Featured Junior/Teen
Artist ~ May 2006
 Ellie
Arilyn
Listen
to Ellie's Song Clip ~ Cardinal Hotel
Bio
Ellie Arilyn, was born Ellie Arilyn Smith on December 15, 1993 and resides
in Topeka, Kansas. She is the youngest of 8 children, born in to a family
of artists, intellects and musicians. Her father, Kenny Smith, has played
music for her since her birth (and now backs her up in his band Bridges),
her brother Josh Lutrelle(currently with The God Project) composes on
his synthesizers, and mom, Vicki rounded out the musical experience with
her lullabies. So, music came natural to this now 12 year old "child
prodigy" (as she has been called in the Washburn Review)
When Ellie was 7, her dad taught her to sing Sam Cooke's "Wonderful
world". Soon after, she learned Otis Reddings, "Dock of the
Bay", which has become her most requested song. Many have wondered
how such a young lady could relate to the blues so well. But Ellie is
mature beyond her years and performing is second nature to her. Singing
the blues has become an ingrained part of her life.
Ellie loves to perform at benefits and festivals. Her first benefit/
fund raiser was for a close friend, Hannah Pooler , who was struggling
with cancer. Ellie loved doing it and has never looked back. Since then,
she has performed at the Jam for Justice, as part of Washburn Universities
World Wide Slavery Awareness week. And on April 20, 2006 , she will perform
at a benefit to raise money for the restoration of the historic Jayhawk
Theatre, where the stage has been graced by the likes of Gypsy Rose Lee.
Ellie Arilyn, I'm sure, will have Gypsy smiling from heaven!
Ellie is currently writing music and recording. She will also be leaving
the safe haven of Topeka this summer to spread her wings and share her
music with a wider audience. Ellie has been accepted in to the James Brown
Music Festival in Augusta, GA. Her musical talents will be observed by
industry professionals and labels from around the nation. Who knows where
this will lead. Watch out America...Ellie Arilyn could be a household
name in the very near future.
Interview
How old were you when you wrote your first song and what was it called?
I haven't written any songs yet but am learning. I only do songs that
my dad wrote and cover tunes.
Where is the most exciting place you have performed and why?
Probably at The Walnut Valley festival in Winfield Kansas, because
there are thousands of people that go there every year and not all of
them see me play but some of them do and it makes me feel good to know
that people that I don't know get to hear me.
What instruments do you play?
I play a little bit of guitar and sing (of course). I haven't played
guitar on stage yet but I plan on doing that in the near future.
Who is your favorite song writer?
One of my favorite song writers is Dar Williams, because she does some
very beautiful work and she wrote of my favorite songs of all time, "The
Christians and the Pegans", and "The Babysitter's Here".
Who is your favorite musician?
I don't have a favorite musician, but my most inspiring is my father,
Kenny Smith.
How would you describe your music?
I do blues and folk rock mostly but sometimes I do a little bit if
jazz.
Do you have any CD projects completed?
Yes I do, I just got done recording my first CD. It's just a little
5 song CD but at least it's something!
Do you have any more CD projects for the near future?
I am hoping to have many CD projects for the near future.
What special honors, features, or awards have you received with your
music?
I have not recieved any yet because I am only 12 but I am hoping to
get some in the future.
What advice can you give to someone your age that is wanting to write
and perform music?
If it's really what you want to do just do it. Don't let anything get
in your way. Yes it's hard, and it's going to take a lot of effort, but
if it's really what you want to do, work hard at it and it might get you
where you want to be.
What are your main goals for 2006 in your music career as a whole?
I would like to get as far as I can get and I don't know where that
is but that is where i'd like to be. I would really like to meet Fallout
Boy and Teddy Geiger but I don't think that's going to happen any time
soon!
Is there anyone you would like to thank that has helped you along in
your career or in the music industry as a whole?
Yes, I would Like to thank my mom for being there for me all the way
through this and my dad for doing the same. I would like to thank Benjamin
Martsolf for recording my CD, and last I'd like to thank all of my fans
for supporting me throughout my carreer.
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