Discovering: Sierra Ellis

“My intuition is very strong and so is my faith. I remind myself I’m closer than I think I am.” – Sierra Ellis

Discover Sierra Ellis as we discuss her debut EP, her relationship, what drives her and more.

Everything GOOD Mag’s newest Discovering artist is 22-year-old Atlanta based singer/songwriter Sierra Ellis. Originally from Racine, Wisconsin, Ellis was born with the gift of song. It was discovered at the very early age of 3-years-old that she had something special— this girl could sang.

Ellis held onto her gift and began a journey to find out what she could do with it. Like many great vocalists, she started singing in the church choir and at the age of 15 she wrote her first song. Although, Ellis always knew she wanted to use her voice to sing on stage and influence others to do the same, it wasn’t until after High School that she decided to take this road to stardom seriously.

In March of this year, 3 months before her 22nd birthday, Ellis released her first single titled “April 22nd”. This date holds a special place in Sierra’s heart, “This song is based on my current relationship that started off long distance. I was in Wisconsin and he was in Georgia and the day I came to Atlanta to visit for us to meet was April 22nd.”

Sierra Ellis has been through many ups and downs but because of her strong faith she’s used the highs and lows to grow and evolve, thus inspiring Ellis to create her debut EP, Higher Place. “The theme is really about growth. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, even musically. It’s all about me reacher a “higher” state of mind,” Ellis says about her new EP. Higher Place dropped today, July 28 and features 6 tracks that reflect the journey it’s taken to shape Sierra into the young woman she is today. Higher Place is a must listen that’s sure to take you higher.

Read Sierra Ellis’s interview below

Everything GOOD: When did you know that a singing career is what you wanted to pursue?

Sierra Ellis: Technically my whole life but I didn’t take it seriously until after high school.

EG: What’s the driving force behind your music? What keeps you motivated to create?

SE: I just love creating. It’s like a dopamine rush for me to make something and then witness the final product.

EG: Who did you listen to growing up and do those artists inspire the music you’re making today?

SE: Mariah Carey, Sade, JoJo, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Aaliyah, TLC, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Jhene Aiko, Drake, Kehlani. These artist have shaped me to express myself the way I do now I’m an R&B girl who loves rap and each artist reflects a different aspect of myself.

EG: Who’s an artist(s) you hope to collab with one day?

SE: I can hear myself collaborating with 6lack, JID, Alex Isley, Wale, and Faye Webster.

EG: What was the inspiration behind your debut single “April 22nd”?

SE: This song is based on my current relationship that started off long distance. I was in Wisconsin and he was in Georgia and the day I came to Atlanta to visit for us to meet was April 22nd. It was very unexpected and both of us had no idea where it would’ve lead but thankfully it worked out.

EG: When you announced your debut EP Higher Place you stated that the songs had been written for months, why did you decide that now was the right time to release them?

SE: Honestly I wanted to release them sooner but there were a few bumps along the road. I had 2 more songs I needed to record and before I could my laptop broke, I was paying rent at my apartment so I couldn’t afford an expensive studio so I found my engineer jerry. His studio is called next level sound and musically he quickly understood my sound so, I finished the remainder of the songs there and even re-recorded a song I recorded myself. Also, I had to save up for a photo shoot and I was getting ready to move out of my apartment. Also I tried to get some of my songs mastered by a different engineer but it didn’t work out but everything happens for a reason.

EG: Is there a theme/overall messaging for Higher Place? How would you describe this project?

SE: Yes the theme is really about growth. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, even musically. It’s all about me reacher a “higher” state of mind I’ve had low and dark moments in my life and I’ve reached a point where I look at everything differently. I’m not a perfect or innocent person nor do I try to be but overall I care about advancing.

EG: Which song on the mixtape speaks the most to what you’re feeling and going through right now in your life?

SE: I would say “Higher Place” since I’m in a more focused mode right now.

EG: What has 2023 taught you so far?

SE: That I can really do a lot. My intuition is very strong and so is my faith. I remind myself I’m closer than I think I am.

EG: After Higher Place drops, what can we expect next from Sierra Ellis?

SE: Definitely more performances and I already have a hand full of songs I want to release so a LOT of singles. God willing after that an album.

Follow Sierra Ellis on Instagram @_si_06