Q: Welcome! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
A: I’m ellakate, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Atlanta, GA. I’m a senior in high school and I love music, dogs, and anything sweet.
Q: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s not heard your music before?
A: My music is a storytelling journey filled with honest lyrics. My sound leans toward alternative pop. There are many influences in my music, anything from Billy Joel to Billie Eilish, and so my song vary in their composition. I enjoy personifying the emotions of the lyrics of each song in the sound of the music. This can make my songs vary a little in the way they sound.
Q: You recently released your new single ”It’s Not My Fault”, can you tell us what the song is about?
A: This song is pretty different from my others currently released. It’s sassy and has some rock inspiration which I feel showcases a different side of myself as a musician. I wrote It’s Not My Fault after a friend I had known for a while confessed their feelings for me, leaving me incredibly frustrated. I made it clear at the beginning of our friendship, I did not want anything romantic. Nonetheless, he was still upset at my rejection, and the only thing I could think was, “this is not my fault”.
Q: When did you realize that you wanted to become a musician?
A: Since I can remember I have loved music, and I have always dreamed of making my own and sharing it with the world. Both my parents are very musical, so I’ve been around music my whole life. My mom went to music school in New Orleans, and my dad has played in bands as a keyboardist since he was in high school. Growing up, I got to hear my dad’s band practices which was a special treat because I could stay up past my bedtime. My parents introduced me to many different types of music which really inspired me to find my own sound.
Q: What inspires you the most to write your songs?
A: Observing people is my main inspiration. Everyone is so unique and has a different story. I find most of my songs reflect the experiences and emotions I feel in myself or see in others.
Q: Who would be your ultimate dream collaboration with, and why?
A: My biggest influence is Lana Del Rey, and to be able to work with her would genuinely be a dream come true. She has such a unique tone of voice and is an incredible writer. I could learn so much from her and to create something with her would be such an honor.
Q: If there’s one song from your catalog that you wish everyone in the world could listen to, which one would it be?
A: In my catalog of released songs, it’s definitely I wanna Fall in Love for the Night. The song is so honest and relatable to anyone who has ever been in or wanted to be in love.
Q: What do you have planned for the year ahead?
A: Lots of shows! Also, I am planning on releasing an EP in the coming months which is super exciting. I also have some collaborations that I am working on that will be released as well. Outside of music, I’m going to the University of Notre Dame to compete on their fencing team and continue my education in the fall.
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