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In the vast landscape of indie electronic music, Eleanor Idlewood stands as a true sonic architect, weaving together elements of synthwave, darkwave, minimal techno, and ambient music into immersive narratives.
Based in France, her music is more than just sound—it’s an expression of identity, a cinematic journey, and an exploration of themes like queerness, feminism, and mental health.
Since releasing her first single, Lost Blue Boy, in 2019, Eleanor has steadily built an intriguing body of work, including her debut album Little Secrets (2020), the concept- driven Akito’s Madness (2021) and its extended EP in 2023, culminating in her latest single, Bennett, Tell Me, released in February 2025. Each project is a carefully crafted universe, reflecting her love for 80s electronic music and storytelling.
A Unique Sound Inspired by the Past and the Future
Eleanor’s music is often described as fictional, nostalgic, cinematic, and atmospheric —and for good reason. Her work is deeply influenced by 80s electronic pioneers such as Depeche Mode, Brian Eno, Kraftwerk, and Klaus Nomi, as well as pop icons like Madonna and Stevie Nicks. She meticulously studies their production techniques, even taking inspiration from their gear to shape her own distinctive sound.
But Eleanor is not just recreating the past—she’s reshaping it into something new. Each track is built like a screenplay, unfolding like a movie in sound. Bennett, Tell Me, for example, tells the story of a hacker on the run, leaving behind his lover with the promise of return. Inspired by a character from the anime Galactik Football, Eleanor transforms this fictional reference into an emotionally charged love song, proving that inspiration can come from anywhere.
Visual Artistry: 3D Characters as Storytellers
Eleanor’s creative world extends far beyond music. Her visual aesthetic draws from Trad Goth and New Romantic styles, perfectly complementing the moody, atmospheric nature of her sound. However, rather than putting herself at the center of her visuals, she uses 3D-animated characters to represent the stories within her songs. These digital personas feature on her album covers, promo materials, and potentially, future music videos.
"I rarely ‘take the pose’ for my music," she explains. "Not because of body insecurities, but because my songs are stories, and my 3D characters bring those stories to life." This unique approach allows her to maintain artistic control while immersing listeners in a fully realized, multimedia universe.
While she has yet to produce a full music video, the idea remains on her radar. However, working solo makes high-quality animation a challenge. “I’d love to do one for Bennett, Tell Me, but I worry that cheap animation might take away from the experience,” she admits.
Building a Career in a Non-Commercial Niche
As an independent artist in an experimental field, Eleanor acknowledges the challenges of gaining mainstream attention. However, she’s found success through blog features, radio airplay, and participation in projects like Tyson Swindell’s “Sepat Tapes” and the “Women of Noise” compilation series.
Beyond her personal artistry, she’s also expanding her expertise in music production and sound design. Currently enrolled in Berklee Online’s Music Production & Sound Design certificate program, Eleanor is refining her craft while working with SynthV, a vocal synthesis software that allows her to create more expressive and human-like vocals than her early experiments with Vocaloid.
Looking ahead, she’s deep into the creation of her second album, a project that promises to push her storytelling and production to new heights. Additionally, she’s branching out into freelance audio engineering, seeing it as an opportunity to gain more experience and explore different aspects of the industry.
A Message to Fellow Indie Artists and Fans
As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the independent music scene, Eleanor has a simple but powerful message:
“Don’t rush it. It’s okay to take your time with your music, even in a world that demands constant content. We are making art, not just content for algorithms.”
She also expresses her deep gratitude to those who have supported her journey so far:
“Thank you to everyone who listens, shares, and connects with my music. More is coming soon, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”
For now, Eleanor Idlewood continues to craft her cinematic soundscapes, letting her music—and the stories within it—speak for themselves.
