Meet Bailey Elora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Elora.

Hi Bailey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved to sing so much that I made a career out of it. I started out in choirs in grade school, then a play at the University of Northern Colorado, and later performed with a few bands and eventually ended up performing duo gigs with my now bass player, Geoff Orwiller. I got involved with Youth on Record when I was about 16, going to YOR’s Open Lab every Saturday, performing at their annual block party, and after dedicating my time and talent to helping others during YOR’s Open Lab and joining FEMpowered, I was awarded their Real Rock Star Award.

I’ve continued to be involved with the organization, with this year marking 9 years as a contract artist for Youth on Record. This is where I met my guitarists, Alfredo “Freddy” Zamora and Isaac Zamora. In May 2020, we added our drummer James Romine. Since then, my band and I have performed our music all over Denver, including the Westword Music Showcase, The Underground Music Showcase, and The Highlands Street Fair, as well as at Union Station.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would argue that nothing is ever TRULY a smooth road, but especially anything to do with the arts. Not only have I struggled with my body actively fighting a war with its own immune system, but also the music industry. It’s very hard to be an independent artist who has to support and promote yourself even more so when you’re young and a woman.

The industry is so dominated by gatekeepers and men in positions of power that you have to work twice as hard just to prove you deserve to be there. I think despite that, I’ve done well. Which is because I work hard, but also because I’ve got a great set of women and men guiding and supporting me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I guess you could say I specialize in stories because that’s what songs are…stories. I love the way you can weave words together to form vivid scenes and emotions. My songwriting is probably the thing I’m most proud of in my entire life. It’s also the only thing that feels “easy” in my life. Songs can say 1000 things, all with the same few words, just depending on how you as a person hear them.

There is nothing more gratifying than finishing a song in one sitting… except knowing that other people see something in said song. I’ve made the most wonderful connections with songwriting, and even if that were to be the most music were to give me, I’d be content with that.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Everyone always thinks I’m joking when I say this, but KARAOKE. I don’t think there is any better way to practice as a performer than by doing karaoke. It’s fun, casual, and a very forgiving crowd. And, if you’re good, you might even get a free drink or two.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/baileyelora
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileyelora/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaileyEloraMusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BaileyElora
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBzknsFuh33d1mc2LlX_2-g
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bailey-elora

Image Credits
John McSweeney