- Ellen, you started your music career quite recently. Tell us what brought you to music?
- From a very early age I practiced vocals, sang in the choir, learned to play the piano. I lived with my family in Moscow then, studied at the Physics and Mathematics School (my parents are famous Soviet physicists), but I was always attracted by creativity and music in particular. I started writing songs when I was still very young. Probably, this is where it all started. And then I just continued to develop quite organically in this direction, until I found the time and energy to start recording and release my songs.
- In one of your interviews, you said that your goal for the coming years is to release 200 songs you have written. It's a lot! When did you manage to write so much?
- As I said before, I started composing songs and music from early childhood, I have been doing it all my life, as long as I remember myself. Now I improve many of them, change their sound, correct words and only then release. Of course, I take only those songs that find a respond in my heart. Maybe they are well suited to the situation or fully express my feelings and thoughts. I record only such songs.
- How do you write songs? What comes first: music or text? What inspires you?
- It inspires me to be healthy. Especially now, with such a difficult situation in the world. I'm really concerned about our current situation, so I can't answer this question any other way. Ask me next time, maybe I will tell you something more interesting, but now my health comes first.
As for the second question, first comes the feeling, emotion, inspiration, idea. Maybe an example of another author: I listen to a song, and it turns me on at once that I run to create something of mine.
- How long does it take to make one song? When do you realize that it's ready, and you can go to the studio?
- I go to the studio without a ready song. I create all the songs at once in the studio. The most important magic is happening there. Usually I come to the studio with a small set of ideas and come out with a ready song. Working in the studio itself inspires me a lot. It's all about atmosphere there.
- What is the most pleasant stage for you in creating a song?
- A moment of inspiration. Especially when it comes from another song, not mine. I listen to something, and I like the idea, the motive and at least a couple of notes, and it pushes me to my own creative process. And you know, time somehow starts to go differently, I create something, write it down, think about it. My favorite stage is the beginning of the creative process.
- How much time does it take to record one song? How many hours do you spend in the studio?
- I work on the song for many days and hours in the studio. But in fact, it can take much less time to record. It's just that I'm a terrible perfectionist, so I spend a lot of time to bring my material to perfection. I polish my songs until I realize that they are already fully made. And I will keep working on them, try to think of something extra, try them in different sounds until I find this very perfection.
- How do you manage to do everything? You are a model in high demand, who is wanted by many very famous brands. How do you retain your strength to pursue a musical career as well?
- I would say that I have not much strength left after busy days. I live a very active life, I'm used to a fast pace and a lot of business. Of course, it's difficult to combine, and I myself don't know, to be honest, how I do it. Probably, I have time for music, because it's really important for me.
- What do you write songs for? What does music give you in life?
- Satisfaction. I like to be useful, I like to invent and create something. With music I can express myself, maybe inspire someone else, support people with my songs. I don't like to sit still. And music covers a huge part of my spiritual needs.
- And besides music plans, what are your current goals for the next five years?
- Develop further. Take care of my social networks, make them more interesting and lively. Work, create, learn. Another goal for the next five years: maybe already get married and have children. I'm ready for family life, I think. But five years is a long time, I don't think it's worth puzzling so far.
And last question: describe your music in three words.
Major, inspiring and encouraging.
- Well, thank you very much for the interesting and bright interview! I wish you to fulfill all your goals and conquer the musical Olympus!
Contact Info:
Name: Ellen Alexander
Email: Send Email
Organization: Ellen Alexander
Website: http://ellenalexander-la.com
Release ID: 89034562