Ellen Beth Abdi

About Ellen Beth Abdi

Ellen Beth Abdi is a Manchester-based artist known for her "wonky soul-infused pop" with a social conscience, blending live loops, distinctive drums, and subversive lyrics. Her music is also categorized as indie pop. She has collaborated with notable acts such as A Certain Ratio, New Order, and 808 State, and has supported artists like Lady Blackbird and Angelique Kidjo. Her self-produced, eponymous debut album was independently released in May 2025 to critical acclaim, receiving radio support from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 6 Music. More recently, she released the singles "Tenterhooks" in March 2025, which distills everyday anxieties, and the alt-pop track "Sad Chord" in March 2025, which explores keeping secrets. In February 2026, she collaborated with the Hallé orchestra, recomposing tracks from her debut album and a new choral piece. She has several upcoming live performances in 2026, including a headline show at Band on the Wall in Manchester in May, and supporting Dave McCabe (The Zutons) in June.