Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Novella.
Hi Eliza, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up with some science teacher parents in the Hudson Valley of NY. I was always a shy music kid but had had a whole bunch of random hobbies along the way as well. I was obsessed with ’60s and ’70s bands and specifically had a major crush on young Paul McCartney. I started writing songs and learning guitar in Middle school, had a girl band in high school, and then went to undergrad for Music industry at SUNY Oneonta. I’ve always done a little bit of everything, sports, and theatre, and camping, and all sorts of random art passions. I think my style of writing started off with a love for jazzy funky tunes as well as a folk inspiration from my parents.
Towards the end of college, I met some significant people and traveled a whole bunch to Costa Rica and South Africa, and Europe, and ended up working for a music publishing company in Berlin for a while. Got into electronic music and learned a whole lot about myself and living life.
After moving home to make a little money, I moved down to Florida to live with my grandparents for a few months and ended up joining a psychedelic rock band and writing my first solo album. Spent time adventuring and boating and eventually went on a national tour for a few months playing music and spending time with new and old friends and camping in national parks for a few months. Moved to Boston with my boyfriend for an events job, then quarantine happened and I learned how to cook and meditate and do yoga and mountain bike.
Now my guy and I are living in lovely Charleston, SC with a pup named Winnie. I worked as a pastry chef, and then an events manager, and now I work from home as an events coordinator and make a whole lot of pasta and play music on the weekends. My first ever music video came out on June 3rd and I’m stoked about that!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve really loved my life so far despite any struggles I’ve had. I’ve had some significant losses, some troubles with friends and family, some struggles with mental health, and one really impactful experience from sexual assault. As I write that sentence, it feels blatant and vulnerable, but I know so many others of my friends (men and women) have been through the same things.
I think one of my foundational experiences was when my close friend died of Cystic Fibrosis at 13. Her life and the times we had leading up to her passing, introduced me to a lot of life lessons very early on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a vintage indie-pop artist with a hint of jazz influence. Though I think I have unique and creative tunes, I know my voice is one aspect of my music that stands out. I’ve been a singer for my whole life and I’ve trained in all genres. The control and tone of my voice is something that I’m proud to have worked on. A little Lena Horne, a little Lana Del Rey, a little Jewel. Also, I think I have a quality that reaches to others and instills emotion. That’s what I hope for in my music.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve had a lot of friends and family who have supported and talked highly of my music throughout the years. My parents, my family friends, my In-laws, and a whole bunch of amazing friends along the way.
In terms of the business side of music, I learned a lot from school (SUNY Oneonta) but I’ve been mainly on my own figuring it out. A bit of advice here and there from friends in the industry, but I’ve been working hard to research and develop my brand, find studios and record, develop my sound, set up an album/video/tour, and promote it all.
I will give a shout-out to the California Guitar Trio, who had me open for a few shows so far. They took a chance on a solo singer-songwriter and I hope to work with them more in the future.
Shout out my boyfriend Ryan, who’s been a super supportive roadie and sound guy and overall, #1 fan for so long now.
Contact Info:
- Website: elizanovella.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizanovellaa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizanovella
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNtSAUpfFEc9wAqunhnOoA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/elizanovella
Image Credits
Katie Brodowski
Taylor Czerwinski
