Exclusive Interview: Ellise Discusses Over Her Dead Body EP, Artistic Growth, and More

Emerging as a prominent figure in the dark pop genre, Ellise epitomizes the essence of a hitmaker. Boasting an impressive following of over a million monthly listeners on Spotify, Ellise has audiences under her spell with mesmerizing tracks like “911,” “Nightmares,” and “Lilith.” Her distinctive musical style effortlessly combines elements of the eerie and sinister, complemented by introspective lyrics that provide a comforting refuge for her fans to contemplate their thoughts. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of recently catching up with Ellise to discuss her latest EP, Over Her Dead Body, her artistic evolution, and what lies on the horizon for her.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Ellise: I discovered music was my passion before I can even remember. My mom has old VHS videos of me singing my heart out as a toddler, and apparently I used to make my entire family gather around and watch me perform as a small child. Music was never something I really chose to do; for as long as I can remember, it’s always just sort of been there. I grew up diving headfirst into talent shows, choir, musical theater, really anything that would allow me to sing and perform as much as possible.

My love of songwriting came later, though. I grew up a huge bookworm and always loved to read and write. One day, I realized I could be writing songs instead of stories or poems and then sing them. That was groundbreaking for elementary school me. From that point on, I’ve just always been singing and writing. My mom jokes, “You opened your mouth to sing once and never closed it!”

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Ellise: I would say my life experiences have had the strongest influence on my career. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but living is what pushes me to create. I find it all very cyclical; I live, and then I write about it. And the cycle repeats. My childhood traumas, past relationships, personal mental health struggles, and hard-to-discuss feelings are usually the catalyst for my songs. It’s easier for me to express myself in music than it is through conversation or therapy.

PC: You’ve had so much success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Ellise: Thank you! I think a big moment for me was when I realized my song “911” went gold. I released that song independently, with no label or financial backing. I had zero expectations when I put it out, and at first, it didn’t really gain traction. Only months later did I notice it starting to pick up, and it was all organic. Having it go gold was a huge affirming moment for me, as I often struggle with imposter syndrome.

PC: You’ve got a new EP out. Tell us about Over Her Dead Body and the inspiration behind the it.
Ellise: The inspiration for Over Her Dead Body stemmed from the realization that, in order to grow as a person, I had to make significant changes in my life and leave behind old habits and inclinations. The title is intended to be somewhat literal: stepping over the old version of myself in order to create the new one. The creation of this project greatly aided me through the growing pains and uncomfortable moments, so it felt fitting. Over Her Dead Body symbolizes a new chapter of myself as an artist and as a person.

PC: Your music has resonated with listeners and fans around the world. What is that songwriting process like for you and how has it evolved throughout the years?
Ellise: My songwriting process typically begins with lyrics. I love to write little stanzas, poems, or even just titles or vague ideas at all hours of the day. The notes app on my phone takes up way more storage than it should. Once I get into the studio, I already know what I want the song to be about, and then the producer and I will find a sonic vibe that matches.

PC: If you had to pick one of your songs that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Ellise: I think “Chaotic” and “Massacre.” Both songs are really personal to me, and really lyrically driven. I also like that the production of the songs is totally different from one another, but both still feel melancholy. Sad undertones and emotional lyrics are some of my defining qualities within my music, I’d like to think.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2023 into 2024, what can fans expect from you?
Ellise: As Over Her Dead Body lives throughout the rest of this month and Halloween season, I’m gearing up to release the first single off of my upcoming album, late this year. Next year will be full of songs and visuals, leading up to my sophomore album! I’m so excited. Also, tour!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ellise: Maybe NewJeans! I don’t think many of my fans know that I actually really like K-pop.

PC: First album you bought or streamed?
Ellise: Stripped by Christina Aguilera was the first album I ever owned! I also had the karaoke CD, and an old-style karaoke machine when I was a little girl. I think I sang “Beautiful” a thousand times that year.

PC: First concert you attended?
Ellise: Cheetah Girls on my eighth birthday! It was so iconic. Miley Cyrus opened for them as Hannah Montana.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Ellise: Pure Heroine by Lorde. That album is what truly made me want to be a real songwriter. The fact that those lyrics came out of her at just sixteen years old still blows my mind. Truly a timeless perfect pop album.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Ellise: Definitely the Greek Theater in LA!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Ellise: One word: Nebulizer. Singers, if you don’t have one already, thank me later.

To keep up with Ellise, follow her on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or stream Over Her Dead Body today.

Photo Credit: Marc Heller