Eleanor Hammond is a singer songwriter in Los Angeles bridging pop music and musical theater influences, along with 60s and 70s singer songwriters as well. After writing and producing her own musicals and releasing 14 genre blending singles, she is currently working on her debut album, The Queen of Big Emotions, to be released in early 2026.
Where are you based?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles!
How long have you been making music?
I started writing songs in songwriting class at age 11, where I also learned guitar. I also was acting heavily at the time, and after picking up piano, in college I decided to write, produce, and perform in my own musical Walls, the story of artist and founder of The Whitney Museum, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. After playing my final college role of the singer-songwriter “Mash” in Aaron Posner’s modern adaption of Chekov’s The Seagull, titled Stupid Fucking Bird, I knew music was the path I was meant to go on. After releasing 14 singles, I am reupholstering my sound and artistic identity in my upcoming debut album. I’d still love to get back into acting, maybe one day. I use my theatrical background in my music videos and live performances.
What genre would you consider your music to be?
It’s hard to say because I bounce around dark pop, indie pop, country/folk vibes, and musical theater, so I called my genre, “Theatrical Pop.” I am bringing my musical theater and pop influences together with a modern and timeless sound. I want to create music that allows people to feel all of their big emotions. I also love telling characters’ stories, especially ones that involve the loss and gain of love, betrayal, depression/anxiety, resilience over life’s constant ups and downs, struggles with fame/validation, and wanting to achieve your dreams. But the main thing I vehicle my songwriting is to navigate my journey/human experience of growth in life and share that journey with others, giving them the permission to grow too.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I had two songwriting teachers, Lauren Bruns and Cydney Hedgepeth, who I was lucky enough to learn from. They inspired me to be a songwriting teacher now as well to children and give back what they gave me. My high school music teacher, Jay Johnson, also believed In me from a young age. And finally, my dad, Jeremy Hammond, who is a music manager and has always told me I could do it. He always gave honest feedback with all my songs, and although it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, I am so grateful he shaped me into the artist I am today. He saw my talent and that was very validating from a young age. Thank you, dad.
What are your biggest musical influences?
I love 60s and 70s artists/bands like Carole King, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Stevie Nicks. Some modern artists include Weyes Blood, Miley Cyrus, Mitski, Fiona Apple, and Angel Olsen. I am still finding more influences often!
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
Independent. Although I’d be open to a label!
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
Having money to support myself and promote my music is the hardest thing, along with not giving up or feeling like you have to match other artists’ career timelines. Also navigating social media and other promotion. We artists wear so many hats these days. Success comes in many forms. I just know I can’t give up, and I will find a way. “It’s not over till it’s over,” as Cyndi Lauper said.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
14 singles!
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
It’s an acoustic guitar based track about wanting to give up on love until you meet the right person who accepts you for who you are. It’s a feel good, vulnerable track, and I hope it makes people feel warm and fuzzy!
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
My album! The Queen of Big Emotions comes out in early 2026. This album is all about embracing one’s theatricality, their emotional depth, and deglamorizing fame/validation. It has magical/fantasy aspects as well as musical theater & indie pop themes. One of the songs is inspired by an Edward Hopper painting. The album says, it’s okay to be “too much” for some people—and that can actually be your magic. It’s also about healing your inner child, navigating emotional boundaries, and turning grief, heavy anxiety, heartbreak, and confusion into art. I can’t wait for you to hear it!
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