ELM has released their video for song ‘Paris’, and it highlights a reality many queer teens have faced: gender expression confined to their bedrooms, shrouded in secrecy, and—for fear of being too literal—hidden behind closed doors.

The track ‘Paris’ was born from lead singer Dylan Walsh watching the 1990 documentary ‘Paris Is Burning’, which documents the lives of black, Latino, gay and transgender communities that were the thudding heart of drag culture in 1980s New York. Watching this film let him know that there was a bigger world out there, one where he would find people who would understand him and lift him:

“Knowing the importance of acceptance, whether it’s in person, on a silver screen or through a set of headphones, we wrote ‘PARIS’ after watching the documentary ‘Paris Is Burning’ as an ode to the people who played a role in saving us and as a lifeline to those who need to be reminded that everything will be okay.”

ELM is made up of Dylan Walsh (vocals), Aidan Clancy (piano and synths), Gary Molloy (cello) and Ca Ahearne (drums). Dylan and Aidan grew up together in Bray, Co. Wicklow. Their adoration of music brought them to Dublin’s BIMM Institute, where they met Ca, their precise and powerful drummer, who they immediately knew would be a perfect fit for the group. The final missing piece came in the shape of Gary, who Dylan instantly befriended when they met one night at a party.

Each member of the band brings a unique element to ELM that is then shared, spliced, perfected and polished with the other members until a carefully constructed, multi-layered and shimmering piece of pop is born.

Since the release of ‘Fear’ in May, the band have brought their tremendous energy and love of what they do to the stages of Dot to Dot Festival, Madrid Pride, Hull Pride and Latitude Festival. They have also been announced for Love Sensation– Dublin City’s newest Music and Arts Festival taking place on August 17 & 18 and the huge Manchester Pride happening August 25.

In the same way that Swedish pop genius Robyn and Welsh alt-pop hero MARINA does, ELM’s music is therapy for the dancefloor. In one key change or one power chorus, we can banish our worries and give in to our truth and own it.

Love Sensation takes place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, on August 17 & 18 – find out more here.