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Rising Stars: Meet Karissa Ella of National

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa Ella.

Hi Karissa , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in North Canton, Ohio, and grew up doing anything I could to be around music, from dance and gymnastics to choir and school musicals. I started taking voice lessons in fifth grade and quickly fell in love with performing and songwriting. What began as short poems in a journal eventually turned into writing songs. I never imagined I’d one day have the confidence to write and perform my own music, but every concert I attended left me inspired and dreaming of being on stage myself.

That dream led me to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where I began writing and recording my own music. After graduating, I decided to pursue music full-time. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to play shows I dreamed about as a little girl and release music that reflects different chapters of my life. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for all the music still to come.

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?
My music journey has been anything but a straight line. It’s been full of highs and lows, and I’ve learned to celebrate the little wins along the way because everyone’s path looks different. I’ve played shows for five people and shows for thousands, and each one has taught me something. Song by song and year by year, I’ve grown as both a songwriter and an artist. This career isn’t easy, and it’s so easy to get caught up in comparison. But I’ve learned to put my blinders on, trust the process, and enjoy the ride. I want to look back one day and know that I earned every bit of it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a country artist and songwriter originally from North Canton, Ohio, now based in Nashville, Tennessee. I write music that blends my Midwest roots with modern country, drawing inspiration from small-town values, and real-life experiences. I’m most proud of building my career from the ground up and staying true to who I am along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to play dream stages, release music I’m incredibly proud of, and connect with fans around the world! What sets me apart is my authenticity. Whether it’s a song about Ohio, family, hard work, or life lessons, I want listeners to feel like they’re hearing a piece of my story and maybe even their own.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
One thing I’ve learned is that there really is no “right” way to build a career in music. It’s easy to look around and feel like you’re behind, but everyone’s journey is different and there’s no timeline for success. I’d also encourage anyone starting out to stay curious, keep learning, and be kind. Talent is important, but so are relationships and how you treat people. Don’t be afraid to take chances before you feel ready. Some of the best things in my career happened because I said yes to opportunities and figured it out along the way.

Contact Info:

Woman with long wavy blonde hair wearing a floral dress, standing against a floral wallpaper background.

Woman with long blonde hair wearing a fur coat and jewelry, standing in a dimly lit environment with colorful lights.

Young woman with long blonde hair sitting at a table in dim lighting, with a red lamp in the background.

Woman sitting on a carpet near a window with yellow curtains, surrounded by framed pictures, with a guitar nearby, lit by warm sunlight.

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