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DIY San Francisco based harpist, singer/songwriter, EllaHarp

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Harps and barbed wire

on June 4, 2018June 4, 2018 By EllaHarp

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Friday was magic 🧡 Looking forward to heading

Friday was magic 🧡

Looking forward to heading south for my LA launch show this Sat, 9.25 at @thehotelcafe

Show starts at 7 and you won’t want to miss @adapasternak opening, her use of the violin as an accompanying instrument to songwriting is amazing 💛Tag a SoCal friend and hope to see you there!

Photos of myself and the lovely @lisamariejohnston by @petecollomart

#musician #singersongwriter #harpsofinstagram #harpist #harplife #harpistlife #banjosofinstagram #albumlaunch #newmusic #oldtimebanjo #livemusic #celticharp #folkharp #folkmusic #lamusicscene #sfmusicscene #sfmusic #lamusic #hotelcafe #indiemusic #livemusicphotography #photography #independentmusician #la #losangeles #lalivemusic

LAUNCH DAY! My second album ‘Screaming Into the

LAUNCH DAY! My second album ‘Screaming Into the Void’ is finally out 🧡

If life went to plan, it would have come out how albums are ‘supposed’ to last summer: after calculatedly releasing 2-3 singles, and booking a proper tour.

But 2020 had other plans, from a near death car accident to covid’s forced re-learning of how to process isolation and overnight global change.

So I hid in my little hole, knit a gazillion sweaters and kept putting singles out to feel like anything was happening.

I hope you get a moment today to listen to these songs as I’ve always intended them: all together in a weaving order of the journey I hope they take you on.

First launch show tonight at @oldprincetonlanding with my dear friend @lisamariejohnston opening. LA show 9.25 at @thehotelcafe just got @adapasternak on to open and so excited for Portland 10.4 at @mississippipizzapub

Link in bio to all platforms, CD+vinyl purchases or Bandcamp which is the best way to support if you just want digital files.

Thank you for being here, your support means the world and makes me feel ever so slightly less like I’m screaming into the void 💛

HUGE thanks to @andrewheringer for recording/producing and @holly.b.rose for cover photography

Soundtrack to my 2am insomnia, a tune I wrote call

Soundtrack to my 2am insomnia, a tune I wrote called ‘Madd Love’ 🖤

So many things to do before album launch/show on Fri, and so little time...

If you caught my stories, you may also have seen that (in a stroke of both very good luck and crazy-launch-week-madness timing) I’ve found myself in a competition to open a massive concert at the Hollywood Bowl this Oct and win $10k.

If I’m #1 in my group today (Thurs 9.16) at 8pm I’d be on to quarter finals and that would be terribly exciting.

I’ve put the link to vote in my bio and would be soo grateful if you’d take a moment to help make your wacky harp friend look popular.

If I were to win, I’d definitely give away at least 2 VIP tickets...but I’m getting ahead of myself. And speaking of 2s, it’s well past 2am and I should probably try to rest my mind a moment. Goodnight friends, happy Thursday 🖤

5 days til my album is out!! After the year of yea

5 days til my album is out!! After the year of years and a global pandemic delay, I cannot believe ‘Screaming Into the Void’ is finally dropping Friday (9.17) 🧡

SO excited to kick of some live shows starting at @oldprincetonlanding 9.17, down to LA at @thehotelcafe 9.25, and up to Portland at @mississippipizzapub 10.3.

Tickets and pre-orders on iTunes, CD or limited edition vinyl via link in bio. Can’t wait to have the album out and see some of your beautiful faces soon 💛

Happy Sunday! 🧡

Black merino tank, linen EllaHarp bandana, mini 5 string banjo and harp design by me. Photo by wonderful @lisamariejohnston

Album launch shows!!!! 9/17 @oldprincetonlanding

Album launch shows!!!!

9/17 @oldprincetonlanding HMB
9/25 @thehotelcafe Los Angeles
10/3 @mississippipizzapub Portland

Tickets on sale now, limited quantities (link in bio) so be sure to get them early, hope to see you there! 🥰🧡

If I’ve missed your city (country?) where should I play next tour?

