Ellen Hayes is not your average indie musician. Her musical journey is like a colorful tapestry woven with threads of faith, inspiration, and sheer determination.
Growing up, Ellen was surrounded by music. From her mom’s choir involvement to her dad’s quartet singing, music was in her blood. But it wasn’t until she ventured into the world of gospel music that she felt a deep calling to share her musical gifts with the world.
In this interview, Ellen opens up about her unique style and sound. Drawing from a mix of influences, her music is a blend of traditional and contemporary elements that resonate with simplicity and authenticity.
But it hasn’t been an easy road for Ellen. As an indie musician, she’s faced her fair share of challenges. Yet, through it all, her faith and determination have kept her going, pushing her to grow and evolve creatively.
Through her music, Ellen hopes to spread a message of love, grace, and redemption. Inspired by her own life experiences and the struggles of believers, her lyrics offer comfort and encouragement to those who need it most.
Looking ahead, Ellen dreams of expanding her collaborations, sharing her message with a wider audience, and making a lasting impact on the world through her music.
Join us as we dive into the world of Ellen Hayes, an indie musician with a heart of gold and a voice that inspires.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has been intertwined with my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mom’s involvement with choirs and my dad’s quartet singing in his youth in the South, along with my siblings’ musical talents, laid a strong foundation for me. Transitioning from being part of a gospel group in the 90s to early 2000s, the retirement of the group after two decades sparked a yearning for musical creativity within me. I believe this calling for musical expression was divinely planted by God, as it has always been an integral part of who I am and something I am destined to pursue.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
I describe my style as a blend of simple melodies that resonate for their ease of listening, singing, and memorability. Influenced by iconic artists like the Hawkins family and Thomas Whitfield, whose innovative music paved the way for unique styles, I draw inspiration from their groundbreaking approach. Artists like Commissioned, Fred Hammond, and Yolanda Adams, among others, have been pillars in shaping my musical journey.
While I appreciate their styles, I have carved out my own path by infusing elements from these influences and my family genes. This fusion has led to a distinctive style that reflects my musical identity, characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary influences.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
One of the most significant challenges I encountered as an indie musician was my hesitance to ask for help. While I could write and create melodies independently, I grappled with aspects like perfecting my music, instrumentation, vocals, feedback, marketing, and distribution, realizing the extensive responsibilities indie artists shoulder financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Overcoming this challenge involved a pivotal shift in mindset towards seeking support from friends and family.
For instance, in my debut album, I collaborated solely with my producer, handling lyrics, background vocals, and harmonies myself due to a lack of additional vocalists. Although the album turned out well, I recognized the value of incorporating various voices in the background to enhance the overall sound. Subsequent releases have featured a diverse range of background singers and lead vocalists, resulting in exceptional music quality that exceeded my initial solo efforts.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
My creative process can be best described as colorful, encompassing a variety of methods in songwriting. While I often begin with meditation, inspiration for songs can strike me in diverse settings such as dreams, church, or vacations. Despite the varied sources of inspiration, a constant in my process is the use of pen and paper. I meticulously jot down ideas in my notebook, refining them through multiple iterations until I am satisfied with the final version. Once the lyrics are polished, I translate them into melodies, capturing the essence of the words as they resonate with me before digitally archiving them for future reference.”
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
Through my music, I aim to convey the message of God’s love, which embodies peace, joy, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption. My lyrics are inspired by the word of God, life’s challenges, and personal experiences, including moments of tribulation and trauma. Many of my songs serve as a reflection of my own life and the trials I have faced, recognizing that adversity is a shared experience among believers. Guided by the verse ‘Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution’ (2 Timothy 3:12), I find solace in knowing that I am not alone in my struggles. It is my hope that my music serves as a source of encouragement for others, providing them with strength and support on their own journeys.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
My long-term goals as an indie musician revolve around expanding my collaborations with other choirs and artists, writing for fellow musicians, and sharing the message of God’s love on a broader scale. I am thrilled to see these goals materialize, with significant milestones such as having my song ‘O King’ featured in the GMWA Detroit Chapter’s 50th Anniversary album and ‘Another Chance’ selected for inclusion in the GMWA National Chapter’s songbook, with potential for recording consideration. Each opportunity that comes my way is a testament to God’s provision, and I am grateful for the doors of opportunity that continue to open for me.
