Elise Ecklund is a YouTube and Instagram influencer from the United States, best-known for her ukulele covers of famous songs by the likes of Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Twenty One Pilots. Elise is currently on her first Europe-wide Meet & Greet tour, performing famous covers from her YouTube repertoire as well as her own compositions.
She sat down with us to talk about the ukulele and her career as a YouTuber.
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Okay, so, first question: How did you start getting into playing ukulele, and how has playing ukulele affected your life?
Yeah, so I started playing ukulele when I was about 19, and I was just inspired by my favourite artists. I wanted to try it out – it’s an instrument that I had wanted to learn for a while, just because I liked the bright, happy sound. Playing ukulele affected my life tremendously, because it kind of pushed me into my music career and it’s connected me with so many amazing people.
What made you start up a YouTube channel?
I was inspired by a lot of other YouTubers, and I liked the idea of just making videos and having and connecting with other people through that and relating to them.
And, what was your breakout moment? When did you know that you’d made it on YouTube?
I don’t know if I would ever say that I’d made it. I guess, when it was able to become my full-time job. I quit my day job and I was able to transition over to that, and also when people started listening to more of my original songs that I was writing rather than just the tutorial-based stuff. So, it was that feeling of people actually caring about what I have to say, rather than just the tutorials.
Was there a video in particular that felt like a changing moment for you?
Yeah, so the video where I wrote a song using Instagram comments was the first one to really take off!
What has been your favourite song to cover?
Yeah, my favourite song to cover has probably been ‘Bad Guy’ by Billie Eilish, especially because I added a kazoo in there to make it fun for the bassline!
Do you have a favourite video amongst all of your work?
My favourite video is the one where I go to the Jojo Siwa concert, it’s a really fun one!
How does it feel to have such a supportive community of fans?
It’s amazing! I can’t even describe how loving and supportive they are – they’re just always there and always encouraging. They’ve really been the ones who have kept inspiring me to keep going, even during those times where I doubt what I’m doing, or I wonder ‘what the heck am I going to do next?!’ Their comments are what keep me going.
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AVAILABLE ON
The Elise Ecklund Songbook
American YouTuber Elise Ecklund presents her first ukulele songbook! Known for her guitar and ukulele tutorials, Elise has compiled a list of her favourite covers to include in this songbook. The arrangements follow the easy-to-play style of her YouTube videos and are simple for a ukulele player of any standard to pick up. The book also includes an exclusive preface written by Elise. A must for Elise fans and budding ukulele players looking to further their ukulele skills!
Contains: Bellyache, Can’t Help Falling In Love, Demons, Hey Soul Sister, I’m Yours, ME!, Ocean Eyes, Over The Rainbow, Photograph and Shape Of You.
