Rising star Ela Rexha stops by on Close-Up Culture to talk about her background, connecting with fans, her inspirations, and much more.
Can you tell us something about your background and how you got into music?
Music has always been a central element in my life. It runs in my family. My father was a successful music producer, my mother and I have loved singing together since I can imagine. I grew up around music as it was always played around the house. I also experienced events and shows organized by my parents from an early age. I also started ballet dancing at the age of three and discovered my love for playing the piano at the age of five.
What are your earliest memories of wanting to perform and become a singer?
There really isn’t a time or memory that I wasn’t singing, really loving music and wanting to be a singer. I have always taken every single opportunity to perform and show my passion for the arts. Whether it was singing, dancing or acting. I also started writing songs at a very young age. I think this career path was also somehow inevitable for me loving music so much.
What do music and performance bring into your life?
It’s about the extraordinary connection with my peers and fans. There’s something really unique about connecting by writing your own life stories and feelings into a song and sharing it with the world. It almost feels like you can’t fake that love. If you’re really passionate about something, you’ll find a way to make it happen. It may take a while, you may have to overcome some hurdles, but if your goal is to be an artist then it will happen.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Some of the musicians I adore are: Rihanna, Celine Dion, David Bowie, Queen, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey and Beyonce.
What is your creative process like?
My music is definitely inspired by my life. It’s a window to my soul, it’s like reading my journal. So I’m writing from experience. So when I write I imagine a place, a person or a memory and the musical and lyrical ideas just flow out of me. But there is still so much to discover and that’s why I also love working with other musicians.
What are your plans and ambitions for the future?
Overall, I hope to grow my fan base, which means I can share my music with as many people as possible. I want to keep writing, keep chasing stories and feelings to write about and sing about. And finally put together a life show for many to enjoy. That’s really my biggest passion: performing live. I love the thrill and adrenaline just before I step on stage and feel a connection with the audience. It’s one of the greatest feelings. I really hope that I can work with great people on great music and get it on the road.
Follow Ela on Instagram – @elarexha_