Rising Star Ella Ion Inks Management Deal With Our Golden Friend

Ella Ion is Adelaide’s arbiter of “fragmented folk.” Her 2023 debut album Waiting - a collection of wistful tracks that truly encapsulates what it is like to be in the grips of unadulterated longing - solidified her as one to watch. She is celebrated in the local scene for her tender musical touch, for her rich, plaintive songs, and for her haunting stage presence. 

Perhaps soon she will be known the world over for these qualities, as 2025 is already looking to be a promising year for Ion. It has just been officially announced that Ion has signed to the Our Golden Friend management roster, the independent label based in Melbourne that was first founded in 2015 by Lorrae McKenna and her partner Skube Burnell.

“Lorrae and I met when she was visiting Kaurna land for Indie-con in August 2024 and I invited her to the vinyl launch for my debut album at Clarity Records,” Ion explains. “From that point it was clear that her visit was serendipitous timing for us both. I was coming to a turning point in my life and artistic identity post-study, and as we spent the next 6 months cultivating a relationship, she was able to open doors for my music that I felt ready to step into with my whole heart.”

The signing comes hand in hand with the announcement of Ion's debut international headline show in London on March 4th at The George Tavern, a legendary venue whose stage has seen the likes of Nick Cave, John Cooper Clarke, and more. She will be joined on the night by kaleidoscopic musician Catrin Vincent, with more special guests to be announced.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ella Ion (@ella.ion)

It is a truly exciting time for Ion, who gushes, “I feel incredibly fortunate to be joining the Our Golden Friend family. It’s a rare thing to find someone who truly understands the heart of an artist, and with Lorrae, I’ve felt that in abundance. I have always created music through a lens of personal fulfillment and expression, but it has now become so much more of a shared experience, and to be working with someone who genuinely cares about nurturing that experience by creating a bridge between the artist’s authentic creation and a broader range of listeners is a gift. I’ve seen how hard Lorrae works for the artists she believes in, and her dedication and relentless optimism inspires me to put my everything into this project. I’m excited to see where this collaboration takes us, and I’m filled with gratitude as I look forward to sharing this new chapter with those who’ve been supporting me along the way.” 

This local folk phenomenon is clearly about to reach new, deserved heights. A musician who so obviously prizes genuine connection is about to grasp her chance to connect with listeners internationally. Just last night, in fact, Ion played the final set of her month-long Crown and Anchor residency to a rapt audience - a sure indication of the way she will be captivating spectators everywhere she goes.

Tickets to Ella Ion’s London show are available to purchase here.