By Judy Shields
Hollywood, California (The Hollywood Times) 07/08/2023 – “I like to look at every project as a milestone and I’m really proud of the growth, maturity and vulnerability I’ve discovered over the past few years that led to and shaped this one,” said Ella. “There were a lot of songs to choose from but I wanted each one on this EP to be a genuine and personal reflection of where I’m at in my life right now. My heart is happy these days and I think that’s apparent throughout Its Personal. As far as milestones go, this is a big one and it’s only the start of the reflective and expressive singing, songwriting and storytelling that is to come!”
Ohio Native Opens Up Artistically and Personally Through Nostalgic, Reflective Six-Song Release
Singer/songwriter Karissa Ella is further cementing her status as one of country’s music’s most burgeoning talents with the release of her long-awaited EP, It’s Personal.
True to its name, the new project showcases the Ohio native’s infectious hooks and stunning vocals on material that is particularly personal to her and gives listeners a look into who she is as both an artist and an individual like never before.
Produced by Casey Wood (Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Charlie Daniels), It’s Personal features all of Ella’s latest releases, including “White Dress Worthy” – the heartfelt collaboration she crafted alongside her mother, Lori Haasz, which was featured on PEOPLE.com – as well as “Hometown Bar,” which garnered a world premiere on CMT Music, and the good-time anthem, “Well Tequila.” Listen to It’s Personal here: https://lnk.to/KEpersonal
The release of the new EP builds on what has already been an incredibly impactful year for Ella.
She was recently selected as PickleJar and Cumulus Media’s first-ever Spotlight Artist on their new syndicated overnight show “PickleJar Up All Night,” which is currently playing the EP’s focus track, “I Hope Heavens Like,” across Cumulus Media Country stations in 47 U.S. markets. The support from Cumulus elevated Ella’s song to #89 on Country Radio, an almost unheard-of feat for an artist not signed to a major record label, and it followed her standout debut CMA Fest performance before a generous crowd earlier this month.
The Hollywood Times had the opportunity to catch up with Karissa and talk about her new EP “It’s Personal”. It is always great to hear about the songs songwriters write, the reason they wrote the song and even the title! Karissa thanked me for talking about each of her six songs on the EP! Enjoy our conversation:
It’s Personal Track Listing:
- Well Tequila (Karissa Ella, Joshua Gleave)
- I Hope Heaven’s Like (Karissa Ella, Cassidy Best, Claire Carruthers)
- Tecovas (Karissa Ella)
- White Dress Worthy (Karissa Ella, Lori Haasz)
- Hometown Bar (Karissa Ella, Aubrey Toone, Cassidy Best, Regan Rousseau)
- Vintage (Karissa Ella, Alex Seier, Chris Buck)
For more information – including Ella’s new tour dates as she hits the road more than ever – please visit karissaella.com
About Karissa Ella
Karissa Ella is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of country music, and she’s been recognized for it by CMT, Taste of Country, Sounds Like Nashville and countless more media outlets. Inspired by the likes of Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, her music and writing are a reflection of those that came before her. Her live performances at places like the ACM-nominated Dusty Armadillo, attract audiences of all ages, but they keep coming back for her infectious personality and genuine songwriting. An Ohio native, Ella has consistently released new music with heavy press and streaming support since graduating from Belmont University in 2018, starting with a self-titled EP for which she co-wrote the majority of songs and her second EP, Blossom, which featured the tracks “VACAY” and “More Like Her.” In 2021, she put out The Acoustic Sessions – an EP of four classic country song covers – as well as the original singles “Bad Summer” and “Crackin’ Cold Ones” and rounded out the year on the road with GRAMMY-nominated country star David Nail on his Bootheel 2021 Tour. Ella had another prolific year in 2022, marked by the release of several singles – including “Hometown Bar” featured on PEOPLE.com and “Whiskey Whispers Your Name” featured on Sounds Like Nashville – as well as a special performance of “He Walked on Water” for Randy Travis himself at the Country Rebel Ranch. Ella’s third EP. It’s Personal released on June 23. To stay up to date with new music and tour dates, visit karissaella.com.
