SistersTalk Interviews Ellis, National Independent Acoustic Artist
05.25.06 (9:29 pm) posted by Genia
vote for me on digg and reddit
Ellis, an independent acoustic music singer whose voice is as unique as her personality, answered a few questions for SistersTalk readers. I first saw Ellis perform in 1997 at the annual Folk & Blues festival at Beloit College. Since witnessing her amazing talent in person, I can't bring myself to head to our local bar to hear cover bands anymore. I'm honored to have an oppotunity to ask Ellis a few questions.
ST: I've read in several places that you started your own record label, Rubberneck Records, at age 16. How did you accomplish that?
Ellis: You're only a couple of years off; I started Rubberneck Records at age 19. It was as simple as coming up with a company name and putting it on my CDs. Up until 2003 I'd only released my own albums.
ST: In 2000, your former band Bobby Llama won Sam Goody/Musicland's "Best Unsigned Band" competition. This opened the possibility for you to sign with a major record label; however, you were determined to remain independent. What prompted that decision?
Ellis: I believe that there's integrity in doing it yourself first before thinking about incorporating other support. I quit the band in part because the other members weren't interested in going the indie route first, but also because we were having a lot of internal troubles. Signing with a major label wouldn't have worked out those issues.
ST: Your fifth CD, Evidence of Joy, was co-produced by eight of your fans. You recorded the CD live at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theatre in Minneapolis in January 2004. Describe that experience.
Ellis: I couldn't imagine a better group of folks to work with. The whole idea surfaced during a brainstorming session with my manager, Terri. We were talking about doing a live album and ways to make it more exciting and more what fans would want to take home after a show. Who better to help us create that ideal CD than some of the fans themselves?
So, we held a contest and selected 8 folks from the 50 entries we recieved. We flew them all to Minneapolis and embarked on a long weekend together. It felt like a mix between finals week and a slumber party. At the end of it, we'd selected the songs, brainstormed a list of titles, decided on edits and chose the song order.
ST: What would you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Ellis: I rode my bicycle around 500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago during the 1998 AIDS RIDE! Musically, making the transition from touring regionally and working part time jobs to being a full time touring artist.
ST: Of all the songs you've recorded, which is your favorite? (sidenote: if you have a link to the song so fans can listen to a sample, let me know!)
Ellis: I'm not sure on that one. Right now I really like the songs on my new e.p. which you can find at Ellis-music.com . I also recently wrote a song for a friend of mine, Annette, and her friends and family. Annette lost her battle with cancer a few days after I recorded this song. It was written and recorded here in Minneapolis in a matter of days as a gift. I wanted to put words to the feelings of love, hope, loss and helplessness you feel when someone is dying. It is available for free download on my website.
ST: You perform over 130 concerts a year. Do you have a favorite venue?
Ellis: I love venues that have a theatre type feel. I love the Bryant Lake Bowl Theatre in Minneapolis (yes, there are bowling lanes outside the theatre in the very hip restaurant area!). There's a fun venue in Spokane, WA that I love called "the Shop". I also love playing "The Ark" in Ann Arbor, MI.
ST: Do you have an artistic influence, another folk artist perhaps?
Ellis: Ani Difranco has surely paved the way for indie artists like me and I am inspired by her music. I absolutely love Patty Griffin and Joni Mitchell. I listened to a fair amount of country music growing up- Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, George Strait and Loretta Lynn. Of course I memorized all the Edie Brickell, Simon and Garfunkel, Louis Armstrong, and Billy Joel CDS I could get my hands on.
ST: In 2003, you released "Amaze Me: Songs in the Key of Peace" -- a benefit CD designed to support the peace movement. The CD features female songwriters. Can you tell us a little about that project?
Ellis: Amaze Me: Songs in the Key of Peace was created initially because Terri and I wanted to contribute something to the peace movement. Being on the road so much really inhibits the involvement either of us can personally have. There were a lot of independent female singer/songwriters writing songs about peace and we thought it would be helpful not only for organizations to use the CD to fundraise, but also helpful as an inspiring soundtrack for the folks who are actively working for peace.
ST: Do you have any projects in progress?
Ellis: I am currently working on a DVD, which is due out sometime this summer/ fall. I am also writing songs for the next studio album, which I hope to start recording this winter.
ST: What's in your CD player right now?
Ellis: Cris Williamson's "The Changer and the Changed". I'm playing with her next weekend! (The Police, Patty Larkin, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan too)
ST: What's your favorite color?
Ellis: Blue, Black, and Lime Green
ST: What's your favorite movie?
Ellis: "Spirited Away" and "Harold and Maud"
ST: What's your favorite book?
Ellis: Anything by Barbara Kingsolver & I admit it, I love Harry Potter.
ST: Name your most embarrassing moment.
Ellis: There are so many to choose from! Ok, my band was playing a county fair a few years back. We were playing on a flat bed truck, and it was a bit more bouncy than your regular stage- especially for 6 musicians. I move a lot when I'm playing and it made the mic stand bounce a bit. At one point it moved forward as I started to sing and it popped me in the mouth! It really hurt! It happened a couple of times and somehow I managed to finish the show. I try to avoid playing on flat-bed trucks now!
liberal bloggers
