but she has nice melodies, and I loved the visuals for it.”

Foster the People – Supermodel

“Just this band. I love their vibe and energy. I can put them on any time and enjoy it. Their productions are so intricate that you continue to hear new little details listen after listen.”