We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danielle Ellesse Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danielle Ellesse below.
Danielle Ellesse, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project I’ve had the pleasure of working on has been my debut music video and short film “Outta Here: Escape the Simulation.” This project has not yet been released because it’s currently in film festival rounds, but it has already received a few Official Selection titles and one Finalist title. The project focuses on what it’s personally like to feel trapped in and surrounded by societal pressures through social media but realizing that I have to find a way out. I once was so consumed with the media and feeling like I had to be in everyone’s business and share my own. Then I finally grew out of that phase, matured, and now focus on being present without feeling the need to post. I’ve always been genuine and authentic but I was spreading myself thin trying to keep up with profiles, DMs, posts, etc. There’s just so much more to life offline.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have always found myself grounded in music and it truly has been my escape for as long as I can remember. Shortly after I discovered music I was introduced to theatre and film; having the opportunity to step into characters completely different than myself has truly been the biggest blessing. During middle school I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and later that diagnosis changed to Borderline Personality Disorder with Major Depression and Extreme Anxiety. It has honestly been the most challenging obstacle I’ve had to face over the years. However, singing and acting are two constants in my life that allow me to express myself authentically and boldly which has been one of the best ways to cope with the chaos that is my brain. Being able to share my gift with others who may also be dealing with a mental disorder has honestly been a lifesaver for me and others as well. I create music with the hopes to make people feel something, anything, but to most importantly know they are not alone. Over the years I’ve found that it is hard for me to stick with a specific genre because there are too many sides of me to try to fit into one box. Creating songs that can be categorized into multiple different genres of music has been the best decision I could’ve made for myself and as an artist. I create what I feel instead of trying to create something I force. I hope that encourages other artists and creatives to truly be themselves and do what comes naturally to them. I’ve realized that with so many people trying to fit in, there has to be a few that stand out. I encourage you, whoever’s reading this, to take that risk, make that leap of faith, step out of your comfort zone and be the best you can be. Don’t be afraid to be different.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is getting to connect with and communicate with people from all around the world. Music is a universal language that opens so many doors and touches so many hearts. People can know my story, relate to it and feel a sense of community just my listening to my music or reading my lyrics. I love that we humans have this undeniable instinct and are able to feel from afar. The fact that I know people in Australia who are truly inspired by, connected to and in tune with my music is such a beautiful feeling. I get to build meaningful relationships with complete strangers who turn into friends or fans or both. Knowing that I’m reaching people that I may never even speak to or meet in person is truly amazing.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I feel that the best way to support artists and creatives is to make purchases with them. Buy the cd, buy the painting, buy the merch, buy whatever you can to put any amount of money into the artists’ pocket. Of course, living through a pandemic is challenging for every single person and for most money can be a little tight. In that case, any amount of sharing or positive word of mouth is awesome. However, if you do have the funds, give it to someone who truly inspires you because chances are they could absolutely use and would be greatly appreciative of the support. I promise it’ll make their day, week, month or even their entire year. It’s not easy turning a passion into a profession but you can definitely help someone get there by showing up where it counts..And that’s money.. Hehe.. Get it?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ellessemusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allofthegoodnamesaretaken/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ellessemusic/posts/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellessemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-f3rPmmvvVpL6HTz_vVm_Q
Image Credits
Denique Nashay, Danielle Ellesse Smith, Daniel Vo, Avitiuh