Born in Cornwall in 1997, Georgia Ellery has carved out a fascinating artistic path — blending electro-pop, post-rock, and even acting. As a member of both Jockstrap and Black Country, New Road, she’s known for pushing creative boundaries. But when she’s not making music, what fuels her mind and soul? From YouTube philosophers to steamy saunas, Ellery shares her personal cultural touchstones.
YouTube: ContraPoints’ Bold Take on Modern Issues
Ellery is hooked on Natalie Wynn’s YouTube channel, ContraPoints — and it’s easy to see why. Wynn crafts elaborate, campy, and thought-provoking video essays on politics, gender, and philosophy. Each episode is a deep dive wrapped in theatrical costumes and razor-sharp wit.
Ellery recalls binge-watching three episodes back-to-back when first discovering the channel. One standout video explores shame — using pop culture, including Twilight, as an entry point to dissect power dynamics, BDSM, and literary tropes. It’s this blend of intellect and entertainment that keeps Ellery coming back.
Art: Munch’s Emotional Mastery
Visiting the Munch Museum in Oslo left a lasting mark on Ellery. While she didn’t cry, she found herself deeply moved by Edvard Munch’s portrayal of raw emotion — especially anxiety. The Scream may be the centerpiece, but she was particularly struck by Two Women on the Shore, describing it as “very Bergmanesque, like The Seventh Seal.”
What fascinated her most was Munch’s relentless reworking of themes. He didn’t stop with one version of a painting — he explored it from different angles, turning it into lithographs and woodcuts. That obsessive creativity clearly resonates with an artist like Ellery, who herself is known for pushing musical boundaries.
Podcast: Life of Bi — A Personal and Political Deep Dive
Ellery has been listening to Life of Bi for years — and it feels like having close friends in her ears. Hosted by Mary Higgins and Ell Potter, the podcast examines bisexuality through a variety of lenses: faith, marriage, queerness, and more.
One episode stands out: Fck the Pie*, a tribute to bisexual activist Lani Ka‘ahumanu, who fought to add the “B” to LGBTQ+. Ellery describes it as both emotional and empowering — a resource she recommends for anyone navigating their own identity.
Book: Madonna’s Fearless Journey
Mary Gabriel’s Madonna: A Rebel Life impressed Ellery with its detailed look at the pop icon’s activism and unwavering artistic vision. From handing out safe sex pamphlets during the Aids crisis to walking away from a cushy record deal in Paris to maintain creative control, Madonna’s story is a masterclass in resilience.
Ellery admires Madonna’s refusal to compromise — an ethos that seems to echo in her own career. “She’s such an icon,” Ellery says, reflecting on the singer’s early days when she chose artistic freedom over industry polish.
Sauna Culture: A Global Detox
Touring can be exhausting, but Ellery has found a foolproof way to recharge: saunas. From Scandinavian cold plunges to Russian banyas and Japanese onsens, she’s tried them all.
- Scandinavian saunas: Heat, followed by a brisk dip in cold water.
- Turkish baths: Generations gather for communal cleansing.
- Russian banyas: Parenie rituals — where branches are used to massage the body — are part of the experience.
- Japanese onsens: Complete with mini shower stations and even tools for cleaning between your teeth.
For Ellery, the post-sauna glow is unbeatable — “like a newborn,” she jokes.
TV: Michaela Coel’s Unstoppable Talent
Ellery is a self-proclaimed Michaela Coel superfan. I May Destroy You remains her all-time favorite series, thanks to its fearless storytelling, stunning soundtrack, and Coel’s powerful performance. Ellery admires Coel’s blend of comedy, vulnerability, and raw emotion — calling her “in awe of her.”
Now, she’s eagerly awaiting Coel’s next project, First Day on Earth, which starts filming this year. The series follows a novelist offered a job in Ghana, where her estranged father lives — a setup that already has Ellery anticipating something groundbreaking.
