Karissa Ella’s New EP “Blossom” is now AVAILABLE
Interview conducted on March 12, 2020
by Dan Locke
Karissa Ella’s youthful and soulful style is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of country music. Inspired by the likes of Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson, Garth Brooks, and Carrie Underwood, her music, writing, and live performances attract people of all ages.
Dan Locke: What is your up bring?
Karissa Ella: I was born and raised in North Canton, OH. I moved down to Nashville, TN for college and to pursue my dreams! I was raised on a mixture of Country and Pop which is kind of my vibe right now as an artist and I love it!
How did you discover music?
I did not grow up in a musical family but they are the reason why I am singing and following my dreams! My parents pushed me to take singing lessons and to grow my voice. I got very involved with musicals and acting which then lead to writing my own music. Music has always been a constant in my life.
How did you get your first guitar and do you still have it?
My dad surprised me with my first guitar about five years ago and I do not think I will get another one for a long time. There is something about the tone in this guitar that is very special. I named my guitar Ruth, after my great-grandma!
You were 10 years old when you started to sing in front of a crowd. Do you remember the first time your song in front of a crowd?
I was not a shy kid growing up so getting me to sing for people was easy! As I got older, I started to feel scared and thought my friends at school would make fun of me. Ultimately, I sucked it up and started to enjoy the nerves and adrenaline rush! I have been performing ever since!
You got your music entertainment degree from Belmont University. How was the program? Do you feel that people going into music, should get some type of education beforehand?
I absolutely loved attending Belmont University. For me, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I received hands-on experience in the Entertainment field and got to intern for top record labels and publishing companies in Nashville. I was able to see the other side of what it takes to be an artist and that was very beneficial when it came to pursuing my music career. I do not think college is for everyone, and that’s okay! I wanted to have that college experience and I am so happy I did.
Your song Blossom is on your second EP. IT is a tribute to the Blossom Music Center, a popular music venue in your hometown in Ohio. What was the first music performance you show there?
My EP Blossom is named after the music venue in my hometown, Blossom Music Center. This place is where I have and still do get to watch my idols perform. It is a huge reason why I wanted to be an artist because of the inspiration and motivation it has given me. One of the first concerts I saw at Blossom was The Jonas Brothers and it was AMAZING!!
What are the Female Diaries Writers?
The Female Diaries Series is a monthly writer round in Nashville, TN! We are currently working on revamping the round, but it is a platform for women of all genres in the music industry, to be able to tell their stories and showcase their music!
Tell me about your new video More Like Her?
I wrote this song “More Like Her” with my friend Caroline Marquard! It is about reflecting on how you wish you were a little kid again and that you didn’t sweat the small stuff. My music video for this song was directed by Quinton Cook and the little girl who played my younger self was played by Vivianne King. Quinton really made my song come to life and it turned out better than I ever thought it could be! I am so happy and proud of this song!!
What is your favorite song to perform in concert?
One of my favorite songs to perform is called Me and Luke! I wrote this song with Leslie Satcher and Alex Seier, just making light of the fact that we all love Luke Bryan. We love him but we don’t even know him! This song is for all the Luke Bryan fans and trust me, there is always a handful in the crowd!
It is good to see you always give thanks to your parents on the liner notes of your videos. So much so that you wrote the song “Make Me Stronger” as a birthday surprise for your mother.
They are the reason I get to follow my dreams! I am so lucky and beyond grateful for their constant love and support!
Intoxication- You have a line dance that tons of people are now dancing to your song. How was that the first time you found out about that. Who knows it may become the next big dance?
Yes! I was on YouTube one day and just happened to type in my song “Intoxicating” and this line dance choreographed by Rob Holley popped up! It was so cool to see people dancing to my song!! A couple of weeks went by and there were over ten different videos online of people dancing to my song all over the world! It was so unexpected and made my heart so full that people took the time to learn the dance and post it!
Who would you like to record one of your songs? And what song would that be?
Honestly, I would be over the moon if anyone wanted to record my songs! I think Lauren Alaina could do an amazing “More Like Her” version but I am always open to all possibilities.
What is you’re feeling about streaming music?
Streaming lets my music reach people all around the world and I think that is amazing. My goal as an artist is to be fun and relatable. I want people to listen to my music and dance, smile, laugh, reflect, and even cry. Music is something that has always been there for me and I want to be there for my listeners as much as I can. Music is a break from reality, we all need that once in a while.
Any plans to tour as yourself?
Absolutely! I am currently touring through TN, WI, OH, FL this year! I hope to keep touring and booking as many dates as I can, trying to reach as many people as possible!
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years I hope to keep growing and challenging myself! I also hope to have played The Grand Ole Opry!! That is one of my biggest goals because so many of my idols have stepped into the circle and it would be an honor to play at such a legendary place.
Anything in closing?
Thank you for your time! Feel free to follow me on social media at Karissa Ella Music and if you want more information please visit karissaella.com. Thank you for listening to my music and for letting me share a little bit about me!
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