By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo By Devin Kasparian
Q) Your music is often described as pop with a dash of R&B, but how would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe it as unapologetic pop R&B with a little attitude and a lot of harmonies.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I have so many but to name a few I would say Mariah Carey, The Beatles, Nirvana, Lana Del Rey and Ariana Grande.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Lucky.”
A) I wrote and produced this song years ago and it had been very minimal production with just a lead vocal. Then, about two years ago I got introduced to Mirage, a producer from South Africa, and he added these really beautiful pop elements. After that I added all the vocal production and the song sounded like what I had been imagining from the beginning of creating it.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) Love is an extremely universal and relatable topic but gratitude is such a huge component to finding love as well. I loved combining two of those feelings to create “Lucky.”
Q) There is a lyric video out now for “Lucky,” but will a full video be coming soon as well?
A) At the moment, we shot a really beautiful and simple performance and lyric video for the song but maybe for my next release!
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I have many different processes. Sometimes I write solo with a piano or guitar or I produce and write at the same time. I can get inspired from pretty much anything but my best work comes from knowing exactly which concept I have and running with it.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) A good portion. I don’t produce everything that I make but I always have an ear for where I hear the song going. I’m so grateful (and lucky) to work with such incredible producers and co-producers that I’ve learned so much from. My biggest hand is in the tracking and vocal production. I love harmonies and using my voice as a main instrument.
Q) With your tracks “Lucky” and “Relapse” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) You’ll have to wait and see! I always love storytelling with projects so I’m very excited to continue with this new chapter.
Q) You have opened for artists like Evangelia and Emilia Ali. What can fans expect from a live Maria Ellis performance?
A) A lot of eye contact! I love interacting with my audience and making the moment feel as fun and present as possible. I also am very excited to sing “Lucky” live because it’s so fun vocally.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I love playing in New York in general because there’s a certain energy. I’ve performed at so many venues in the city but recently I had the chance to sing at Steinway Hall. It was a really beautiful experience and the acoustics were amazing.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I would love to work with Ariana Grande in any capacity. She’s such an incredible songwriter – I would love to watch her process in real time.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I’ve been loving the new Olivia Rodrigo album, specifically “What’s Wrong with Me” with Robert Smith. Olivia writes these heartbreakingly beautiful melodies and that song is one of my favorites by her.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I couldn’t be more grateful for the love and support. Especially as an independent artist who has been working and dreaming of this since I was a little girl, I feel endlessly grateful to see people relate and love my songs. I’m so excited to continue giving you more music and for what’s next!