This is Ellis.
Ellis, tell us more about how you first got into singing & guitar.
I started singing when I was about five years old.
I sang along to everything, and it drove my brothers crazy.
My dad took me to my first singing lesson when I was five, and I was so scared that I could barley make a sound.
The teacher was an old man who told me that I sounded like a squeaky little mouse.
It wasn’t until months later when we went to see Britney Spears in a concert at Jones Beach Theater, and I told my dad it “changed my life.”
I knew I would never be afraid again.
I started playing guitar around 10 years old to be like my older brother and started writing songs around age 11.
Due to the fact that I was the tallest girl in school, and dressed like Avril Lavigne, I spent most of my time writing songs in my room and playing at a local open mic.
What would you say separates your sound/style from other artists?
I think my writing is very personal.
I started doing improv when I moved to the city and attended a two-year acting conservatory.
During that time, I was playing a lot of live shows.
It helped me create an act that I felt was truly unique.
I do a mixture of comedy and music when I play live.
I try my best to bring the audience into my headspace for the time I’m on stage and to re-live all my moments with me.
It’s a roller-coaster of emotions, but it’s a lot of fun.
What are some of your favorite things you've got to work on over the years?
Anytime I get to collaborate with other artists, I feel very energized.
But I got to do the music for the most recent AT&T commercial.
My cousin, Billy Mcfeely, did the piano while I did the voice, and it was awesome to be able to work on that with family.
Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?
Yes, I just came out with my new single “Sleeping With A Scorpion,”.
And I’m about to release a new song every month for the next few months.
I’m very excited to share all of my new music.
Follow Ellis Melillo:
Instagram: @VelvetEllis_
Spotify: Ellis Melillo
