We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ellerieh Lin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ellerieh below.

Hi Ellerieh, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Two years ago, I left a regular job in order to become a singer-songwriter. I had been an educator for over a decade, and while I love working with students, there is joy in creating work that gives voice to my ideas. In recent years, I have become increasingly aware of my mortality and have realized that if I don’t pursue certain goals in the present, I may never get a chance to in the future. So I’ve given myself the opportunity to see how far I can travel along the path of a creative. I have no regrets.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About four and a half years ago, I began songwriting as a creative outlet to process heartbreak after my partner of twelve years left me for someone else. When that relationship ended, I lost my best friend, my former home, pets (technically his but practically ours), and dreams of our unrealized future. I didn’t have much of a background in music. I had played several instruments as a kid but stopped practicing them after I started an adult career. My first song began as merely a melody with lyrics since I didn’t have the skills to write or play accompaniment for it. But because I wanted to finish the song, I dusted off my old guitar, got it restrung, and started watching videos online to learn basic chords. I was fortunate to have a group of supportive friends who not only lent attentive ears to my early attempts at songwriting but also encouraged me to share my songs with a wider audience. Because of these friends, I realized there are people who find value in my somewhat niche style of music. I don’t expect my songs to appeal to everyone, but I would like for the songs to reach people who would appreciate hearing them. Two years ago, I moved to Austin, Texas, for a fresh start as a singer-songwriter to share the music I’ve written. I recently released my debut album My World and You. It consists of ten songs that encapsulate my journey of heartbreak and healing. The digital album is available on Bandcamp https://elleriehlin.bandcamp.com/album/my-world-and-you and online streaming platforms.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In January of 2020, I separated from my long-term partner and lived alone for the first time. My surroundings had never been quieter, and the thoughts whirling through my head had never seemed louder. My partner had been my closest companion, and the tiniest mundane details of life would remind me of him and of how he was no longer someone I could share those details with. I distracted myself with music. I compiled a playlist of my favorite heart-wrenching songs and cried along with those songs on repeat. I found comfort in listening to songs that made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my sadness. The songs in my first album were written to help me process my heartbreak and are the type of songs I would have liked to listen to during a time of loneliness and grief. It is my hope that these songs will give solace to my listeners.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think it’s easy to forget that creatives are ever-evolving. Two years ago, I barely knew guitar chords and had never played my songs in public. The songs I wrote then were my best attempt to convey my thoughts with the skills I had at the time. I now feel comparatively more comfortable with the guitar, and my thoughts are generally happier. As such, the music I create today differs from what I had created in the past, and I expect it to continue to evolve in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elleriehlin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellerieh.lin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elleriehlin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elleriehlin
• Other: Bandcamp:
  https://elleriehlin.bandcamp.com

Image Credits

Matthew Payne, Taylien Artworks (Taylor S. Peterson), Madison Johnson