#singersongwriter #hotelcafe #musiciansofinstagram #harpsofinstagram #harpist #harpistlife #halfmoonbay #portland #losangeles #portlandmusic #portlandmusicscene #losangelesmusic #folkharp #celticharp #celticmusic #banjo #oldtimebanjo #minibanjo #5stringbanjo #folkmusic #losangelesmusicscene #tour #ontour #musician #livemusic

Birthday beach sunshine and a freshly sewn dress =

Birthday beach sunshine and a freshly sewn dress =🧡

Had the most beautiful birthday weekend playing and listening to live music, eating far too much cake and flouncing around in this frock like no tomorrow.

Based off my linen work dress design with a few modifications, in the perfect rust color I’ve been obsessed with all summer and copper buttons I made from scrap plumbing pipe.

And! I did two exciting things this time.

First I had a pattern made up which you can download for free on my website (!) and second I actually documented and made a full video of the process up on YouTube and here on IGTV.

I know nothing of patterns so had it made on fiverr, no idea how well done/useful it is but I’d love to hear your feedback!

If you give it a go use the #ellaharpworkdress tag so I can see what you create ❤️

Photo by @fabrifuckincation
linen from @fabricsstorecom #slowfashion #memade #sewing #sewingproject #sewingpattern #memadeveryday #freepattern #linendress #linenlove #linenfabric #linen #design #fashiondesign #designer #workdress #memadedress #burntorange #awaywiththefairies #quietinthewild #cottagecore #cottagecoredress #cottagecoreaesthetic #amomentofwhimsy #whimsicalwonderfulwild #singersongwriter #musiciansofinstagram #indiemusician

NEW VIDEO link in bio ❤️ Video for ‘Scream

NEW VIDEO link in bio ❤️

Video for ‘Screaming Into The Void’ is finally out!

I originally wrote this song after my first album came out about the frustration of trying to make a splash in the digital age of music.

While there’s arguably more opportunity now than ever, with the overwhelming quantity of new content out on any given day it can feel a lot like you're making literally no difference whatsoever.

It's a feeling I imagine most of us independent artists are familiar with, but can feel incredibly isolating.

What started as a musical therapy session to articulate my frustration has become almost an anthem for me to keep working at what’s important, no matter how much time or effort it takes.

Filmed on a dreamy beach evening with pelicans gliding overhead, the video ties a shiny bow on a mixed bag of feelings, and one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.

It’s also the title track off my second album coming out Sep 17, cd and vinyl preorders on ellaharp.com.

Even if I am screaming Into the void, I will keep doing it. Thank you for listening ❤️

Filmed by @fabrifuckincation song production, video editing, knit sweater, linen bandana and harp design by me

#newmusicfriday #musicvideo #celticharp #harpsofinstagram #harpist #harplove #awaywiththefairies #beach #ocean #sfmusic #singersongwriter #indiemusician #indiemusic #newmusicvideo #screamingintothevoid #keepdreaming #followyourdreams #pelicans #memade #californiacoast #halfmoonbay #guitar #pickupjazz #originalsong #newmusicdiscovery

Oregon and California! I’m hitting the road in S

Oregon and California! I’m hitting the road in Sep for album launch shows (LA, Portland + local, tickets soon!) and looking for house concert hosts to fill surrounding dates.

If you have a backyard, frontyard, rooftop or other outdoor/partial outdoor/vented space and want the music to come to your doorstep I want to hear from you!

