Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ellen Starski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ellen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

This is a very interesting question. It’s my thought that all creative endeavors/projects are meaningful and are ultimately guiding us to our next life experience with a mind that is more open and prepared for obstacles and tests that may arise on the journey. Before we recorded my last two projects I had sang in cover bands and dappled in studio projects for over 10 years. Looking back on this time I now know how critical it was in grooming me for Nashville life, and in building my confidence on stage. In those days it seemed to me like I was floating around trying to find my place when in reality it was preparing me for what was to come. Every part of life is meaningful in its own way, and though it might not seem so in the moment it is guiding us to our next destination.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I was hiding for years singing for cover bands sheepishly writing and hiding songs I’d written in notebooks, voice memos and any other place I could get my thoughts and ideas down. It was only after the birth of our daughter and my husbands encouragement that I found the guts to approach Anne McCue with my first round of material (which later would be known as, “The Days When Peonies Prayed for the Ants.) She is such a star and an absolute Goddess, and she truly blessed my life by opening her arms to me and holding my hand throughout the process of that first album. Without her I’d probably still be hoarding songs away in the back of my mind trying to convince myself the timing was right. I suppose these are the magical moments people talk about in life, but in reality it truly comes down to bravery, perseverance, and finding a human who shares your common ground….A person willing to take a chance on you who also treats you with respect and kindness. That person for me was Anne, she was my angel.

I currently have two full albums available that I’m incredibly proud of with another waiting at the helm. Both albums have their own distinct style. The Peony album leans more into the Americana world while Sara’s Half Finished Love Affair (my second album) teeters on the edge of indie/folk/Americana. We printed vinyl for the later of the two and that is something I’m really proud of. I can remember being a young girl listening to my parents collection dreaming about what it would be like to hear my voice on such a magical invention when low and behold one day I wake up and here I am with my own vinyl! A true dream come true.
Without giving too much away….we are in the process of getting things organized for my 3rd release, and I cannot wait to share what we have up our sleeves for this musical venture.

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

However selfish this may sound…I really want to perform my music in front of the masses. Venues like The Caverns, Blossom Music Center, The Ryman, and Red Rocks are just a few of the American venues I’ve dreamed of playing. Another avenue I’d love to explore would be a European tour. To play in front of people who appreciate music and go along with you on the journey is the pinnacle of the dream for me. The tracks have been laid and we’re in the process of constructing the locomotive.

How communities can support artists?

“My wish would be for people to look beyond their Spotify account recommendations, and also Sirius and FM radios. So much of what’s being played is produced by a very large machine. Now don’t get me wrong there’s nothing the matter with this way of listening, but it’s hard for an independent recording artist to make a fair wage when a machine is programmed to train ears on what to listen to. We need to dig deeper…listen to Independent radio stations, support local art and head out to the shows of artists we’ve never heard of. There is such magic in music discovery, and when I was growing up we prided ourselves on finding the next great thing. We just need to be more open and supportive of the arts in our community’s. Creatives breath life into a what would be very boring world. Take a chance and step out of your comfort zone, there’s magic to be found out there.”

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

My musical career is a continuous learning process in an ever changing ecosystem that keeps me on my toes with every new endeavor. Surrounding myself with people who know more than me has been the best resource time and again. The encyclopedias that exist in other humans continue to amaze me, and absorbing as much of their knowledge as possible is what has brought me to my current location. Trusting in other professionals and truly listening with an open heart and mind is the best resource you’ll ever find.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ellenstarski.com
• Instagram: Ellenstarski
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenstarski?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ellenstarski5352

Image Credits
Album Artwork Patrick Dennis Photo Anna Haas