Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Tefanis.
Hi Ellen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was younger, my father was very musical and always played in bands. He was the one who got me into music and playing the guitar. There would always be music playing around the house. As I grew older, I became very interested in music and the guitar. I used to strum my dad’s guitar when I was only little and he would play the chords. I thought that was the best thing ever! When I was eight my parents gave me my first 3/4 sized electric squire guitar.
It’s funny as I still remember that day. He showed me my first chords and a couple of easy songs, then decided to send me to lessons. I started learning how to play and solo very quickly and then started my first school band. This band was my first taste of playing music live and I loved every minute of it until I decided to leave the band. I started playing with band members who were older than me and a few bands with my father as well. This helped me develop skills in both guitar and music that helped me further myself as a guitarist and artist. I played festivals, events, local pubs, and much more. It was great to be living the music dream while I was still at school studying.
After I graduated from school, I left for University to study for a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts. I finally graduated with this degree by the end of 2019. In this period, more specifically in December 2016, I was invited personally by Keith Urban to play at his final show on his Ripcord World Tour in Brisbane, Australia. This was the highlight of my music career so far. My idol and someone who I looked up to had asked me to join him on stage. I was so nervous, not to play in front of the crowd but to play in front of Keith, as he is such an amazing and incredible guitarist. Keith was so lovely and welcoming and I had a ball that night. I even had the opportunity to meet Carrie Underwood.
A couple of years later, I was invited by an Australia Breakfast TV show called ‘Sunrise’ to be featured alongside Keith Urban it was great getting to chat and meet up again with Keith, while on TV. After this, I headed to the USA and while I was there, I was asked to appear on Norman’s Rare Guitar’s YouTube by doing a video showcasing a solo and guitar in the store. This was so awesome, as I loved this store and always wanted to go there, but it was amazing and a dream come true when they asked me to play, as I was able to be featured on YouTube where they often feature stars such as Slash, Richie Sambora, Orianthi, Post Malone, Joe Bonamassa and many more.
A couple of years after this, I returned to the USA again, but only quickly to visit Anaheim as I was invited by my endorsement company ‘The Guitar Strap & Co’ to attend. It was awesome getting to attend a show that I had dreamt about going to and meeting people such as Phil X, Lindsay Ell, Orianthi, Nita Strauss, and many more, plus getting to chat with my other endorsement company ‘Chicken Picks’. After this, endorsement companies such as Orange Amplifiers, Ernie Ball MusicMan, GHS Strings, Pedal Pods, and Fender Australia signed me as an artist. I was so honored to join these companies and be a part of their artist roster!
At the current moment in music, I gearing up for the release of my debut song ‘More Than a Hat’ which will be released on the 5th of November 2021. I can’t wait to release this single and for everyone to hear the song!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have been many struggles and obstacles along the way for sure. I have had many different struggles and obstacles along my musical journey, but I see these as what makes me who I am and I always think and listen to Kelly Clarkson’s song ‘Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)’ to remind me to keep pushing through, to become strong and hope to achieve my dream of being a performing artist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a guitarist/singer. The guitar is my instrument that always makes me feel so comfortable and is always going to be a part of me. Walking on stage with my guitar I always feel at home and so comfortable, I love performing every time with it.
There are a few things I am known for. The most known is how I was invited personally by Keith Urban to perform live with him. Keith saw a video I tagged him in on Twitter and sent a video inviting me to play at his last show of his Ripcord World Tour in Brisbane, Australia in 2016. Other than this, the music industry especially in the guitar world knows me through my endorsements and how I was featured by Norman’s Rare Guitar’s on their YouTube channel.
Every artist and musician is different and unique in their own way. It is great as we are all special and offer something to the industry. My style for my original music is country. I just love the genre, but when I was growing up I loved playing rock songs on the guitar. At the moment the songs I plan to release our country, but the solos have rock techniques/styles with country styles and techniques. I love playing both these genres and incorporating techniques from both genres into my playing, writing, style, and singing.
How do you think about happiness?
My family and my guitar make me so happy. They are always there for me and support me. I know I can always rely on them at any time. My guitar is a comfort, I know it will always be with me and I will always have a passion for it.
Contact Info:
- Email: admin@ellentefanis.com
- Website: www.ellentefanis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellentefanis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllenTefanisMusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EllenTefanis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ellentefanis
Image Credits
Andrew Ratter