Open dates + general areas:

Sep 19 - Bay Area CA
Sep 22 - Bay Area CA
Sep 23 - Santa Cruz / Central CA
Sep 24 - Central CA
Sep 26 - Southern CA
Sep 27 - Southern CA
Sep 28 - SB / Central Coast CA
Sep 29 - SLO / Central Coast CA
Sep 30 - Bay Area / Northern CA
Oct 1 - Northern CA / Oregon
Oct 2 - Oregon
Oct 4 - Oregon
Oct 5 - Northern CA
Oct 6 - Northern CA / Bay Area
Oct 7 - SC / Monterey/ Big Sur CA

Comment/message/email and I'll shoot you more info, or tag a friend who might be interested in a private show for their music loving friends and family! ❤️

PS. Don’t worry I’m not driving this car 😜

Black merino shirt, linen bandana, mini 5 string banjo and harp design by me. Photos by @fabrifuckincation
#houseconcert #livemusic #musician #musiciansofinstagram #ontour #roadtrip #oldcars #vintagecars #harp #harpist #singersongwriter #harpsofinstagram #harplife #harplove #celticharp #indiemusician #banjo #5string #californiacoast #oregoncoast #cruising #travel #travelgram #sfmusic #sfmusicscene #americana #californiaadventure #diy #memade

There’s a delightful turn of phrase I heard when

There’s a delightful turn of phrase I heard when I lived in Scotland that succinctly captures a frequent mental state of mine.

‘Away with the fairies’ can have other connotations (like being nuts or none too intelligent) but I’ve always felt it neatly describes days feeling distracted, out of focus; a little slower than usual.

It articulates this feeling (that’s notoriously hard to explain) with both brevity and a wistful mental picture that fits the experience pretty well. Importantly, it also departs from the air of negativity the usual descriptors take on, and I find the lack of that quite freeing.

In noticing a shortage of concise ways to express how it feels to find oneself in such places, I’ve decided to claim this phrase for mental health. Can I do that? I don’t know...But I think I just did.

So? I’ve been a bit away with the fairies myself the last month. And it’s been lovely. Much needed time with family and travel and growth and perspective shifts (decidedly less on work/keeping up) but ready to be back and share some exciting things ❤️

1. Music video for 'Screaming Into the Void' is out 8.20 (!)

2. Full album 'Screaming Into the Void' is out 9.17 (!!) CD+vinyl preorders forthcoming

3. I'm doing a 2 week CA,OR,(WA?) tour at a few venues starting 9.17 and looking for outdoor house concerts en route (info to come, comment/message me to host!)

4. The @unmistakablecreative podcast episode I was on is out and it was SO fun to talk about using/navigating the creative mind. The podcast overall is a treasure trove and worth checking out regardless if you haven't.

That's it for now, huge thanks to everyone listening/watching/sharing 'Sunshine and Roses', your support means everything 💜

How are you? Do you ever feel 'away with the fairies?'

Linen bandana, stretch lace bralette, black merino tank, mini 5 string banjo and harp design by me. Photo: @lisamariejohnston

#awaywiththefairies #mentalhealth #depression #nature #photography #travel #travelgram #momentsofcalm #seascape #whimsicalwonderfulwild #musician #creativity #quietshadesofbrown #quietinthewild #memade #musiciansofinstagram #indiemusic #folkpop #sfmusic #fairygrunge #singersongwriter

Today, ‘Sunshine and Roses’ is fully out in th

Today, ‘Sunshine and Roses’ is fully out in the world 💙

So then, is my honesty about living life through the cloudy filter of depression, and all ups and downs that tag along. And you know what? I’m ok with it.

Link in bio to stream on Spotify etc, download on bandcamp, or watch the full music video on YouTube.

If you have a moment to listen, watch or share today it means the world.

Let me know what you think, and thank you for being here 💙

Track recorded/produced by @andrewheringer
Video filmed by @fabrifuckincation

#musicvideo #newmusicfriday #newmusic #indiemusic #indiemusician #musicislife #mentalhealth #depressionawareness #depression #harp #harplife #singersongwriter #sadsongs #harpist #harplife #greyday #depressionhelp #indieartist #musiciansofinstagram #indiefolk #folkpop #fairygrunge #beachscape #coastalcalifornia #coastallife #videography #film #independentmusic

Snapshot of a few beautiful days in the SoCal sun,

Snapshot of a few beautiful days in the SoCal sun, playing music and exploring with @lisamariejohnston 🧡

‘Sunshine and Roses’ is fully out on Friday (all streaming platforms + video on YouTube) and I’m SO excited and nervous. You know the kind where your stomach feels like it’s headed out your ears and also on the floor? That one.

