Quick Pitch:
EllaHarp is an SF based singer songwriter on harp and banjo playing unique, self-designed/made instruments that fit in the overhead bin of an airplane. Dynamic live performances entertain with humor and a knack for creative storytelling, while showcasing both instruments in signature style – blending folk + Americana with pop sensibilities, highlighting dark, thoughtful lyrics and memorable hooks.
Despite the pandemic’s blow, EllaHarp has opened for Hollow Coves, Harrison Storm, Smith and Thell, Cat Clyde, Ira Wolf, Humbird and Willie Watson, building 50k followers across Instagram and Facebook and over 5 million streams since COVID. Her track ‘Time’ can be heard on popular Netflix show ‘Emily in Paris’.
Music: Apple music Itunes Youtube Bandcamp soundcloud
Bio:
‘Expertly-crafted work developed by an astute and heartened artist’ – Jonathan Frahm, For Folk’s Sake
SF based singer/songwriter EllaHarp is a curious sort of artist. After years honing her skills touring, recording, and releasing music on a unique harp she designed for the purpose, 2020 saw the addition of another self designed/built instrument that got swiftly put to work; a small, 5 string banjo which fits just inside said harp’s case, which in turn fits neatly in an airplane overhead. A bit like musical Russian dolls…
Tracks (off her 2023 album ‘Lost in January’) like ‘Runaway’ and ‘Restless Lullaby’ showcase both instruments in signature style, blending folk and Americana with pop sensibilities, highlighting dark, thoughtful lyrics and memorable hooks.
Her 2021 and 2018 albums ‘Screaming Into the Void’ (which saw multiple chart appearances on the NACC Top 30 Folk, the AMA top 200 and the FAI Top Albums in both Oct and Nov 2021) and ‘Who Asked You Back’ (#4 and #2 on RMR Top 50 Folk and Top 50 Contemporary Folk Album charts) spinned on over 100 radio stations nationally and abroad.
Bringing dynamic live performances that contrast dark songwriting with humor and a knack for creative storytelling, EllaHarp has opened for Hollow Coves, Harrison Storm, Smith and Thell, Ira Wolf, Humbird and Willie Watson with her unique, travel-made instruments. She has built 50k followers across Instagram + Facebook and over 4 million streams since COVID. Her track ‘Time’ can be heard on popular Netflix show ‘Emily in Paris’.
Photos:
Press: (full press list Here)
‘Blues-tinged bass lines and drones depart from the celestial plucks and swirls typically associated with her ancient instrument…understated, intimate vocals are set off by the rhythmic snap and resonance of her harp strokes’ San Francisco Chronicle
‘While some artists wallow in emotion, EllaHarp wades through it confidently — upright, in motion, balanced, aware — not giving herself over to the danger of drowning but not afraid to step away from the shore and immerse. Her instrumental choices — harp and homemade banjo — create rhythms that pulse at the pace at which we live our lives. Her vocals rise above this solid bed but remain engaged with it in a tone that is both breathy and bell-like. Her evocative songs inspire you to remember and feel the emotional experiences of your own life, but as a present feeling rather than nostalgia. Listening, I can picture her beneath one of the California mountains she loves so well, moving through clear water, hands extended, hair hanging down but head upright, feeling it all and choosing to join.’ Dirk Powell
‘An artful pop genre that is almost its own entity entirely’ We All Want Someone to Shout For
‘Poignant narratives are skillfully juxtaposed with an underlying beauty, wrapping even the most difficult subject matter in a brilliant sonic elegance’ CelebMix
‘Sweetly rhythmic with lilting vocals, San Francisco-based singer-songwriter EllaHarp’s “Screaming Into the Void” is both soothing and penetrating. The repeating harp arpeggiations carry the tune, while the lyrics express her intense frustration. The result is a lovely paradox‘ Parade
‘Celestial and elegant, attached to an angel’s hip, the harp is an instrument of the ether. Until Ella Dawn Jenkins brings it right back down to earth’ Ventura County Reporter
‘EllaHarp’s supple, seductive voice slithers its way through and around her exquisite mad harp skills to brew up some serious voodoo magic.’ Boston Survival Guide
Upcoming and past shows
Music Video:
Live Video:
Contact:
Email: ellaharp@yahoo.com
Phone: 661-331-6944