Growing up on a small farm outside Christchurch, 21 year-old independent artist Ella Minehan (born Ella Fitzgerald) spent her childhood discovering the joys of music without limitation. Born with a big voice (and a bigger name to contend with), she experimented with songwriting and performing from age three - including designing her own stages. She grew her passion through high school performances and productions, going on to complete a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University in 2021. After a brief stint on 2021 TV show Popstars - where she made it through to NZ's Top 21 and was highlighted for her "particularly impressive songwriting skills" - Minehan is ready to make her professional debut as an artist (Stuff, 2021).

 

Describing herself as a Pop/RnB vocalist with a big belt, she credits powerhouses like Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and Aretha Franklin for helping her love her voice. “I grew up thinking I had to sound sweet and feminine. As I got older, I realised having a deep, womanlike voice was also a gift – these female vocal titans helped me love this part of myself.”

 

Minehan isn’t afraid to put in the work to succeed, having trained vocally since age nine to one day perfect her technique. Asthmatic since birth, she spent summers running while singing to build up lung strength and better breath support.  Some might think this condition would disadvantage her vocally. Minehan doesn’t agree. She sees it as a challenge to keep overcoming in pursuit of her goals - which she knows she can only achieve through putting the work in.

 

Minehan's dream has always been to connect people through music, which has helped her so much throughout her life.

 

Her debut single 'Written Lines' was released in 2021, charting at No. 6 on the iTunes NZ Singles Charts and amassing 30,000 streams within the first two months. Her sophmore single, Lavender Hearts, released in February 2022 as an 'anti-valentines day' track peaked at No. 3 on the iTunes NZ Singles Charts and was selected by NZ On Air as part of their NewTracks February compilation. Her third single, First Light, will be available on 5 August on all streaming platforms.