"I GOT THIS" (Interview with @Ella_eh)

Ready to stamp her own legacy in entertainment, Ella Starr is forging her own path and moving forward a new sound in pop music. With a powerful voice and songwriting skills to match, Ella’s music is energetic, creative, fun and passionate—and it immediately demands your attention. Born Daniele Amber-Nicole Murphy in Mansfield, Ohio, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Ella comes from a close-knit family. The daughter of a Reverend, she credits the Baptist church to being a positive influence on how she understands and views music.

A self-taught pianist, Ella began writing songs and arranging music at the early age of eight. It was part of the youth choir at her church where she first started testing her vocals and singing publicly. She gives credit to her early musical influences, singer Brandy and legendary singer/songwriter Babyface, for first inspiring her to sing. She reminisces, “As a little girl I would just listen to their records all day in my room and try to copy their voices. That’s really how I taught myself to sing.” At the age of 16 Ella had her first professional studio experience, recording music she written for the piano and laying down her own vocals. By 17, Ella was consistently recording and writing to computer-generated tracks.

In 2007, working with Todd Mushaw and Storm9000, Ella got her first placements in the movie Nora's Hair Salon 2- where two of her songs were featured. Currently is in the studio with her production team (Storm9000 and Grammy Award nominated producer Jaymz Hardy-Martin III), Ella is working on new music to be released on her upcoming EP titled “Authenticity.” Heavily rooted in the sounds of R&B with a Pop-ish vibe and a slight twist of Rock, the sound of Ella Starr offers a sweet and refreshing blend of old & new styles of music.

Refusing to be categorized in a select genre of music Ella candidly explains, “Even though I was brought up on a lot of soul, I just love music, period. I don’t want to marry myself to a genre. I want to make music that makes people react, identify, dance, smile, cry—free.

So how long have you been singing?

I’ve been singing since I was 8 years old. I began recording professionally at 16.

That's the business. Who have you worked with?

I’ve worked with a lot of people from Columbus, Ohio, which is where I grew up. I’m currently working with a team that consists of myself, engineer, clothing designer and producer Storm 9000, and Grammy award nominated audio engineer Jaymz Hardy-Martin III.

And what influenced you to become a singing?

Singing has always been something I enjoy doing, and it comes easily to me. I’ve been able to understand sound and arrangement from a young age, and it simply makes me happy! I enjoy being able to express my feelings through word and song.

Deep. I can dig it!! So what different about your style?

My taste in music has allowed me to be able to write from all different angles and styles. I come from a lot of jazz, r&b, but I also enjoy classical, pop and country (I write and arrange everything I sing). I can sing in many different styles, and that makes me stand out—I’m not just one dimensional.

You seem like a smart, beautiful woman. Are you seeing anyone?

I’m single at the moment… I wouldn’t mind dating, but I haven’t had much time! I’m always busy working on music and traveling.

So back to the biz! Do you feel like you have any competition out here?

“Competition” is something that’s relative. I think I’m different enough that I don’t have to constantly worry about other artists. What is difficult, is dealing with the way the industry is right now. A lot of artists have changed their sound to fit in with what’s “hot” right now, to the point where you can’t even recognize them. I don’t want that to happen to me.

Last but not least, do you have any shout outs?

At this point in my career, I wouldn’t be able to do it without Storm and Jaymz. Of course, all of my family and friends who support me, and to everyone who takes the time to listen to my music.

Where can people find your work? 

www.ellastarrmusic.com DOWNLOAD HERE MIXTAPE @ www.ellastarrmusic.com TODAY!!!