Kentucky native turned Nashville songstress Hannah Ellis has taken Music City by storm. From touring with Carly Pearce to releasing her own debut album, That Girl, this January, Ellis is ready for the world to learn just who she is.
Hannah grew up performing with her family at weddings on the weekends and competing in singing competitions in her hometown of Campbellsville, Kentucky. Although music has always played a key role in her life, it wasn’t until she was 18 that she realized music was what she was called to do. Commuting to and from Nashville during her college years, Hannah dreamed of the day she would be able to pursue music full-time. After scoring a publishing deal, she was ultimately able to network with some of Nashville’s finest writers and eventually began her journey as a professional musician with a record deal of her own.
“Getting to see what songwriters do is so specific to Nashville and such a special part of what we offer here. Everyone gets to see artists because they tour around and they’re the ones on the front of the magazines and on the posters, but the songwriters are the heartbeat and the soul of Nashville.” Hannah explained.
Not only did Hannah find her voice when moving to Nashville, but she also found love with fellow singer/songwriter, Nick Wayne. What began with writing songs together shifted to an undeniable chemistry that led them to be best friends and then, a couple. The songbirds wed in a stunning Tennessee wedding back in spring of 2021.
With Wayne contributing as a co-writer on several tracks on the new record, Hannah shares that scheduling time for the two of them to write helps find a healthy balance. The couple finds that inspiration will often strike within their daily lives.
“I always said, I want to make an album that girls can get ready to; something they can hit play on and enjoy the entire thing. It is put in the order it’s in for a reason and is a journey to listen to.”
Her latest single “Too Much and Not Enough” is one song that struck a chord within Hannah the moment she wrote it. One of the most personal songs on the collection, Hannah feels as though this track truly showcases her vulnerable side and allows her to be honest about things that aren’t always the easiest to share.
“I can’t wait for people to have a full body of work that they can grab onto and really get to know me through. Singles are fun, and it’s fun to show people different sides of your personality, but an album is a full thought. I picked these songs to tell my story and I think people will really understand me a lot more after this record.”
When she isn’t writing or performing, Ellis is likely to be found exploring the booming food and wine scene in Nashville. Barcelona Wine Bar remains a go-to for her in addition to community favorites, Nectar Cantina and Tennfold Brewery.
A true foodie at heart, when Hannah is on the road, she loves to find the best food in each city she visits. She even referred to it as her ‘secret power’ to be able to find great food in each city she goes to! While touring is exciting, she also explained that it is important to find some downtime amidst the craziness to keep her brain and body in the same rhythm she would be in at home.
“Whether it’s reading a book or going to the gym, [I need] something that grounds me before I start getting ready and get into artist mode.”
After wrapping up Carly Pearce’s 29 Tour in 2022, Hannah has continued to offer Pearce support for select dates on the Country Music Made Me Do It Tour. Ellis is thrilled to be playing more shows and festivals in 2024 with her breakout new tracks.
In honor of the new year, Hannah shared that her resolution is “to not hold anything back.” Be sure to follow Hannah on social media to stay up to date with shows and releases!
“... I want to make an album that girls can get ready to; something they can hit play on and enjoy the entire thing."
“Whether it’s reading a book or going to the gym, [I need] something that grounds me before I start getting ready and get into artist mode.”