If you have a minute to pre-save it to your Spotify/Apple Music libraries (link in bio) you’ll get a reminder on release day, also word is it helps the algorithmic gods push the track to more ears so I’d be much obliged 💛

Til then I’ll be here savoring memories of the weekend and trying to chill 😬

Black merino tank, linen bandana, leather bracelets, mini 5 string banjo and harp design by me 🧡 photo by @lisamariejohnston

#hollisterranch #solvang #californiacoast #coastalcalifornia #harpist #quietshadesofbrown #songersongwriter #artist #creativity #creativearts #memade #sewing #memadeeveryday #diy #momentsofcalm #fashion #streetfashion #diyfashion #fashionblogger #photography #travelgram #whimsy #ofwhimsicalmoments #harpsofinstagram #harplife #celticharp #fairygrunge #magicalwild #countrycore #coastallife

There was a time when I lived in Scotland, had que

There was a time when I lived in Scotland, had questionable self-cut hair and graduated (on the day of this photograph) with my BA in Scottish harp music/Gaelic song from the @rcsofficial in Glasgow.

Those 4 years I began writing songs and finding my voice in the beautifully tangled language of music, but also when my ongoing battle with depression came up; combined with crippling anxiety and a swinging pendulum of eating disorders that dictated almost every aspect of my life at the time.

I don’t talk about the connection between my mental health and creativity because we all try to focus on the happy shinies, but glossing over it has started to feel dishonest. Largely because, despite the stigma on these things, I personally refuse to accept that depression has only done me harm.

It is because of my depression that I create. It is because of it that I am driven to make something of myself. I can wallow with the best of them, but creativity is the one, consistent thing that pulls me out of the deepest darks (so does cleaning but let’s get real I ain’t doing that) and I firmly believe my 'success' is inextricably connected to this disorder.

Not saying I’m a fan or I’d invite it to tea on purpose, but my depression is part of who I am, and I refuse to let it wreck me.

I have a new song (+ video) coming out next week and it’s extra scary for me because I wrote it about depression and this time I’m not editing that part out.

Sunshine and Roses will be out 7.16 (pre-save in bio) but you'll get an early look this coming Friday, stay tuned for updates.

Thanks for reading, and being here. It's not easy to bring up, but I'm working to be more real with myself and you all 💙

What helps you get through the darkness?

Photo by @robertaaronlyle
#depression #mentalhealth #stigma #photography #singersongwriter #hustle #quietinthewild #creativity #depressionawareness #eatingdisorderrecovery #eatingdisorderawareness #scotland #rsamd #musiciansofinstagram #quietshadesofbrown #darkness #fightingdepression #quietude #folkandstory #musican #darkness #sfsingersongwriter #musicinsf #sfmusic #sfmusicscene #positivity #overcomedepression #overcomeanxiety

Not a bad spot to play some tunes💜 So very exc

Not a bad spot to play some tunes💜

So very excited to share not one but two shiny new music videos with you all in the coming weeks.

Also after the year of years (thanks 2020) my second album ‘Screaming Into the Void’ is finally coming this fall (vinyl plans included) and I CANNOT WAIT 💛

In the meantime, thank you all so damn much for streaming my music, buying my merch and supporting the wild, unpredictable life of a full time musician.

It’s a leap of faith to be sure, and finding solid land to leap on each time never ceases to amaze me.

Heading into this next phase as an independent musician (CD/vinyl printing, PR and radio promo, tour booking) is always daunting, and if you feel so inclined you can help in a number of ways:

*check out my bandcamp
*buy on iTunes etc
*take a look at my merch/sheet music
*join my mailing list
*donate at paypal.me/ellaharp or Venmo @ellaharp

If nothing more, streaming on your favorite platform, watching on YouTube or sharing my music with your friends means the world to me.

