Lindsay Ell is a Canadian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has made a name for herself in the industry through her unique musical style and impressive collaborations with some of the biggest names in the business.
Born in Alberta, Canada, Ell began her musical journey at an early age, learning to play the piano and guitar before eventually discovering her love for country music.
Over the years, Ell has risen to fame in Canada, thanks to her captivating live performances and soulful songwriting.
After moving to Nashville and signing with Stoney Creek Records, she continued to make waves in the industry, collaborating with the likes of Brantley Gilbert, Keith Urban, and Carly Pearce.
With the release of her debut album, ‘The Project’, and a successful touring career with Brad Paisley and Sugarland, Ell has cemented her place as one of the most talented and promising young artists in the country music scene today.
Key Takeaways
- Lindsay Ell is a talented Canadian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who grew up listening to a variety of genres including country, rock, blues, and jazz.
- She moved to Nashville in 2008 and has since collaborated with several well-known artists including Brantley Gilbert, Keith Urban, and Carly Pearce.
- Lindsay released her debut album ‘The Project’ in 2017, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart. Her second album ‘Heart Theory’ explores the stages of grief and emotions associated with heartbreak.
- In addition to her music career, Lindsay advocates for mental health awareness and has used her platform to raise funds for various causes. She values her personal life and relationships outside of her career and plans to continue creating meaningful and authentic music that resonates with her fans.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Lindsay Ell’s early life and musical beginnings provide a glimpse into the formative years of the artist, shedding light on the influences and experiences that helped shape her unique sound and style.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Ell began playing the piano at the age of six and later picked up the guitar at age eight. She grew up listening to a diverse range of music, including country, rock, blues, and jazz, which would all play a role in shaping her musical identity.
Ell’s musical career began to take shape in her teenage years when she started performing locally and writing her own songs. At the age of 15, she won the Calgary Stampede Talent Search, which led to her opening for various artists, including blues legend Buddy Guy.
In 2008, she moved to Nashville to pursue music full-time and landed a publishing deal with Sony ATV Music Publishing. Ell’s early experiences in music laid the foundation for her career, as she continued to hone her craft and develop her unique sound.
Rise to Fame in Canada
Emerging from the Canadian country music scene, Lindsay Ell quickly gained recognition for her unique sound and captivating stage presence. She began her career as a professional musician at the age of 21, after signing with the Canadian record label, Open Road Recordings.
Her debut single, ‘Trippin’ On Us,’was released in 2013 and became a Top 40 hit on the Canadian country music charts. This success was quickly followed up by her first EP, ‘Worth The Wait,’which showcased her talent as a songwriter and musician.
As her career continued to gain momentum, Lindsay Ell became a regular performer at major Canadian country music events, such as the Canadian Country Music Awards and the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. Her live performances were widely praised for their energy and passion, and her ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
In 2017, she released her debut full-length album, ‘The Project,’which received critical acclaim and further solidified her status as a rising star within the country music industry. Today, Lindsay Ell continues to tour extensively and is regarded as one of the most promising young artists in country music.
Move to Nashville and Signing with Stoney Creek Records
After gaining recognition in the Canadian country music scene, the musician made the decision to relocate to Nashville and signed with Stoney Creek Records, which marked a significant turning point in her career. With the move, Lindsay Ell aimed to expand her reach and tap into the larger country music market in the United States. Signing with Stoney Creek Records, a subsidiary of Broken Bow Records, also provided her with a solid platform to showcase her music and grow her fan base.
Upon signing with Stoney Creek Records, Lindsay Ell released her debut single ‘Trippin’ on Us’in 2014, which quickly gained traction on country music charts. The single was followed by her first EP, ‘Worth the Wait,’which showcased her strong vocals and guitar skills.
With the backing of Stoney Creek Records, Lindsay Ell was able to tour extensively and open for popular country acts such as Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. The move to Nashville and signing with Stoney Creek Records ultimately paved the way for Lindsay Ell to establish herself as a rising star in the country music scene.
Collaborations with Brantley Gilbert, Keith Urban, and Carly Pearce
Collaborating with renowned country music artists such as Brantley Gilbert, Keith Urban, and Carly Pearce has allowed for Lindsay Ell to showcase her versatile musical abilities and expand her fan base.
Ell’s collaboration with Brantley Gilbert on the song ‘What Happens in a Small Town’earned her a spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, reaching number 15. The song was also nominated for a Country Music Association Award for Musical Event of the Year in 2019.
Ell’s collaboration with Keith Urban on the song ‘Horses’further showcased her guitar skills and earned her praise from music critics. The song was featured on Urban’s album ‘The Speed of Now Part 1’and was described by Rolling Stone as a ‘frantic guitar duet.’
Additionally, Ell collaborated with rising country music star Carly Pearce on the song ‘Next Girl,’which was released in September 2020 and has received critical acclaim for its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody.
These collaborations have not only allowed Ell to showcase her musical abilities but have also helped her gain exposure to new audiences and expand her fan base.
