We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ella Beyer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ella below.
Ella, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My Dad is a touring drummer, so when I was in elementary school, my parents would take me out for 3 weeks to follow him on tour in France, Italy, and Spain. I was 6 or 7 years old standing on the side of the stage feeling so inspired by the way that the audience was moved by the music; singing along to every word. That’s when I had the idea that I wanted to do something in music. Then, on the drives to school when I was 13 and 14, my mom would have different days with musical themes- “Ella today we are going to listen to my top 3 favorite bridges in a song and what makes them great”. That’s the first time I heard Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years”, which is my absolute favorite song. I knew that I wanted to have an impact on people with melody and lyrics like my musical heroes have had on me. I started writing based off of my every day experiences, and I never stopped.
I think the most essential skill to being a great songwriter is simply to exist. Let life be messy and complicated. Feel all your feelings to the maximum. The more experiences you have, and the more you life you truly live, the more inspiration you have for songs. That’s why when I’m going through something challenging and emotionally taxing, I see the silver lining in it because there will always be a song that comes out.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a 20 year old singer/songwriter who is inspired by experience, emotion, and the art of those who came before me. Citing artists like Carole King, The Beatles, Phoebe Bridgers, and Joni Mitchell, I combine relatable lyrics and hooks to explore young adult themes. As an LA local, I try to really draw from the Laurel Canyon scene and incorporate that into my style- musically and visually.
When it comes to my lyrics, discussing topics like mental health is very important to me. I don’t like to shy aware from deeper and darker themes like depression, anxiety, and self-discovery.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One year ago, I found myself basing my entire mood around one guy that I met. I had just gotten in a really bad car accident that was my fault, so anything to distract myself from that was something I was happily taking a part in. When he texted or called me, I was high on life. When he didn’t, I was laying in bed at 4 pm in my pajamas sobbing. Thanks to my therapist (hi Jennifer!), I was slowly taught how to grow out of those co-dependent tendencies, but it has taken a long time. Following that, I went to the ER and found myself in a really dark place. I went to this amazing mental health program where I was in music therapy, art therapy, and psychodrama classes. It honestly saved my life. I don’t where I would be if I hadn’t woken up every day at 8 am and gone to those classes. It taught me how to dive deep inward and stitch up my wounds. I’m proud of myself for not living in a “victim complex” and knowing that I have messed up and putting in the work to not make those same mistakes again. I have finally chosen Ella, and I’m not attached to anybody romantically right now and it’s the best thing that could have happened to me.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Honestly the movie “Almost Famous” has greatly inspired me to chase after my dreams. I love the character Penny Lane. She is so confident in who she is, as she lives by the philosophies “It’s all happening” and “You’ll meet them all again on the long journey to the middle”. After I watched that movie for the first time, and saw how all the characters bonded through their deeply-rooted love for music, I was hooked. I strive to create that kind of community among my classmates at Los Angeles College of Music and with the people that I play my gigs with. The music community is so small at the end of the day and we need to remember that no matter how competitive it is, we have to try to be on each other’s sides and fight as a collective for the dream of doing what we love.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://ellabeyermusic.com/
- Instagram: @ellabeyermusic
- Facebook: Ella Beyer
- Linkedin: Ella Beyer
- Twitter: @ellabeyer5
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllaBeyerMusic
Image Credits
Claire Parker