I’m gunna go before I get all soppy ;) have a wonderful weekend friends, and happy 4th to my fellow Americans ❤️

Knit sweater, denim skirt and harp design by me. Photo by @fabrifuckincation

Happy Father’s Day all you out there, and especi

Happy Father’s Day all you out there, and especially to my wonderful dad and stepdad who have always loved and supported me despite some of my less conventional life choices.

Grateful more than ever for the passions I gleaned from them (an insatiable obsession with the ocean from my dad and the undying drive to create from my stepdad) which are without a doubt two of my life’s greatest joys 💜

Hope you all had a beautiful weekend!

@jenksurf #fathersday #vintagephotography #gooutside #vintagecalifornia #singersongwriter #musiciansofinstagram #musician #malibu #malibubeach #coastalcalifornia #california #beach #ocean #bodysurf #diy #makesomething #creativity #inspiration #beachscape

Almost a year since ‘Better’s release and vide

Almost a year since ‘Better’s release and video, partially filmed in a haphazard canoe which I can’t say I recommend for fine instruments but it worked out 😂

Full video on YouTube, filmed by @casscleave 📷

#canoesarehard #singersongwriter #harpsofinstagram #harpist #musicvideo #songwriting #musicofinstagram #originalmusic #sfmusic #sfsingersongwriter #guitar #highshutterspeed #film #instamusic #musician #ocean #beach #harbor #seascape #coast #california #californiamusic

Top of the banjo to you 🙃 Happy Sunday everyone

Top of the banjo to you 🙃 Happy Sunday everyone!

Black merino shirt, linen bandana, leather rivet bracelet, mini 5 string banjo and harp design made by me ❤️Photo by @fabrifuckincation

#singersongwriter #musiciansofinstagram #banjo #oldtimebanjo #banjosofinstagram #harpsofinstagram #memade #sewing #memadeeveryday #diy #gooutside #sewyourown #sfsingersongwriter

Just my favorite view in the world 💙 Happy Memo

Just my favorite view in the world 💙 Happy Memorial Day to my fellow Americans, especially to those who serve and the countless men and women who gave their lives for this diverse, beautiful country.

#memorialday #rememberthefallen #america #california #coastalcalifornia #seascape #beach #gooutside #instabeach #singersongwriter #musicians #musiciansofinstagram #nature

A tune I wrote last summer, trying to pull myself

A tune I wrote last summer, trying to pull myself together after watching the live stream of George Floyd’s funeral.

On the one year mark of his death, I wonder what he would have done today if the system hadn’t failed him, hadn’t failed countless others in cruel, senseless injustice.

Some things are so heavy that words can’t express the weight, so in the universal language of music, this one is for George. It’s called ‘9 minutes’.

#georgefloyd #blacklivesmatter #harp #harpsofinstagram #harpist #tune #celticharp #tradmusic #nojusticenopeace

My wonderful, wacky mom ❤ always an adventure wi

My wonderful, wacky mom ❤ always an adventure with horses, a goat (or 3), flying airplanes, starting her own businesses, or just building a teepee and hauling the massive poles around on a blue Volkswagen square back named Frumpy. Love you Mamma, and happy Mother’s Day all ❤

#adventuremamas #adventure #oldphotos #vintage #vintagephotography #entrepreneur #baller #mothersday #90s #80s #70s #gooutside #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #pilot #girlswhofly #beachride #beach #volkswagensquareback #vintagecalifornia #horsecrazy

‘Cannonball’ by @damienrice 💙 From the we

‘Cannonball’ by @damienrice 💙

From the wee hours of the morning as I ponder my impending wisdom teeth removal tomorrow. Easily extracted tooth thoughts appreciated 😬

#whydowehavewisdomteeth #coversong #celticharp #instacover #harp #folkmusic #sfmusicscene #sfmusic #playmusic #instamusic #singersongwriter #guitar #harpist

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