ABOUT ELLA MCKENZIE

Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and currently residing in nearby Caroline County, Virginia, fifteen-year-old rising country/pop singer-songwriter Ella Mckenzie is a force to be reckoned with. Singing for as long as she can remember, this dynamic ninth-grader began vocal lessons at the early age of ten to help develop her voice and hone her sound. She has already recorded her first single in Nashville – something that most people only dream about.

Over the last year Ella began songwriting and teaching herself to play piano and guitar. This year has been a true growing experience for the young talent as she began putting pen to paper and learning how to turn real-life experiences and raw emotions into songs, ultimately releasing her debut single,”Baby How Do I Say Goodbye,” which she co-wrote and was named Pop Blitz Magazine’s New Music Friday pick upon release. 

Although Ella has received tremendous support for her music from family and friends, she recognizes her mother as her biggest musical champion, “she helps support and guide me through all of it – helping me to  manage my anxiety and fears. She gives me the confidence that enables me to do anything!”

Ella draws from her biggest musical inspiration, Taylor Swift, acknowledging Swift’s gift for the messages and stories she shares through the lyrics in her songs that  resonate with so many. She also recognizes that Swift is an exceptional role model utilizing her success to help others, something Ella also aspires to do. Ella’s other musical influences are diverse, crossing various musical genres. From the country music side, these influences include everyone from Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Leanne Womack, Rascal Flatts, Shania Twain, and Trisha Yearwood, to the pop music side – Adele, Idina Menzel, Jewel, Kelly Clarkson, Lewis Capaldi, Olivia Rodrigo, and Pink. The one common thread all of these superstars share – substance, depth, and emotion in their songs that enable them to connect with their audience.

Ella is mature beyond her fifteen years. Like many young girls, she has battled and overcome anxiety which she considers one of her biggest accomplishments and she has not let her insecurities get in the way of chasing her musical dreams. She wants to utilize her life experience, the power of her music, and any future success to help others, just as her musical heroes have done. She is off to a great start – when she is not performing or writing, Ella loves to support her favorite charity, Hope House, which is the region’s oldest and largest family homeless shelter whose mission is to break the cycle of homelessness. Off stage, Ella exhibits an exemplary work ethic and is on track to graduate from high school an entire year early. In her free time, she finds her greatest joy indulging in sweet treats from Starbucks, anything Disney-related, attending concerts, and traveling. Ella is also an accomplished and competitive swimmer but put swimming on the back burner to focus on her music.

Writing and performing allow Ella to connect with people in a way that she would otherwise not be able to. “I want people to know me as relatable and connect with me through my music,” adds Ella. “But most importantly, I want people to know that even if you’re afraid or anxious, you can do anything you dream of if you work hard and believe in yourself! It may not always be easy, and it may not be the way you expected to get there, but you can do it!” It is clear that Ella is on the path to success and is already making a difference with her music…one song at a time.