Getting to Know Elissa
Birth Year: 1983
What Instruments Do You Play? Guitar and piano
Birthplace: Denton, Texas
What CD is in your car right now? Sara Groves’ latest album
Favorite food: There are so many! Today I'll make it taco salad.
Guilty pleasure: Sleeping in!
What is the best thing about being an artist? Being able to create. It's deeply woven in my being to be creative, and maybe that's because I'm made in the image of my Creator. God loves painting the sky each day, and he's always singing songs over us!
What is your biggest embarrassment as a musician? I was 16, and barely learning how to play, sing and lead worship, when I began a song in the key of A. I started to sing that song in the key of D. Something didn't sound right so I changed keys on my guitar, but I also happened to change keys vocally as well. I really had a mess on my hands, singing notes that were terribly off! Thankfully, I was only leading worship for a small group of friends, and they were very forgiving!
What is your most memorable moment in your career? Last summer comes to mind, when Becca and I heard that we had won the finalist competition for Music in the Rockies. That was a huge honor, but I must say, the times that I talk with young girls, about how our music has impacted them, will always rise above any award ceremony.
Tell us the most exciting moment in creating your recent CD? We were in the final stretch of lead vocal recording when it hit us that one song’s chorus just wasn't meeting our standards. Together, with Becca and our producer, Don Koch, we decided to re-write the melody of the chorus. As the studio time ticked, I went in the back room, alone with my guitar, and came up with something remarkably different. Five minutes later, I was singing it to Don, and then he sang me his alternative version. We meshed the two melodies together and we had exactly what we were looking for, in only 15 minutes! It was incredible.
Your favorite hometown hangout: It has to be my house! My friends and I get together to have fondue nights. The more chocolate the better!
What do you want others to know about you? I have been to the UK over 20 times in my life. Does that qualify as being a part time resident?
Who is the most influential person in your career? My dad, above all others, has influenced me. Not by forcing a guitar in my hands when I was young, but by being a godly example of someone staying faithful to God's call. On top of that, he played guitar and wrote worship music as I grew up and I watched every minute of it.
How did you get into music industry? It's been a journey from the day I picked up the guitar. I didn't start out with the intention to be planted in this industry, but rather to serve God with music. We decided to do music full time in 2003 and today we're still just out to play for an audience of One.
Favorite song on new album: "Legacy" is a song on our new album dedicated to a friend of mine who gave his life when he was a missionary in Nepal. He was only 26 when he died, but his life left such an impact on everyone who knew him. Writing this song was no small matter, and every time I listen to it, I get inspired to 'run the race' with more passion than before.
Favorite vacation spot: After a lifetime of going to England for summer break, it has become less of a vacation spot and more of a place in my heart. I love flying across the ocean and visiting the British Isles!
What is your worst fear? One of my life goals is to eliminate fear from my life. But, I'm working on not being afraid of germs. As a singer I'm always staying clear of sick people, and washing my hands. I guess it's a good thing in the end!
What do you want people to get out of hearing your music? My hope is that they are able to take some time out of their busy lives and connect with God. He is the source of all joy and hope. Our music was inspired by the daily encounters we have with God and our desire is that our listeners would be able to meet with him as well.
Meet Elissa
