Uncovered: Ellie Mitchell

Our job, writing for the rowdy web, is to essentially bring some sweet sounds and brand new melodic tones into one’s life. Ellie Mitchell is one of the artists that we have uncovered. Seeing Ellie at first glance, you may assume her songs are all ponies and kitten claws. HOWEVER , she brings a sort of story one may hear only in a Quentin Tarantino classic. 

 

RR: When was the first time you started to notice your talents for singing and songwriting?

Ellie: Well probably around the time I started recording, around eleven. Playing around, not composing anything, which at the point I had a long time to go. I recorded with a Roland recording kit in the upstairs attic, and learned how to record alone. My dad showed me just the basics for recording. The recordings were mostly acoustic, singing, and harmonizing.

RR: When was the first time you went public with your talent?

Ellie: My dad has actually been playing and performing music his whole life, and I think I was probably 13 when he had asked me to play my music. But it wasn’t the first time I had performed. I was also around it my whole life so playing and being around shows was nothing new.

RR: You’ve played live before. How was it playing for the FIRST time ever with a band?

Ellie: The first time I played with a band was when I was in a group called Gardenstate. Our first show was actually pretty funny. We performed at this “fashion show” hosted by the Tremper Environmental Club. I don’t think we struck a happy chord with the people running the show.

RR: What was the transition like from being a solo artist to being a part of a band?

Ellie: Fun but definitely frustrating. The band definitely had a lot to add. And the members had the ear for listening to my music and helping to bring it together.

RR: Since then, are you and the band still as one? Still performing?

Ellie: No, we no longer play as a group. But, individually, we are still musically active. At first, I was disappointed at our break up. I soon realized it was something to learn from. My dad has been in so many different groups and bands. He always says, “Every opportunity that comes, you just have to work to improve yourself and the quality of your music.”

RR: What was your next big adventure as far as new bands go?

Ellie: I was with a couple of the same members for awhile in an attempt to make a new band. And even though we had not gone on to play a show or make our music public, we still had good stuff. Hopefully we’ll still have a chance at recording. I know the guys would be up for it.

RR: Every artist has their influence. Who or what was yours?

Ellie: There are so many. My dad for one, who dropped out of high school to be passionately involved in music. It was really more of a lifestyle that I had, nothing major, that hit me in the face to decide on being a musician. I lived in a place full of music.

RR: Should we expect anything new lined up with you in the near future?

Ellie: I think as long as I keep writing music that people enjoy and appreciate. And I will always keep on playing. As long as I want to do it, I will keep on it. Just like people play sports and make it their passion and love, I will play music.

Final summation: none! Except that you should get off your kit kaboodle and go to myspace.com/rockgardenstate (for band tunage) and myspace.com/elenamaymusic for Ellie Mitchell’s solo work.

 

by Mike Berea and Beyza Bajraktari