Throughout her career in music, Ellis has performed live at The Bitter End in Manhattan. “I love playing at The Bitter End, because the energy is amazing, and I love the energy that I get from the crowd. It’s an iconic venue,” she said.
Her music is a blend of such musical genres as “pop with an R&B undertone.” “It has a pop crossover and R&B feel,” she said.
Ellis revealed that she is releasing a new single this Tuesday, June 5, which is entitled “Give Me Love.” “I am also putting out an EP that I wrote and produced myself,” she said. “I hope the fans enjoy it. It’s a really upbeat, R&B, happy, pop song that is very free. I hope they can dance to it and have fun.”
For aspiring singer-songwriters, Ellis said, “Write as much as possible and get your feelings out. Make a point of what you want to say to people. Do it because you love it.”
Her musical influences are quite diverse ranging from Amy Winehouse, Nirvana, Lana Del Rey, and The Beatles. She listed John Mayer as her dream male duet choice in music. “I’m a huge John Mayer fan, and I love his musicality. I think he is really talented,” she said.
She acknowledged that her songwriting is inspired by her own life, friendships, heartbreak and her own relationships.
When asked about her Greek heritage, she noted that she is 100 percent Greek, where she is 50 percent Spartan and 50 percent Athenian. “I am very Greek, and Greek music played a huge role in my upbringing. I have always learned how to get the party started since Greek people have great energy,” she said.
Her thoughts on the Greek American community in the United States are as follows: “My generation is definitely keeping Greek traditions alive such as partying, food, culture and livelihood. I also love to visit Greece every summer.”
Speaking of Greek food, the young songstress noted that she thoroughly enjoyed her meal at Neraki Greek Mediterranean Grill in Huntington, which has been voted as the “Best Greek Restaurant on Long Island” for the fourth time.
Digital transformation of music business
On the impact of technology on the music business, she said, “I love it, since as an artist that is unsigned, I am able to put out my music whenever I want, and I have full control. Also, with technology, I use Logic to produce my own music. I can make a track in my bedroom whenever I want. I love that freedom.”
She continued, “I also love using apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. I love interacting with people all over the world every single day.”
To learn more about up-and-coming pop sensation Maria Ellis, check out her official website, and follow her on Instagram.
