Elle Murphy Owns Her Power with Infectious New Single “Clever”

Australian pop powerhouse Elle Murphy is on a hot streak. Fresh off a sold-out hometown show, millions of TikTok views, and brand collaborations with Nike and Footlocker, she’s now stepping confidently into her next chapter with “Clever”—a vibrant, dancefloor-ready anthem that pairs funk-driven basslines with sharp emotional depth.

Already championed by Rolling Stone AU & NZ, Metal Magazine, and triple j Unearthed, Elle’s brand of playful yet purposeful pop is winning over fans well beyond Australia. With “Clever” now streaming everywhere via APOLLO Distribution, we caught up with Elle to talk about turning heartbreak into empowerment, navigating viral culture, and the energy she wants to bring to every room she walks into.

1. “Clever” feels playful and confident — what was the spark or story behind writing it?

I actually wrote it when I was feeling the complete opposite—definitely not playful or confident. Like a lot of my songs, it was a way to take my power back. I’d been played by this loser, kept falling for his traps, and then he’d ghost me again. I felt like a total dumb ass—not cute at all.

2. Your sound has been compared to Dua Lipa and Zara Larsson, but what makes an Elle Murphy track unmistakably yours?

A funky bass line and some heaviness beneath it all. I love dancey R&B vibes, but there has to be emotional weight behind the melody to contradict the feel-good energy. That tension—that’s where my songs live.

3. TikTok and playlist culture have fueled your rise—do you write with virality in mind, or does that come after?

There were a few years with a label where I was pushed to write specifically for virality, but honestly, it’s not sustainable and not why I make music. Now I just write what feels real, and if it connects, that’s the magic.

4. From a sold-out Melbourne show to global streaming playlists—how are you approaching this next phase as your fanbase grows internationally?

I’m focusing on what feels good, fun, and inspiring. Every move I make needs to feel authentic—like I’m fulfilling my purpose rather than chasing trends.

5. If “Clever” were the opener to a night out, what’s the vibe you want people to step into?

Huge IDGAF energy. Boy, bye. Thank you, next. Let’s shake ass and own the night.