Ella K Sol may still be in high school but this promising young artist has already spent most of her life honing her craft, and she is sure to win over the crowd with her youthful charm and edgy-pop infused work.
Interview conducted on December 14, 2020
By Dan Locke
Growing up she was significantly inspired by the jazz her father turned her onto as a kid. She also absorbed the musical ethos of the likes of Queen and The Beatles, as well as one of her biggest inspirations Ella Fitzgerald. Armed with an upbringing filled with musical diversity she had the self-possession and maturity to know early on that she wanted to be a storyteller. “I prefer to choose the noise inside my own head, which is why music, especially songs I write about life, resonate with meso much,” Ella shared.”
What is your upbringing?
Ella – I grew up with parents who loved me very, very much. They raised me to be kind, compassionate, confident, and to have a quality sense of humor (one of the most important qualities to have in my opinion ha-ha).
How did you discover music?
Ella – Honestly, there was never a distinct point of “discovering” music. My parents have been playing it around me since I was just a baby. Actually, even before that, my mom would wear headphones on her stomach when she was pregnant. So, I had access even before I came into this world. It has always been there, but when I finally understood more about it, it opened so many doors to my heart. It became a part of me.
When and how did you start to write music?
Ella – I started to entertain the idea of writing music at the age of eight but seriously started to pursue it at the age of ten (as serious as you can be at ten). The first song I ever wrote was with my vocal coach, Hailey Steele. It was about Halloween! Looking back on it, I laugh because the lyrics were really cringe, but it makes me smile to think back on simpler times, and just “little Ella” writing about things she found insurmountable joy in.
Describe your sound.
Ella – Oh boy, this is actually something I’ve been asked a lot. In all honesty, the only word I can use to describe my sound is uniquely fluid. Of course, this first song we released is a pop-punk sort of sound and none of the other songs on my EP sound like it. I don’t think I can sum my sound up into a particular genre. Therefore, if I had to describe my sound, I’d simply call it the sound of stories.
Do you play any instruments?
Ella – Yes! I play guitar, ukulele, and a rough version of the piano, just enough to be able to write songs on. I taught myself guitar and ukulele, so those could always use some work, ha-ha, but I manage to do just fine.
When did you first start singing?
Ella – I started singing to myself when I was five because I thought the melodies in songs were just so pretty, and I wanted to replicate them, or I’d make up little nonsense songs and sing to myself while playing games. I started taking voice lessons though when I was 10.
How did you get your stage name Ella K Sol?
Ella – So, funny story, originally it was going to be something along the lines of just Ella K, but I felt it was still missing something, and then I toyed with Ella K Soul because I put my whole heart and soul into every song I write, but it still didn’t feel perfect. So, my dad sent me the idea of “Sol”, meaning sun in Spanish. But it is also a part of Norse mythology, which my dad liked because we are Norwegian, AND it is the 5th note on a C scale! It instantly felt like a perfect fit for my personality and where I came from, and thus the name Ella K Sol was born!
What was your first performance like?
Ella – Well for starters I was so nervous I could feel my heart in my throat, but it was exhilarating. It was at the Hard Rock Café Nashville and I believe I was 11. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.
What do you think makes a good songwriter?
Ella – I think what makes a good songwriter is someone who is willing to be real, not necessarily in an emotional way, but just by being honest about themselves. When you can hear a piece of who they are, and you feel you know them a little better, then I believe that is a good songwriter. Songs don’t have to be serious or funny, etc. they can be whatever you want them to be, but a good songwriter will always put a piece of himself or herself into what they write.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International Singer-Songwriter Association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Ella – Yes, I am registered with ASCAP.
Is your debut song “The Great Mistake” the first song you ever recorded?
Ella – Yes it is! First one recorded and released.
Your debut EP “Hello My Name me is” comes out on Feb. 19, 2021. Tell us about it.
Ella – Honestly, it’s what the title says it is. I am officially introducing myself to the world of music. Funny enough, a lot of people didn’t even know I did anything music-related. I guess I always kept it close to the vest as my own little oasis of reflection and escape. I think the title of the EP is fitted to introduce who I am as an artist and where my music comes from.
Tell me about your single “The Great Mistake”?
Ella – This song reminded me of all the teen movies where the girl falls for the bad boy and comes out bigger, better, stronger. This song was just so much fun to create. It was an outlet for a fun sassy song, with just a hint of pent-up aggression, I’m kidding I’m kidding. This song was not based off of real-life events, just a fun creative project that turned out awesome.
