Elise Harper
Feed the Band
Feed the Band
Elise Harper
Patrick L.
I’ve been doing this for a while. I have interviewed big and small artists alike. Of course, with most interviews, my opinion on the artist changes during the process. With our next artist on Feed the Band, that was not the case. This time around, that’s a good thing. When country music artist Elise Harper showed up on my radar, every buzzer went off all at the same time. I have to admit; I was alarmed at first. I shortly realized that the bells were not a warning but a jackpot notification similar to a slot machine. If there is a master checklist for making it in the music business, Elise Harper checks most, if not every, box. She’s short on excuses, and her drive comes from within.
The music business is challenging. I can relate to what Elise has to go through after spending years in the restaurant business. They are both like wrestling a two-headed snake. Once you have pinned down one end, the other side is quick to bite you in the rear. In both of our respected industries, there is a ton of stuff for people to complain about. Yet, Elise Harper is not one to do so. As a journalist, it’s my job to probe, and that I did. We have talked about various topics, from how women are treating in country music, the struggles independent artists have with country radio, and a whole list of other things. She has a legitimate reason to raise her fist in frustration for all of these topics, but she never did. Instead, Elise only pointed out the things she could change and how she would make those changes. There is power in knowing what you can and can not do. Elise Harper knows how to wield it.
Most people look at Nashville as the creative capital for country music. Streets on both sides filled with music from artists vying to be the next big thing and visitors hoping to see their favorite artists up close and personal. It almost has a Disney feel to it! That said, Nashville, like Disney, has a few puppets and puppet masters. Radio stations and large labels want you to listen to what they want you to listen to, and there are plenty of artists willing to let them pull the strings. Without them, an artist’s chances of making it to your ears shrink drastically.
So, where does Ms. Elise Harper fit into all of this? Well, I feel that’s a tricky question for her and me. Of course, Elise would like to get signed to a label, but it needs to be on her terms. Elise’s success now is not because of any external force. It is solely based on the inside. Songs like “Dirt” have me looking forward to her future in music. She knows herself more than any other artist I have ever interviewed. Elise can place her feet firmly every step of her musical journey and not lose her footing while external forces circle her. She’s not perfect, and there have been times when she had to take a couple of steps back, but she has always been able to move forward again. Elise Harper is a force no label or radio personality needs to mess with.
Without a doubt, Elise has been one of my favorite people to get to know. Someone recently asked, “If I were to take any artist I have interviewed on a date, who would it be?” Elise easily makes it to the top of the list because there is still so much I want to learn about her.
Elise Harper's Latest Video
Now it’s your turn to learn! Elise Harper and I caught up on Zoom, and I got to ask her a few questions about life, music, and Food. Before we get to those questions, keep your eyes peeled for the best cobbler recipe Elise inspired and the giveaway at the end. Let’s get to it! Here is our interview with country music artist Elise Harper.
Tell us about your road to Nashville.
Well, it wasn’t until halfway through college that I knew I wanted to go to Nashville. So after I got my degree, I saved up for a year and moved to Nashville all by myself. It was exciting, scary, but the best decision I ever made. I’ve never looked back.
What advice would you give to someone new to the music industry?
Show up! There have been so many times I did not want to go to a show or event because I was tired. However, I did anyway, and I have to say that is usually when I make a very valuable connection in the music industry.
Who are some role models that have shaped you as a person?
Celine Dion is my biggest role model and inspiration. I would not be the singer or performer I am today if I had not grown up listening to and watching her.
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
Do not sign anything, even if they promise you the world, without getting a lawyer to look over it!!!
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
Music
Nachos
Coca-Cola
Connect with Elise
We are constantly developing recipes here at Southern Fellow. When writing music, what recipe do you use?
It is different every time, and that is why I love it so much! One day I can just have a melody in my head, another, it’s just a couple of words that are a cool hook, and other days I just go off my mood and what I am feeling.
What is the most annoying habit that other people have?
Saying you are going to do something and then not following through.
What is your first fond memory of food?
My mother makes the best southern stew I have ever had!
If we interviewed your best friend from high school, what do you think they would say about you?
My best friend from high school was a fiery redhead named Sarah Biggs. I just texted her to see what she would say, and this was it, “in middle and high school, Elise was a quiet rule follower, but she couldn’t/wouldn’t stop singing. She also has the funniest one-liners. She’s very sweet, but occasionally she says sassy things, and I personally find it hilarious. Something a lot of people don’t know about her is that she’s really good at drawing. I picture high school, Elise, belting Lady Antebellum in the car with the windows rolled down
Try this inspired recipe!
If you wrote a song about food, what would it be about?
Chicken and dumplings!
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
Most people ask for advice about how to grow as an independent artist.
What is your biggest goal in the next 5 years?
To be signed to a label and out on the road touring, opening up for a big name artist.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done in the name of love?
I flew to Vegas to hang out with this guy I had just met.
Tell us about your single “Dirt”.
Dirt is a haunting uptempo contemporary country song with heavy pop undertones. The powerful female vocals capture the story of a male lover who has been caught cheating. Any angry girlfriend finds proof of another woman and describes to the boyfriend what vengeful actions she will take to get back at him. With hooky, electric guitar chords and a strong drum, the song is one to make you get up and move. An anthem to inspire all women not to be messed with, that it’s ok to spread a little dirt around, and to put a cheating man in his place.
Is there anything else you want your family at Southern Fellow to know?
I am very grateful to have this opportunity and be involved with such a wonderful music family!
It’s really is an honor to have Elise Harper as the newest member to the Southern Fellow family. She is truly remarkable on and off stage. I highly recommend you add “Dirt” and “That Jeep” to your favorite playlist. You can find these tunes on your favorite music service including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube. While you are listening to Elise, be sure to feed that sweet tooth! Try the Southern Peach and Berry Cobbler recipe she inspired. It’s a mouthful of summer! Thank you for checking out Feed the Band. We have more music and recipes on the way!
