Who is Elle B?
Elle B, a native of St. Louis who goes by the name Cuzzn Quita, might appear as an underdog, but she's an artist and songwriter worth keeping a close watch on. She's candid yet reserved, driven by unwavering perseverance, and possesses a distinctive talent for songwriting. Elle's profound love for music and her deep connection with people make us all feel like family, for indeed, we are her cousins.
Thank you so much for your time! Our readers are eager to delve deeper into who you are. Would you mind sharing your personal journey or backstory?
I'm Elle, a St. Louis, Missouri native, defined by my musical passion, self-motivation, candid nature, and a dash of reserved humor. My faith guides me, and my calling is to mentor troubled youth, all while embracing songwriting as my true calling and deepest love.
My journey took an unexpected turn when I lost my job in corporate America, leading me to Atlanta, Georgia. With unwavering faith in my heart and a dream in my mind, I embarked on a mission toward greatness.
Arriving in Atlanta in 2015, I was resolute in my pursuit of a music career, and what a remarkable journey it has been. Along the way, I faced homelessness, the pangs of loneliness in a foreign city, which sometimes led to self-medicating through alcohol and, unfortunately, a DUI and probation.
Despite these trials, I've surmounted numerous challenges, finding the inner strength to persevere. I eagerly anticipate sharing my life's peaks and valleys with you through my music.
Can you tell us about the moment when you realized that music was your calling?
That's a really good question. I can be long-winded so my apologies in advance, lol. I come from a musically inclined family and I've always had a passion for music. Throughout life I would see myself holding different positions in music. At one point I even saw myself as an A&R scouting talent, lol, however, songwriting became my niche. Well, I went through a season of "studying" if you will. Years prior to making the decision to follow my music dreams, God sat me down, for maybe 2-3 years, and I was led to information that would help better prepare me for my music journey.
I even went through that season not listening to much music because of the things God was revealing to me. One of the many things that were confirmed during that time was that a lot of children and younger adults that are in the music and entertainment industries are dealing with a lot, some not knowing who they can safely talk to. I had already come to the understanding that the youth would be a huge part of my calling and my purpose, however, I would say that it was during this time that I realized that I had an actual calling with music; And I knew that as my career moved along, I wanted to organically become one of the safe havens for youth that I meet if needed.
Can you share an instance where a personal experience deeply influenced your music?
Most of my life's experiences have influenced my music. As we know, when writing, it’s always best to write from a real place. Throughout my music journey, I've been challenged to write songs from those real experiences. Most of my heart felt songs came from trauma growing up, or even trauma that I've experienced as an adult. Currently I'm what some may call displaced. I live out of my car, and wheew lordt, there's a number of experiences that come with homelessness- experiences that I have been transparent about in my music.
Can you describe the challenges you've faced in your journey and how you overcame them?
One of the BIGGEST challenges I've had was making the decision to be a performing artist. For many years, my focus was songwriting. I've always seen myself doing big things with music, but it was always as a songwriter.
Ok, so y’all know how we be trying to fight God, (or Whomever your Higher Power may be), but you know how we try and fight that Higher Powers' plans for us and go with our own plans? Well yea, let's just say I loss my tussle with God and decided to walk the journey of an artist, lol.
There are a few reasons why this was challenging. For one, I never liked my voice, and of course that causes lack of confidence. Although I come from a musically inclined family, I had never cared much for the voice God gave me. I got some SANGERS in my family, lol, and I've always compared singin to their sangin.
Well through my journey over these last 8 years, many artist and writers that I have worked with as a songwriter, would always tell me that I'm the artist. I would always disagree. I'm somewhat shy/reserved and laid back, so being the performing artist was something I just didn't see me being at first.
It also was challenging because not only did I dislike my singing voice, but I also disliked my speaking voice. Growing up I was called slow, I suppose because of how I talked. I also had a lisp that I was teased about. This made, and still makes, my life's mission challenging as well, considering my purpose has a lot to do with public speaking, which I find myself running away from.
There's a few other challenges I can name, but I decided to overcome them. I begin to speak life into my voice instead always tearing myself down. I do my best to commit to vocal lessons when I'm able. I've also stopped saying "no" when asked to speak, and now I do it afraid and all.
Can you share a moment in your musical journey that has brought you the most joy or fulfillment, and explain why it stands out for you?
Yes. When I released my first single last year, "Thank You Lord", it was a joyful and fulfilling moment.
Leading up to that point, I had been living on the road and out of my car for a little over 2 years at that time. Although I was genuinely happy in most areas of my life, (even with homelessness being a reality), I still found peace and happiness, however I was beginning to feel like a failure when it came to my music aspirations.