How did you end up co-writing the song with Chad Chapin when you were only 13 years old and now at 17, what made you choose it for your first release?
Ella – I was enrolled in the music school he created since I was 10 and he was very familiar with my voice as he would give all of his students the opportunity to perform at a showcase at least twice a year. After Hailey, my first vocal coach, left to further pursue her music career on the road touring, Chad took over as my teacher and wanted to help me hone my songwriting skills. Working with Chad on The Great Mistake was absolutely so much fun. He has this energy that’s just so inspiring. I chose this song as the first release because of how high energy it is. It’s just a fun “get outta your seat and dance like no one is watching” kind of song. It’s a “blast it in your car because you’re better off, now that you know your worth” kind of song.
We heard your next song release will be “Time Capsule Picture”. Can you tell us about the song?
Ella – Yes, this song is a complete departure from the upbeat catchy vibe of The Great Mistake. These lyrics represent the perfect picture in time. When you are able to appreciate significant memories that will always be there despite the fact that the person that was a part of them is now irrelevant. I think the person who is in the time capsule picture can be anyone. It doesn’t have to be a love interest, which is something some of my friends asked about. All in all, I love the melancholy feel of this song. The bittersweet of lyrics and the cold cut of the bridge just make it piece together. The feel is supposed to resonate with nostalgia and a bittersweet recalling of memories turned to sorrow, mixed feelings, turmoil, and then end resolve. That is Time Capsule Picture.
What is your favorite track on your debut EP?
Ella – I love The Great Mistake, but I think it’s a tie between that and Time Capsule Picture. It’s like picking a favorite child! IMPOSSIBLE!
What are your feelings about the popularity of streaming music?
Ella – I think it’s so great that there’s an easy way for all artists to express themselves and for music lovers to access. Anyone can put something out on Spotify, for example, providing an outlet to musicians and giving music lovers everywhere this incredible opportunity to stumble upon something that might not have a huge built-in audience but is amazing. It’s actually how I’ve found many artists I absolutely love.
What do you prefer, digital vs. vinyl?
Ella – Personally, I prefer live music over anything, but I am content with either. As long as I have music, I am A-Okay.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what does that song mean to you?
Ella – Right now a song that’s in my mind is Just What I Needed by The Cars. I don’t know why this song has been in my mind lately. I think that the rhythm of the melody is helping with the stress of upcoming exams and it’s just a great classic song.
You are still in High school. How is it going? Have you been doing remote learning because of Covid-19?
Ella – Yes, I am still in high school with one more semester to go! This year has been pretty rough, but that goes for everyone, of course. I have felt very fortunate that my school has been in person since we started in August. Global pandemic! What a way to spend a senior year right?
You are based in Nashville, are you under stay-at-home orders and if so, what have you been doing to keep bust and creative.
Ella – I am luckily not under stay-at-home orders right now, though when I go out, I always wear a mask. We live in a time where safety is key. For creativity, I just try and sit with my instruments and start to play something new. I also love to walk around my neighborhood for new inspiration and a clear head.
In addition to music, we know you are also an avid soccer player, can you tell us more about that part of your life?
Ella – I have been playing soccer since I was 2 and a half, and it has been one of my other greatest passions besides music. I love the game, playing, watching, you name it! I play center defender, and I am, as someone told me, “built like a brick wall.” It is so much fun and something I really enjoy.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies lately?
Ella – It’s not super new, but I love making resin jewelry. I make earrings for my friends all the time. It’s a fun way to be creative.
Besides music, what would you like to be doing five years from now?
Ella – Besides music, or rather I should say, in addition to music, I’d like to be traveling the world helping people in developing countries meet their community’s needs, carrying my guitar and my ukulele on my back every step of the way.
Do you have a favorite social media platform, and can you share where our readers can find you?
Ella – I can always be found on my Instagram where I post videos of life and updates about the music world, as well as little get-to-know-you things, but I am also on Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. Feel free to check me out any time! All links are posted on my website www.ellaksol.com.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Ella – In closing, things have been kind of crazy lately and I’ve been trying to come up with a senior quote for the yearbook (and I’m still looking, ha!) but I wrote this out of inspiration: Go dance in the rain, travel the world, open your heart, climb through a window if you can’t reach the door, and for the love of the world, stop caring about what other people think of you. They only torture you because they are stuck themselves.
Basically, do what makes you happy and live your life, don’t merely exist, especially not according to what other people tell you should be. Just a friendly reminder to be kind to yourself and others, stay safe, and have a great day!
You must be logged in to post a comment.