Emily Ellis, the Auburn, California-based singer-songwriter, lets her music speak for itself. Her voice is powerful and rich, and as the guitars uncoil on her new single “Hard For You to Love Me,” we learn that we’re in for a good time — even as Ellis rips open her heart. “This song was born after an emotional time,” she writes. “It’s tough to truly begin to love yourself, especially when you’re in an intimate relationship. This song tells the story of two lovers struggling to find happiness as individuals, so they can come together peacefully as one.”
In the interview below, Ellis reflects on her path to songwriting and the music that got her here.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I listen to a wide range of music, but I would say my main influences are Lana Del Rey, The Pretty Reckless, Neil Young, Heart, Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse, and The Doors. Lyrics that tell a story really inspire me. Taylor Swift is an amazing songwriter and I love that her lyrics can transport you into her life and her experiences. Artists who share their stories inspire me to tell my own. Nature also inspires me. I live near the American River and the canyon is so inspirational.
Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
A songwriting tip I heard and always remembered was one said in a documentary about The Beatles. John Lennon told George Harrison to always finish a song once you start writing it so you finish it while you’re in that creative state.
Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
This album isn’t super new, but I would say Miley Cyrus’s Plastic Hearts album. I had that on repeat for weeks when it first came out.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
That is a tough question to answer because there are so many songs I’d consider perfect. The one that comes to mind the most for me is “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth),” by George Harrison. First off, I love the message. It resonates with me a lot because I, like most of the planet, wish we could live in a more peaceful world. I love Harrison’s personal journey and the wisdom he brings to his music. This song just makes me feel good overall and I love the simple melody and piano guiding the song.
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
I can’t say I remember the first song I ever wrote, but the first one I wrote and recorded was called “I Won’t Give Up.” I was probably in 1st or 2nd grade and I was telling a boy on the playground that one day I would be a famous singer. He told me to sing something for him, so I did, and he basically told me I was bad and would never be a successful singer. I went home and wrote a song about how I would never give up on my singing career even if that meant people would put me down for it. I eventually recorded the song with my grandpa in his home recording studio.