Ellen
O'Reilly

Best Bassist Award…

Since the day she switched from guitar to bass aged 17, Ellen O’Reilly has been one of the busiest bassists around. Combined with a powerful lead vocal, this has made her a go-to musician for live, recording and TV work alike.

Hailing from Drogheda on Irelands east coast, Ellen had built up an impressive CV in her native country, appearing on Irish TV shows like Class Act and Podge and Rodge, playing with numerous Irish artists, and gaining extensive live performance experience.

Having been initially self-taught, Ellen decided to take her playing to the next level and won the prestigious Ernieball/Musicman Bass Scholarship to study at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in 2011. She then went on to win the “Best Bassist” award and leave with an Honours Degree in Popular Music Performance.

Ellen began appearing at the Ernieball/Musicman stand at the London Bass Guitar Show from 2012-2017 demoing both solo and performing with a trio. She was also gaining notoriety for not only her solid bass playing, but her powerful vocals and toured with artists such as Sarah Harding (Girls aloud), Dona Oxford and Erika among others. This led to her touring Europe, the Far East and appearing on many UK TV shows.

London’s Toughest Gig…

She has been the house bassist on ‘London’s Toughest Gig’ at the House of Song Venues for many years, whereby the band play only requests in any key, which has developed her ear and repertoire to the impressive level it is at today.

She is also a writer and educator, teaching at the BIMM universities, Trinity Rock and Pop Syllabuses and writing for Bass Guitar Magazine. Ellen has also been featured in BGM’s 154th issue speaking candidly about her musical history and the man who started it all, her father Patrick.

Endorsements & Sponsors

“Ellen is gifted with both a seriously deep groove and exquisite musical taste. I can’t wait to work on another song with her!” Michael James, Producer/Mixer (New Radicals, Hole, Robben Ford, L7, Chicago, The Coronas)

“Being Interviewed by Ellen for Bass Guitar Magazine was such a great pleasure.., it was a very delicate and professionally done interview…, it feels quite different when somebody who knows what to ask does an interview on you.., this is due to the fact she’s a great bassist as well…” Igor Saavedra.

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CV pdf

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