Karissa Ella Puts Her Own Spin on Country Classics

​Country Artist Karissa Ella is putting her spin on some country classics. The Ohio born, Nashville resident has released her version of 90s legend Patty Loveless’ “Blame It on Your Heart,” which you can find here. This is not the only cover Ella has, she has released three other country classics along with “Blame It on Your Heart” in her series The Acoustic Sessions, you can find the full series in the link above. Ella “was a small-town girl with big, crazy dreams”. She describes her childhood in Ohio as “Every time my parents would take me to a concert, I would just imagine how cool it would be to be on stage, having everyone sing along to your songs. My parents have been more than supportive and actually pushed me in this direction. Their belief in me is the main reason why I am pursuing my dream today.” 
 
Ella was surrounded by music growing up and when it came time to decide what she wanted, she applied to Belmont University. She describes what life is like in Nashville as it has given her the chance of “being surrounded by music and creative people (which) enhanced my decision to pursue music full-time.” Karissa chose country music because “there is something about the rawness, truthfulness and relatability country music has to offer. To me, country music hits your soul a little differently and gives you all the feels. I find country music to be healing in every way.” While Ella’s favorite part about her career is performing, she has her eyes on her dream venue of the "Blossom Music Center." where she grew up seeing her favorite artists and was inspired to become an artist herself. 
 
Karissa cites Carly Pearce and Luke Combs as her influences. She also looks up to so many independent artists working hard to get noticed. "Being an artist is tough, but luckily Nashville is a great town and we all support one another.” Ella details her songwriting process as that “Everyone's songwriting process is different and mine has been changing a lot! This pandemic has really given me opportunities to look within and write about more important things in life. It has also inspired new stories and experiences! I love co-writing with friends and find the collaboration process as a whole to be exciting!” Her advice to aspiring artists coming up behind her is to network, collaborate and have fun. Figure out what your sound is or who you want to be and stick with it! As it is important to be your true authentic self. 
 
Ella thinks of her music as if “Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert had a kid that was in sweatpants drinking a margarita! She “brings the sass but still has songs that are light-hearted and fun!”
 
You can find Karissa Ella and her music on all digital platforms and across social media @karissaellamusic on Instagram and @KarissaElla_ on Twitter, and for tour dates and more check out karissaella.com. 

Author: Charles Hacker