Promise to Keep / Change of Heart by Ella Thompson

Melbourne-based vocalist, musician, and songwriter Ella Thompson is an artist whose name is being championed by some of the best in the business. She's been building a reputation as one to watch, with two standout releases on Hopestreet Recordings, "Domino EP" in 2023 and "Ripple On The Wing" LP in 2024, alongside a heavy touring schedule and a stacked list of support slots and collaborations.

For this new 7" single, Ella collaborates with a selection of artists at the forefront of Naarm/Melbourne's soulful DIY community. Featuring members of Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, Liam McGorry from Temporary Blessings (College Of Knowledge) joins Ella as co-writer and co-producer, with go-to Melbourne engineer Henry Jenkins also producing and recording the track.

Bridging the worlds of classic and contemporary soul, Ella's songwriting is drenched in emotion and personal experience. With a timeless feel hard to pin to any particular period, she has crafted a sound that instantly hits deep. It's warm, tasteful, and distinctly Ella. That talent has also seen her tour with Mark Ronson, and support other contemporary greats like Jalen Ngonda, Lee Fields, and Thee Sacred Souls.

"Promise To Keep" is the first taste of Ella's new material on this 7" single. An irrepressible upbeat groover that echoes mid-to-late-sixties vocal groups. That influence, though, never overpowers Ella's own unique creative voice or distinct sense of self. She draws from it, but the color is all her own. The song tells a story of being carried by the current that keeps us moving and gives us courage. A commitment to oneself that speaks to action, shaped by vision, and by the pull to follow what feels correct, even when the distance is far.

The flip side finds Ella in a different mood. "Change Of Heart" is a heavy, sweet soul ballad. Rich in drama, Ella's falsetto vocals build to a stunning climax in the final section, with triumphant horns that signal the release of letting go. The lyrics reflect on temporality and impermanence, and on how moments can be missed or arrive in synchrony. It's that bittersweet paradox of triumph and sadness, where everything contains its opposite: absence and presence, innocence and experience. The song is underpinned by a brooding production quality and atmospheric, beat-heavy flavor that Surprise Chef and cinematic soul fans will relish. 

Mixed by Wayne Gordon (Daptone, Womack Sisters), "Promise to Keep" and "Change of Heart" are a glimpse of things to come from Ella. Keep an eye open for more new music incoming from this phenomenal artist at the top of her game.

Ella Thompson - Promise to Keep / Change of Heart
Release Date 26th June 2026
Label Mr Bongo

Tracklist
01. Ella Thompson - Promise to Keep
02. Ella Thompson - Change of Heart