But I remained obedient and kept going. I eventually was able to quiet my mind long enough to come up with solutions and plans. Next thing I know, I was getting my music registered and ready for release!
This definitely gave me a sense of accomplishment, and it also gave me the drive to share and perform my art.
That moment stands out to me because it was like a much needed push. After I released my first single, I felt like there were no excuses for me not to push, and KEEP pushing. Since releasing my single last year, I've had the opportunity to perform on some dope stages. I've had the opportunity to be in dope rooms and meet dope new people. Releasing a single gave me reasons to go after dope opportunities. Releasing a single led me to this moment, interviewing with you amazing guys. I'm so happy I made the decision to get unstuck during that time, no matter how unfortunate my reality may have been.
What's one thing about the music industry you wish you knew when you were starting out?
That even on the beginning and starting levels, there's ZERO emotions in the music business. I knew that the music industry was a heartless industry based off the things that God had revealed to me as I was preparing to start my journey in music.
I kinda thought that you'd have to reach certain levels before experiencing that, but nope. On every level you can expect to run into someone that will remind you that the music business is an emotionless business.
And even then, you can't take it personal.
Can you share an experience where your music had an impact on the community or a social cause?
I can't say that my music has actually had an impact on a community/social cause just yet, however, I've held focus groups, and I've shared songs and watched listeners cry and tell me that my words were an encouragement for them. Things like that stick to my heart. I was also appointed as Music Coordinator for a Social Justice project at on point when I was a member of a music organization.
Music that I write often touches on social issues. While I haven't have a huge impact yet, I believe as long as I remain my authentic self, the impact will come.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or directions you're exploring in your music?
Sure! I'm currently working on my EP titled Cuzzn Quita. It will be a project based on my experiences since leaving St. Louis and pursuing music. The ups, downs, good and bad. My plan is to have visuals. I also have ideas for merch along with other business ventures that I could merge with my merch and music. Stay tuned!
Where do you see your music journey headed in the next few years?
In the next few years, I see my passion for music and my purpose being aligned in the most amazing way. I see myself hitting milestones and accolades, while being in a position to help others and our communities, from Atlanta to St. Louis and even in between.
I also see myself holding small, intimate writing camps with the youth and pouring into them as they pour into me. I see myself doing my part to help them to know it's ok to be vulnerable and transparent at times.
Over the next few years I see myself enjoying the unfolding of my music career, while saying yes to life and saying yes to good-feeling opportunities.
Is there any aspect of your music that we haven't explored yet that you would like to delve into or share insights on?
No, not really. You guys have asked great and well-rounded questions, lol.
All-in-all, my music touch various topics. You may go from giving God thanks, to embracing your love for nature while partaking in 420 friendly activities, lol; to saying "girl right" while listening to a song about a break up...; to saying "girl right" while listening to a song about finding love, lol....You may get up and twerk a lil bit, and you my find yourself getting mad at a so-called justice system. There are many aspects of my music, which always make me wonder what genre would I ultimately be in lol.
What advice would you give to upcoming artists trying to find their place in the music industry?
Be your authentic self. Always be you. If you feel you haven't found yourself just yet, that's ok. It's no rush. Find yourself and know who you are. Discover your morals and principles before walking into such a business as music business.
Be coachable and build organic relationships. EVERYTHING is going to be based on relationships.
And have fun. In my opinion, if your not having fun, you may not be in the right rooms/environments for that season of your journey. Don't get so caught up with getting on, that you forget to network with those on the same level as you. Genuine relationships are built during those times.
Also, while you're building relationships, don't be scared to take your artist hat off sometimes if you meet songwriters that are willing to help. Amazing records come from co-writing.
And NEVER give up. Latch on to your 'why' and keep pushin.
How can our readers further immerse themselves in your musical journey and stay connected with you?
Please give me a follow on social media on Instagram! Thank you for you support in advance. So much appreciation for you.
We deeply appreciate the time you've taken to share your musical journey with us. Wishing you ever-growing success in your musical endeavors!
If you are interested in being featured in our Indie Insights: From Inspiration to Creation: The Indie Journey, the process is really easy! Go to https://forms.gle/u79UeJj4Y5rnPfN9A and complete the required information. Once completed, we will review and if approved, will prepare your spotlight for publication. Moreover, if you know other music creatives, professionals and entrepreneurs whose journey deserve to be spotlighted, please feel free to share this opportunity with them or connect them with us through your preferred means.