Talented musician Sierra Ellis was born in Racine, Wisconsin. From an early age, music was a big part of their lives. She has always had a natural talent for singing and a close relationship with music. But she didn’t start writing poetry and songs as a way of expressing herself and finding solace until she was 14 years old, in the wake of the tragic death of her father. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
SIERRA ELLIS: The earliest age I remember singing was 3 years old. I use to sing in choir, plays, talent shows , at home. I was always interested in any form of entertainment. I wanted to model, I could dance and I could sing but as I got older I became shy and didn’t have as much confidence so I sang in private.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
SIERRA ELLIS: I’ve never actually taken singing lessons, I would just listen to songs and try to hit the notes. I would sing over and over again routinely. Overtime I started to pay more attention to singing techniques and watching youtube videos on warming up your voice. Even to this day I love to sing and prep my vocals.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘SIERRA ELLIS?
SIERRA ELLIS: Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, TLC, Sade, Jcole, Jhene aiko, Kendrick lamar, Rihanna, Christina aguilera, JoJo, Drake, Kehlani. The choice for my name is really because its my actual birth name and I’ve always had a hard time trying to find an “artist name” for myself but then I thought I could just use my real name even though theirs already an artist name “ciara” just spelled differently I decided to add my last name “Ellis”.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
SIERRA ELLIS: I would say I’m pretty open to different topics, My lyrics represent me, my mindset, my philosophies. Getting older taught me theirs people out there who can relate to my story and way of thinking so Its not just about me I have a lot of compassion and empathy so its easy for me to make people feel comfortable with being themselves. My sound is a melting pot of R&B, indie/Alternative, with hiphop and neo soul influences.
5. Do you feel that your music is giving the push back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
SIERRA ELLIS:
For right now I think It’s doing well and I’m enjoying the moment and the feedback I’ve gotten, I’m grateful I had the chance to release my first project so I’m not rushing anything . Overall every artist’s goal is to make it and be something in the industry so eventually I believe my time will come you never really know nowadays it could happen sooner than I think.
6. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
SIERRA ELLIS:
I would say death. I’ve lost a lot of loved ones and it caused me to spiral and lose sight of what the meaning of life was. The concept of being here one day and not the next was always hard for me to grasp but I can’t say it hasn’t taught me anything.
7. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as R&B?
SIERRA ELLIS:
My musical influences do play a huge role in my sound but I’ve never liked copying people. If I feel like I’m sounding too much like a certain artist I stop listening to them and find different people to listen to or just listen to my own stuff to analyze what exactly I sound like. You might think you’re a good enough writer but writers block can humble you and force you to actually learn more, Also when it comes to lyrics I began to pay attention to the way people approach their songs, Their choice of words, the flow and how they came up with their concepts. Sometimes its from books they read, Movies they watch or experiences they’ve witnessed/encountered. My main goal as an artist isn’t to mimic anyone but to give someone the similar influence, inspiration and feeling these artist gave to me.
8. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
SIERRA ELLIS:
I believe in both. For me personally I try to be more intentional with what I say and how I say it. I like to be thought provoking but I’m also not going to always be so serious in songs since music is also meant for enjoyment. Whatever I feel like making is what I end up creating, but I do believe music is a powerful tool that can be used for many different things. If the song requires it I like to guide people on the right path, If it doesn’t then I’m just making something I like.
9. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
SIERRA ELLIS: I’m someone who constantly listens to beats so it usually starts with that and whatever feeling I get from it, but sometimes it starts with a random phrase I think of in my mind as I’m going through the day. I could be working and lyrics could pop up in my head or I could be writing a poem or just freelance writing and it’ll inspire me to come up with a song. Music is my therapy so even just living my life could inspire a song. I like audio books, movies, videos, games even conversations can inspire me. My mind is constantly racing making me very attentive so whatever it is I ponder on it until I come up with something.
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
SIERRA ELLIS: I do like to inform people the concept of my songs so their isn’t any confusion. I don’t mind being upfront with whatever I express in my music, However I also don’t mind when people use the songs to fit their own personal narrative since everyone is different. If they can relate in some way it creates a connection and understanding.
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