Release of Debut Album ‘The Project’
‘The Project,’ Lindsay Ell’s debut album, was released in August 2017 and received critical acclaim for its blend of country, rock, and pop influences. The album features 12 tracks, with Ell co-writing 11 of them.
The lead single, ‘Waiting on You,’ reached the top 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, and the album itself debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart.
Ell’s unique blend of genres is evident throughout the album, with songs like ‘Champagne,’ which features a catchy pop hook, and ‘Castle,’ which showcases her impressive guitar skills and rock influences.
The album also features collaborations with Kristian Bush of Sugarland and producer Dann Huff.
‘The Project’ solidified Ell’s place as an emerging force in country music, and her continued success in the genre is sure to be fueled by her ability to seamlessly blend multiple musical influences into her work.
Critical Acclaim and Chart Success
Achieving critical acclaim and chart success, Lindsay Ell’s debut album ‘The Project’ showcases her unique blend of country, rock, and pop influences, with her ability to seamlessly blend multiple musical genres into her work solidifying her place as an emerging force in the country music industry.
The album was met with positive reviews from critics, with many praising Ell’s musical prowess and songwriting abilities. The Project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart, making Ell the first female artist to debut at No. 1 with a debut album in 2017.
The album’s lead single, ‘Waiting on You,’also received critical acclaim and chart success, peaking at No. 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Ell’s unique sound and musical talent have garnered attention from both fans and industry professionals, leading to collaborations with notable artists such as Brad Paisley and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush. With her debut album’s success, Lindsay Ell has established herself as a rising star in country music, and her future in the industry looks promising.
Touring with Brad Paisley and Sugarland
Touring across the United States with country music stars Brad Paisley and Sugarland has allowed Lindsay Ell to showcase her musical talents to a wider audience. As an opening act for these successful headliners, Ell has been able to perform her own music and introduce herself to fans who may not have heard of her before.
In addition, touring with these established artists has also given her the opportunity to learn from them and see firsthand how they conduct themselves on the road and on stage. Ell has spoken about the valuable experience of touring with Paisley and Sugarland, noting that she has learned a lot about the importance of treating fans with respect and gratitude.
She has also talked about how helpful it has been to watch these seasoned performers navigate the ups and downs of touring, and how they have given her advice on how to handle the demands of being a musician on the road. Overall, touring with Paisley and Sugarland has been a significant step in Ell’s career, allowing her to grow as an artist and expand her fanbase.
Personal Life and Relationships
One aspect of Lindsay Ell’s public image that has garnered attention is her personal life and relationships. While Ell has not been particularly vocal about her romantic life, there have been rumors and speculation surrounding her dating history.
Despite the speculation, Ell has remained relatively private about her personal life. However, in a 2018 interview with Taste of Country, Ell did open up about her past experiences with relationships and how they have influenced her music. She stated that she has found inspiration in both the good and bad experiences she has had in past relationships, and that her music is a reflection of those experiences.
Ell has been linked to country singer Bobby Bones in the past, but neither party has publicly confirmed or denied the rumors.
In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Ell mentioned that she was in a relationship at the time but did not disclose any specifics.
Ell has also spoken about the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and taking time for self-care, suggesting that she values her personal life and relationships outside of her career.
Overall, while Ell’s personal life has been a topic of curiosity for some fans, she has chosen to keep her private life out of the public eye and has focused on letting her music speak for itself.
Second Album ‘Heart Theory’ and Continued Success
With the release of her second album ‘Heart Theory’ in August 2020, Lindsay Ell has continued to establish herself as a rising star in the country music scene. The album, which features 12 tracks, explores the stages of grief and the different emotions associated with heartbreak. In an interview with Billboard, Ell described the album as her ‘most vulnerable and personal yet.’
The album has been well-received by critics and fans alike, with its lead single ‘I Don’t Love You’ reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
In addition to the success of ‘Heart Theory’, Lindsay Ell has continued to make a name for herself in the country music industry. She has been nominated for several awards, including Female Artist of the Year at the 2021 ACM Awards, and has collaborated with other prominent artists, such as Brantley Gilbert and Keith Urban.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ell has remained active in the music industry, performing virtual concerts and releasing new music.
With her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft, Lindsay Ell is sure to continue making waves in the country music scene for years to come.
Future Plans and Legacy in Country Music
Looking ahead, Lindsay Ell’s future plans involve continuing to create meaningful and authentic music that resonates with her fans and solidifies her legacy in the country music genre.
In an interview with Sounds Like Nashville, Ell stated that she wants to ‘continue to write songs that connect with people, and music that has a message.’ She also expressed her desire to collaborate with other artists and explore different genres of music.
As she looks towards the future, Ell is also focused on using her platform to make a positive impact. She has been an advocate for mental health awareness and has used her music to raise awareness and funds for various causes. In addition, she has been involved with organizations such as the Red Cross and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
With her passion for music and philanthropy, Lindsay Ell is sure to continue making a lasting impression in the country music industry and beyond.