Ella Hartwig’s latest release is an ode to her childhood home, Cooktown. Photo: Callum Johnston Films.
Cooktown born-and-bred Ella Hartwig is paying homage to her idyllic eastern Cape York hometown in the latest release of her upcoming album.
Aptly titled Hometown, the album’s fourth song is an expression of gratitude to her humble beginnings and the community that shaped her into the person she is today.
Hs Hartwig said the song was dedicated to a close family friend who was previously her primary school teacher.
“I thought that’s such a special thing to write, because she’s been a heavy influence in my life; she was my teacher and now one of my best mates, and her kids get to grow up in this little town like me,” Ms Hartwig said.
“The whole song has some very personal anecdotes, but I feel like they’re relatable at the same time.
“Even if not everyone comes from a small town, everyone comes from somewhere.”
Currently living in Brisbane to chase her dreams as a musician, Ms Hartwig said she often yearned for the natural environment of Cooktown, from the dry and wet seasons to the beautiful sunsets and heavy winds.
She fondly recalled doing “wharfies”, Cooktown’s answer to the quintessential Australian right of passage of doing laps in a vehicle once they get their licence.
That peaceful wharf and road Ms Hartwig remembers has now been replaced by peak hour traffic in the Queensland capital.
A simple drive to Cooktown’s Walkers Bay inspired Hometown when the singer returned for a visit.
“I wanted to go and sit on the beach with the aesthetic sunrise, but oh my goodness, it was so windy,” she laughed.
“I was getting sprayed by the sea water, so I ended up sitting in the car with my dog and wrote the song.”
In all the buzz of performances and news interviews after the song’s release, Ms Hartwig was excited to share the stories of her childhood with the world.
“It really resonates with what I’m trying to achieve as an artist – sharing the stories of my hometown and my roots,” she said.
“The way I was brought up, I was supported so much by my community and I want to make sure that I express my gratitude.
“This is where I come from, this is what makes me who I am, and I just want to own that.”
