Meet Elise DeMae | Singer & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elise DeMae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elise, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking any risk, even if it is a small one, is brave, in my opinion. And being an independent artist is definitely a huge risk. You never know what tomorrow brings, but that is the essence of a colorful and adventurous life that musicianship can offer.

The most significant risk that I have taken in my life was moving from Latvia to Los Angeles with my two suitcases, and without knowing one day before arrival where am I going to spend the first night in such a huge city. I am not a very spontaneous person when it comes to big life decisions, I love to plan every single detail, but this time moving my life to pursue my music career, study in Los Angeles, and risk everything felt like the right thing to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My very first concerts happened in Riga, in the living room in front of the mirrored closet when I was only 3 years old. After that, and my brother could certify this, it was almost impossible to shut me up. I was singing anywhere and everywhere.

I have been pursuing my career in music since I can remember, and not once I had doubt that this is exactly what I want to do. I have a classical musical background, as well as I studied Jazz vocal and musical theatre back in high school in Latvia. I feel like my biggest inspiration was being surrounded by great musicians and wanting to achieve more and more every day. Already in middle school, I knew that I wanted to be a professional musician and hopefully I get to travel the world with my music.
Throughout the years I have participated in so many projects in Latvia, including singing in a vocal a cappella group “Insomnia”, as well as touring with Latvian artist Laima Vaikule. Every project that I have been a part of has given me some experience and knowledge that I can apply to my career, and because of all that, I feel that now I am ready to show my original music to the world.

Since I am a perfectionist, and I tend to criticize myself a lot, releasing my own music is a big challenge. So far, I have released my debut single “Is It Okay”, and my next single “I Wanna Be Her” is about to come out, so I am very excited about that.

Overall, the road has not been easy. There have been so many ups and downs, days when I feel I will never be good enough, and days when I feel happier than ever. Being an artist can definitely be a struggle, but at the end of the day, I am very grateful that I am able to do what I love the most. I have always believed that with hard work – everything is possible. The most important thing is not to give up when it gets hard.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is full of opportunities and things to do. Since most of my friends are musicians, I would take them to someplace with live music. Although, the thing that amazes me the most is California’s nature. One of my favorite things to do is to go to Malibu, go on a hike, or take a walk on the beach. Coming from a small country where if you drive 2 hours, you enter another country, taking road trips in California or the United States in general, feels awesome, and every person should experience it at least once in their lifetime. In one state you can see the whole scenery – from ocean to mountains, desert, canyons, and so on. So my recommendation would be to go on a road trip!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most gratefulness goes to my parents, who have supported me throughout my entire life. They have encouraged me and have never let me give up on my dream to be a great artist. Ever since I started singing and playing piano, they somehow knew that I belonged on the stage. They have lifted me whenever I felt like I was not good enough or when I was tired of not seeing the results I wanted, and that is a very special thing to have – the support from people who wish you the very best! I hope everyone’s family can support them as my parents did and still do.

Of course, when it comes to teachers, every single one of them holds a special place in my heart, and I will be always thankful for all the knowledge they gave me, as well as the patience they had throughout the years.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elise_demae/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisedemaemusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EliseDeMae

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/034knSLd4QJ86SlvPRogiQ?si=bGs7QZKQTvi78O9yiZq0Bw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/lv/artist/elise-demae/1703167364

Image Credits
Featured photo – Veljko Radenkovic
Other Photos – Nate Haiden, Finlay Mathias