We recently connected with Elena Gentleman and have shared our conversation below.

Elena, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I have worked on is my first single, “House Tattoo.” I would have never thought I would be at a point where I was writing, recording, and releasing music, but you can never thoroughly plan for the future. This single holds a special place in my heart because it is not only my first single but was also inspired by a dear friend.

My friend was one of the strongest girls I knew in high school and someone I admired tremendously. Amid teenage anxiety and insecurity, she somehow never failed to speak her mind, and she did not let anything or anyone get in her way. I admired her strength, talent, and drive. Before her senior year of high school, my friend’s life was taken by a drunk driver. I’ll never forget the shock. This girl was a force who had a bright future ahead of her. All of that changed in an instant. I remember being so upset with the universe and questioning why this had to happen to someone so wonderful and so loved. I still think about how amazing her life would have looked had this tragedy not occurred. Although many years have passed, I will always admire and think fondly of how she was able to impact so many people in her life. She will still and forever inspire me and remind me to be strong in life.

Writing this song was a very cathartic process. My favorite part of creating this song was when my producer, Nick Giamo, and I could mix the audio of my friend’s laughter into the song. I am happy and thankful for the ability to incorporate her joy into this song. Being able to record and release this song is a blessing I never would have imagined for myself. My goal for this project is to help remind listeners of the people they love in their lives and to cherish them. I am thankful for how music has helped me cope, and I hope this project can also show others how music can heal.

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 am a Nashville-based artist, writer, and music therapist. I combine my therapy background with my songwriting to create music that helps me process life and, hopefully, provides listeners with another perspective.

My journey in music began at an early age. I was born and raised in Germantown, TN, just outside Memphis. Throughout childhood, I was involved in numerous choirs and ensembles, which helped me develop my passion for music and performance. I eventually moved to Nashville to pursue a B.M. in Music Therapy at Belmont University. At Belmont, I developed a love for music in therapy and commercial settings. I graduated from Belmont University in the spring of 2022 and obtained my music therapy board certification later that year. After working as a music therapist for a year, I decided to pursue being an artist and songwriter in partnership with working in mental health to help raise awareness of music therapy and the benefits music can have in people’s lives worldwide.

I plan to continue working to grow as an artist, guitar player, and songwriter and develop a platform to advocate for music therapy and how music can be used therapeutically. Through my journey, I hope to show others that anybody can become a songwriter and use creativity to help improve and make life a little better. I am most proud of becoming a music therapist and using my background in my creativity process. I want anyone who encounters my music to know that music is universal and something we can all hold onto, even amid life’s uncertainties.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to help show others how music heals. Music has always been a source of comfort for me, and my background in music therapy has helped further my understanding of how powerful of a tool music can be for healing and improving life. We experience many challenges throughout life, and everyone must have a method of coping with the good and bad life has to offer. I never thought I would be a songwriter. Still, songwriting has become an excellent outlet for processing my feelings and experiences. I hope to show people that music is more accessible than we are made to believe. It does not take a natural-born talent to create music; it only takes a willingness to try something new.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best thing society can do to support artists and creatives is to give them power and freedom. Streaming has dramatically changed the music industry for everyone. The most negatively affected artists are the independent artists. These creatives pour their hearts into their music without any help. If society shifted towards supporting artists directly by buying music or merchandise instead of just streaming, it would help tremendously by giving support and backing these individuals need to continue creating art they are passionate about.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @elenagentlewoman
• Youtube: ElenaGentlewoman