We were lucky to catch up with Ela Ozturk recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
Great question! I’ve been an artist my entire life, however I often think of how my career would have panned out had I started a bit sooner. I try to have grace with myself by knowing I did the best I knew how to at that time in my life and that everything eventually led me to where I am now. So I would say I have no regrets at the end of the day, but if I was given a choice I think I would choose to start my creative journey/career sooner because I believe you can’t live for tomorrow, you have to live for the present.
Ela , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Sure! my name is Ela Ozturk and I am a Turkish-American singer/songwriter, after falling in love with music at a young age, I I started writing songs. I found musical influences all around from the music my father played in the house, to the music my friends would introduce me to, I started to study all the music in my environment. I pull from a variety of influences, I’m mostly inspired by strong female vocalists such as the likes of Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Adele.
I Blend multiple genres ranging from Soul, pop, Jazz, blues, and R&B. I’ve often describe myself as a “storyteller”, because that’s exactly what I am. Someone who brings stories into other people’s lives in an effort to inspire or comfort those who can relate.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Good question! for me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is the creative process. The process of building on an idea is so fun and challenging to navigate. Once you reach the finish line and have a finalized project to share with the world it is such an amazing feeling.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my view, I think society should provide more platforms for indie artists, and creatives to grow their audience on. There should also be more funding for artists, most artists fund their art independently and barley break even, let alone make a profit. They make their art because the love what they do, and people should champaign their artist friends/local artists so that they can continue to make the art we all love and consume.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ela-ozturk.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ela_ozturk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheElaOzturk
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theelaozturk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4rZDbCV5_LgeyA9z5_fsFw
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_elaozturk?lang=en
Image Credits
Torian J Allen and Alex Swanson