Ellena Ramsay’s (she/they) Meanjin based experimental-ambient-folk project combines ethereal haunting vocals with organic instrumentation and raw percussive production.
fhae first discovered music production in high school during a multimedia assignment that required creating a video and a soundscape in GarageBand. Intrigued, they downloaded the app onto their phone — and that same day, with no experience or equipment, recorded their first track, ‘I waited’. The song, built from reverberated vocals and guitar recorded through a pair of Apple headphones placed inside the instrument, marked the beginning of their musical journey.
Over the years, Ellena continued to experiment and evolve, officially establishing their solo project in 2021. Their work now centres around concept albums that explore the deeper facets of the human condition — not just joy or sorrow, but grief, discomfort, lust, and greed. Each project invites the listener to confront emotion in its rawest form.
Through layered synths, guitar, and haunting vocals, Ellena crafts evocative soundscapes that stir nostalgia and self-reflection. Albums like she lives within me examine how a child perceives and processes the world, showcasing their signature blend of vulnerability, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
2023 saw the artist's first foray in live performance and the introduction of additional stylistic approaches, instruments, recording techniques and influences to their already heady arsenal.
Since Ramsay established the project in 2021, they have released 5 LPs, 4 EPs and a string of singles and compilation contributions.
With a seemingly bottomless reservoir of curiosity, nous and creativity, fhae is one of the most prolific and compelling artists active in Meanjin today, and there is no sign of the well running dry anytime soon.
