Elm
Inspired by their performances of “protest songs for the natural world”, the duo made up of cellists Ellie Moulang Lewis (she/her) and Emily Keeble (she/they) combined their names to create Elm. Based in Leeds, they write original folk music and rework traditional songs for voice and cello, entrancing every audience along the way. Their songwriting is made up of storytelling and their connection to nature, hoping to create positive environmental change with their music. This week, we learn about Elm’s musical background, what they’ve been listening to recently, and what they’ll be up to in 2026.
What’s Your Background In Music?
Both classically trained cellists, Elm have had rich backgrounds in music that led them to studying BA (Hons) Folk, Roots and Blues at Leeds Conservatoire. “After achieving grade eight in classical cello, Ellie discovered her love for playing with others which began her journey to folk.” Growing up, she attended workshops through the Natural Voice Network. Now, she’s training to lead music workshops for SEND learners alongside Made with Music and Music at Heart using the Kodály approach. Ellie also gigs with HerOrangeCoat and Heart Shaped Logic around Leeds and majors in cello during her studies.
“Emily had a childhood steeped in music on all sides, learning cello classically and singing in choirs with school.” Featuring in Mariel Paget’s band and Elm, she likes to “venture across genres a little, bringing an experimental angle to the cello in grunge-inspired projects.” Gigging across Leeds as a solo act as well as part of her collaborations, Emily “brings her love of indie and folk influences and thoughtful/political approach to songwriting” to Elm. Currently, she majors in voice during her studies at university.
What Are Your Biggest Achievements So Far?
“Our most notable performances have been The Land Skills Fair 2025 – sharing our music with like-minded people who work the land. Supporting Lucy & Hazel aligned with our aim to create meaningful change throughout music as they sing powerful protest songs. And, we recently played at a local community storytelling event.” Sharing their music with audiences who can relate to their own personal values, Elm can be spotted at events where reconnecting with nature, community, creativity and storytelling are front and center.
Who Are Your Biggest Inspirations In Music?
Elm have a range of inspirations that impact their songwriting, such as this is the kit, Diane Cluck, Laura Marling and Vashti Bunyan. “As storytelling is at the heart of our music, a collaboration with Johnny Flynn would be a dream! There is so much to admire and learn from in his deep connection to storytelling and ability to spin worlds with his guitar and voice. He holds power in creating positive environmental change which is equally a goal of our own music.”
Recommend Me An Album/Single/Soundtrack
Elm recommends the song ‘Black Moss’ by Johanna Warren for its emotional significance.
“Since meeting and sharing a flat in Wales, we began playing, singing and sharing our music with each other amongst the wild landscape of the Brecon Beacons. We were immersed in rural life working on a market garden, travelling to work and uni through fields and high hedges, eating what we grew and spending our free time playing music in the woods amongst the moss and rivers. A good friend Johanna Warren who encourages our music journey as a duo, writes very inspirational and powerful music to us, and we both connect with this song.”
What’s Next?
You can find Elm at some of their upcoming gigs coming up in 2026, including the Intervarsity Folk Dance Festival 2026 on the 28th February, supporting Danny Bradley with Shirefolk on the 26th, 27th and 28th March, and at Kirkstall Valley Farm on the 3rd April.
If you can’t wait until then, Elm has a demo released on Bandcamp called ‘Path of the Sun’, a magnetic and intimate performance of a vocal duet recorded at the Much Birch church of St Mary & St Thomas a Becket. They also mention they are in the process of recording their first album “so keep your eyes peeled in the upcoming months”.
How Can We Find You?
You can find Elm on Instagram and Facebook, or via their Website, and you can find both Ellie Moulang Lewis and Emily Keeble on their personal Instagram accounts too.