"Lost in January": EllaHarp's Melancholic and Profound Musical Masterpiece
Photography by Alyssa Gruhn
An avid harpist and banjoist based in San Francisco, EllaHarp plays unique, self-designed, and handmade instruments that fit in an airplane overhead compartment. Her live performances are dynamic and entertaining, with a knack for storytelling and humor, highlighting the instruments in their signature style - blending folk + Americana with pop sensibilities. EllaHarp opened for bands like Hollow Coves, Harrison Storm, Smith and Thell, Ira Wolf, Humbird, and Willie Watson. She has gathered 50k followers across Instagram and Facebook and over 3 million streams, not a number to scoff about. Her track ‘Time’ can be heard on the popular Netflix show ‘Emily in Paris’.
With a cup of tea and a wandering mind, she writes about a cloudy afternoon on her latest album, "Lost in January." She sings about loss, social injustice, mass shootings, and crippling anxiety on these tracks, which feature both harp and banjo. Produced and recorded by Andrew Heringer (Milo Greene) and cover art by Alyssa Gruhn.
Now that everyone knows who EllaHarp is, let's get down to business. "Lost in January" consists of nine amazing songs. "Runaway" is our introduction to the album, a perfect showcase of EllaHarp’s talent. Her soft voice perfectly blends with the equally soft rhythm, creating a soothing experience like no other. "Restless Lullaby" is what's next. A very americana tune, with a banjo playing throughout the whole song, is a sweet and deep exploration of the soul. A true and unique experience. "Lost in January" is a calming serenade. Evoking feelings of sorrow, and it might sound strange, but it's actually an extremely relaxing experience. "Sunflower" feels more alternative. Ella explores a wide range of sounds. With a cozy guitar and a steady rhythm, this one will touch your heart. "Fall Apart" is another cozy melody, but with heartbreaking lyrics. Ella's voice is beautiful and captivating. Her lyrics are thoughtful and profound. Ella opens her heart to an enchanting anthem in "Downfall." Ella's voice is mesmerizing and this track is full of emotion. Her unique music style is sure to impact anyone who listens. She has a remarkable talent for creating beautiful music. "The 19" is another heartbreaking song, showcasing Ella's powerful vocal range. Her raw emotions are conveyed through her lyrics and voice. "Jenna" with a somber tone is a song that will leave you reflecting. Ella's voice is like a dream and her melodies take you on an emotional journey. This one is definitely my favorite of the whole album. Last but not least we get closure with "9 Minutes". No lyrics just sounds. It is the end of a profound journey, and we should rejoice and reflect. A beautiful song to close the album. Its somber but hopeful vibes remind us of how Ella has grown and developed as an artist and musician.
EllaHarp has truly outdone herself with this album. The beauty of the songs lies in their simplicity, which allows us to focus on the emotions it conveys. This creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing the listener to focus on the small details in the music and the feelings it evokes. EllaHarp's ability to evoke feelings through her music is so powerful that it transcends the barrier of language. Even without understanding the lyrics, we can still feel the emotions embedded in her music. As a result, we can connect deeply with what she is trying to say.
Ella's melancholic sound resonates with anyone. Her album is now available on the streaming platform of your choice. We urge you to give it a listen. EllaHarp's music is sure to move you and take you on an emotional journey. You won't regret it!
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