Karissa Ella, a talented singer-songwriter from Ohio, has been making waves in the country music scene since her graduation from Belmont University in 2018. With a string of successful releases under her belt, she recently dropped her highly anticipated third EP, aptly titled “It’s Personal.” Produced by Casey Wood, known for his work with legendary artists such as Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, and Charlie Daniels, the EP showcases Ella’s growth as an artist and her ability to create deeply personal and relatable music.
A Journey Through Personal Stories
Each song on “It’s Personal” holds a special place in Ella’s heart, representing various aspects of her life and current journey. From the heartfelt collaboration with her mother, Lori Haasz, in “White Dress Worthy,” which gained recognition on PEOPLE.com, to the infectious energy of “Hometown Bar,” with its world premiere on CMT Music, and the carefree vibes of the good-time anthem “Well Tequila,” Ella’s EP offers a diverse collection of musical narratives.
Reflective Dreaminess and Growth
I sat down with Ella during CMA Fest in Nashville, and she shared her insights on the title and essence of her EP. She explained, “I titled it ‘It’s Personal’ because each song on this EP is personal to me. about different things in my life and where I’m at in life right now whether it’s like you know, drinking tequila, I like to write about my hometown. I’m in a very nostalgic phase of life, very reflective, dreamy, it’s just a dreamy project.”
“I Hope Heaven’s Like”
Ella discussed the story behind her heartfelt hometown tribute, “I Hope Heaven’s Like.” Having left her hometown nine years ago to pursue college at Belmont in Nashville, she holds a deep love for her roots and family. Ella recalls the tight-knit community she grew up in, where family gatherings were a regular occurrence and there was always something happening. Grateful for the experiences she misses out on being away, she vividly remembers a summer day driving through familiar backgrounds. The sun was shining, painting the fields with vibrant green, and as the wind brushed against her face through the open windows, time seemed to stand still. In that moment, she couldn’t help but wonder if heaven felt like this.
The feeling etched itself into her memory, and upon arriving home, she rushed inside to bring the song to life. Ella collaborated with her talented friends Cassie Bass and Claire Carruthers in Nashville, sharing the personal and heartfelt piece with them. The song quickly became a favorite of hers, driven by its relatability and the profound meaning behind its title.
The Essence of the EP and Evolution of an Artist
The EP represents a milestone in Ella’s career, showcasing her growth as an artist since her previous releases. She expressed her excitement to hear people’s reactions to her latest work and emphasized the significance of this time period in her life. As she has transitioned from her early 20s to her late 20s, her music has naturally evolved, delving into new topics and perspectives. The tracks on “It’s Personal” touch on various themes, including personal growth, love, leaving her hometown, and embracing gratitude for life’s blessings.
“It’s Personal,” is a testament to Ella’s growth as an artist and her ability to craft personal, introspective, and relatable music. From heartfelt collaborations to energetic anthems, each track carries a unique story that resonates with her experiences. The dreamy and reflective nature of the EP captures different phases of Ella’s life, showcasing her evolution as a musician. As she continues to explore new themes and artistic directions, “It’s Personal” serves as a testament to her musical journey and paves the way for even more growth and exploration in the future.
It’s Personal Track Listing:
- Well Tequila (Karissa Ella, Joshua Gleave)
- I Hope Heaven’s Like (Karissa Ella, Cassidy Best, Claire Carruthers)
- Tecovas (Karissa Ella)
- White Dress Worthy (Karissa Ella, Lori Haasz)
- Hometown Bar (Karissa Ella, Aubrey Toone, Cassidy Best, Regan Rousseau)
- Vintage (Karissa Ella, Alex Seier, Chris Buck)
Connect with Karissa Ella
For more information on Karissa Ella, visit her website at https://www.karissaella.com/.
