While the studio versions of Ellise’s songs are incredible, they have nothing on the experience you’ll have when you hear them live. After recently opening for iconic music artists like Madison Beer and Bishop Briggs, the singer-songwriter is still furthering her touring prowess later this year with the PRETTY EVIL tour.
Ellise just announced that she’ll be touring 15 U.S. cities from July 31-Aug. 23, kicking things off in Pittsburgh, PA. There’s truly no better time than now to start becoming an Ellise stan.
Blaze Radio spoke with Ellise about her touring experiences and her brand new album “PRETTY EVIL.” Keep reading for the full interview!
A: Hi Ellise, congratulations on the release of your sophomore album, “PRETTY EVIL”! What has it been like seeing the fan reaction to the album since its release on Friday?
E: Thank you so much! It’s been absolutely incredible to see everyone’s reactions. I’ve been glued to my phone just reading everything. I’m truly so lucky to have such sweet and funny fans. Getting to play the songs on tour these past few weeks has been such an amazing experience, because I’ve been meeting so many wonderful people on the road.
A: For those who haven’t heard “PRETTY EVIL” yet, how would you describe the album in just five words?
E: Love, hate, revenge, sorrow, forgiveness.
A: What’s your favorite memory you have from being in the studio for the making of “PRETTY EVIL”?
E: I have so many amazing studio memories from the making of this album. Ella Boh produced a few of the songs, and we had the best time. I also met Arthur Besna in the beginning of the album creation process, who became such an integral part of it, and executive produced it. I feel like I made lifelong friends while creating this project, which I’m so grateful for.
A: Which song from “PRETTY EVIL” was the most difficult to make and why?
E: “Valentine” may not have been difficult to write– but it was super difficult to release. It’s such a telling song and paints me in a light that we usually don’t want others to see us in. My jealousy and insecurities are on full display in that song, which is scary. I had anxiety over the possibility that the people it’s about would hear it, and judge me. But with art, you have to ultimately throw that all out the window. I really had to swallow my pride for that release, in a way I’ve never had to before.
A: Fans were so excited to see you open for Madison Beer on the Spinnin’ Tour! How rewarding was that experience, and what’s one of your favorite memories from being part of that tour?
E: The Spinnin’ Tour was such a highlight of 2024 for me, genuinely such a fun and unforgettable experience. Madison is such a star and knows how to put on a show, I was lucky to get to watch her every night. I loved performing for so many fans across the country, and meeting so many of them too. My favorite memories were all the fun times I had with my band, Charlotte Lawrence and Madison. We walked through a cemetery one night of tour as a big group, and had a big pool party on another night. I made so many insane memories on that tour!
A: Just recently, you also toured with the iconic Bishop Briggs! How fun was it getting to travel and work with her?
E: Touring with Bishop was so amazing! She’s such a complete vocal powerhouse, and her stage presence is insane. I loved getting to go on the road with her, she is so sweet. She also had her son on tour, who was so cute. I’m actually on my way home from our tour as I’m writing this!
A: How did opening for Madison Beer’s tour prepare you for your most recent tour with Bishop Briggs?
E: The Spinnin’ Tour had larger venues than any other shows I’ve done, and I think that getting to play that run prepared me so much for all future touring, including the Bishop tour. Getting to watch Madison every night, who is so seasoned in touring and performing, was also helpful as well as inspirational. I learned a lot about stage presence, how to keep an audience of that size engaged, and how live singing differs from recording in the studio. I also learned about the behind the scenes side of touring, and how the industry works as a whole. I felt so much more mentally prepared for this run with Bishop, and I attribute a lot of that to getting to tour with Madison last year and throw myself into that world for a bit.
A: Which city has been the most fun to tour?
E: I LOVE Chicago. I’ve never had a dull Chicago show. I love so many cities, but I’ll give this one to Chi. They always bring so much energy!!!
A: If you could have any artist feature on a remix of your song “valentine,” who would it be and why?
E: The song was heavily inspired by “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, so I think she would be my dream collaboration on it.
A: “Runaway bride” is one of my favorite tracks from “PRETTY EVIL.” How did that song come about?
E: Thank you! “Runaway bride” was so fun to make. I thought of the title before anything, and I knew I wanted to make a song that felt like a crazy night with a toxic love, thrilling and fast paced. The Bonnie & Clyde-esque imagery fit the song sonically so well, so it came together pretty fast.
A: After people listen to “PRETTY EVIL,” what would you want the central message to be that people take away from the project?
E: “PRETTY EVIL” is about losing yourself in somebody else, and knowing you have to embark on the journey of finding yourself again. I hope anyone who feels stuck, too scared to leave, or too tired to continue on gets a sense of hope from listening. Life is long, and we will take on so many forms during our time on Earth. This album is meant to represent a metamorphosis.
A: As someone who’s helping shape what “modern pop” sounds like today, in what ways do you think modern pop is different from pop music of the past?
E: I believe that now more than ever, the genre truly lies in the artist. “Pop” is such a generic term, and although it once had meaning, pop can be anything now. When you think of the peak of pop, you think of Britney, Madonna, Christina, Gwen, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. In today’s world, so many people are artists, that in order to stand out, you have to create your own lane. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter or Olivia Rodrigo stand out because they have their own brand of pop. And I think that’s the key.
A: You’ve unfortunately had to deal with the dark side of the music industry, and “PRETTY EVIL” chronicles some of that journey. How important was it for you to be vocal about your negative experiences, and what advice would you give to other up-and-coming pop artists who are trying to navigate similar situations?
E: The music industry can sometimes feel like being fed to the wolves. I’ve encountered some people who had bad intentions, but I’ve also been lucky to meet the amazing team that I have around me now. My best advice for young artists is to always trust your instincts, and make sure your voice is being heard. You must advocate for yourself and your needs, or somebody else will be quick to do it for you.