Karissa Ella’s “White Dress Worthy” — “… a gentle bit of advice to not give into that pressure by rushing into things or settling for anything less than someone who makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.”
North Canton, Ohio native. “Growing up, I was in many musicals and was involved in select choirs. I also began taking voice lessons in 5th grade. I was a competitive dancer and cheerleader too. So, I loved singing and dancing in musicals, but I also loved singing commercial music.” Being proud of how far you’ve come. If you were to give advice to a younger you, what is the best career life lesson you’ve learned to date?
My best career advice to my younger self would be to chase your dreams fearlessly. Now, that is a lot easier said than done, and I am still learning how to overcome fear and anxiety. It has been one of my biggest obstacles because there is so much unknown in this industry and in life! But I’ve learned to make friends with fear, welcome it in, and love it.
Graduated from Belmont University. “While I came to Nashville wanting to be a singer, I don’t think I told anyone while growing up or in college. So, I went to college to learn more about the music business to determine if I wanted to be involved. Even though growing up, I was always timid about my singing. Even in college, being surrounded by like-minded people, I was afraid. But it inspired and tested me. Because deep down, I always wanted to be the one on stage.” Which classes challenged you the most as you found your voice?
In college, my commercial voice classes challenged me the most because I had to sing in front of strangers! At the time, I was extremely shy about my singing but wanted to grow and gain more experience. I knew putting myself in that position was the only way I could figure out if I really wanted to be a singer or not. Everyone in the class was super supportive and helped me see what I was capable of.
Celebrating the musical girl bosses who have inspired you including Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood. How have their career choices impacted your own?
All the girl bosses in country music have inspired me. They have paved the way for young artists like me and are the reason we all have this crazy dream! I have listened to these artists on repeat for years and have fallen in love with them. I was inspired to be like them from a very young age and it is still crazy to me that I am living in Nashville, singing country music and working with the same talented songwriters and musicians that they have worked with!
“Well Tequila,” co-written with Joshua Gleave and Casey Wood recorded, mixed and mastered at the Insanery in Nashville. “Whether tequila makes your clothes fall right off or gets you feeling like you’re singing your heart out on the Opry stage, you never know what kind of adventure it’s going to take you on and that’s what this song is all about, I never have a bad time with a margarita in my hand, so it’s only fitting to roll into spring and summer with a drinking song about my favorite liquor and the unique kind of liquid courage it gives me.” You shared that upbeat songs are more challenging for you to write. What makes them more difficult to write?
For me, I love to write emotional songs. Outside of country music my favorite artist is Adele and I just love the way her music makes you feel. I love writing songs that make you really listen to the lyrics and that tell a story. Upbeat songs are fun write and sing but for me, I enjoy the sad girl songs the most!
“The studio might be my favorite part of creating music. I love hearing songs come to life.” What is the backstory to your newest release, “White Dress Worthy?”
“White Dress Worthy” is a very special song to me. I wrote it with my mother (Ed Note: Lori Haasz) who I felt was the best fit for the song! Yes, she is a songwriter too, a good one at that! I like to think the tone of the song comes from a mother’s point of view, giving advice to her daughter to follow her intuition and to not settle for less. I loved writing this song with my mom and it is something I will cherish forever!
And the new EP, It’s Personal, will be released on June 23.
The EP is definitely going to be a blend of the nostalgic and the reflective, with songs that cover everything from my favorite spirit to my hometown, and my personal relationships. I think it will give listeners a whole new understanding of me as both an artist and an individual, and I’m really excited for folks to hear it!
Supporting the CMA Foundation and their mission to shape the next generation through music education with your upcoming CMA Fest Spotlight Stage performance at Fan Fair X. How can fans best support schools’ music programs?
School music programs are always in need of donations! Whether it’s for new instruments, concerts, musicals, music, or other special opportunities, I feel like every little bit helps and will not get taken for granted. I am excited to be a part of the change and be a part of CMA Fest this year!
“A Harry Potter nerd. My house is Gryffindor, but I am bordering on Hufflepuff.” If you were asked to write a song for one of the Harry Potter movies, which would you pick and why?
This is a great yet hard question! I would maybe pick Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire because there are so many different storylines I can play off of. From Ron and Hermione hiding their feelings from each other and trying to make each other jealous or Harry being in love with someone who doesn’t love him back! There is so much more but I’m sure a I could write a good love song from it!
Happy place is on the beach. Which beaches are on your bucket list to visit?
I love the beach. It is where I disconnect, put my feet in the sand and am just grateful for life. I would love to visit the Maldives or Bora Bora! I love to travel, I’d go anywhere for a beach!
Karissa Ella Tour Dates:
May 11 — Stamford, Conn. — Stamford Palace Theatre
May 12 — Hanover, Md. — Cancun Cantina
May 13 — Philadelphia, Pa. — Hard Rock Cafe
May 20 — Rootstown, Ohio — Dusty Armadillo
May 27 — Pittsburg, Kan. — Kansas Crossing Casino
June 9 — Nashville, Tenn. — CMA Fest
June 23 — Jackson, Ohio — Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater
July 29 — Canal Fulton, Ohio — Canal Fulton Fair
Aug. 3 — Medina, Ohio — Medina County Fair
Aug. 4 — Doylestown, Ohio — Rogues Hollow Festival
Aug. 12 — Greensburg, Ind. — Highpoint Events