Q&A: Ellie Holcomb

Ellie Holcomb is not just a pretty face or a famous radio star – more importantly, she's a strong follower in God's will, listening to His voice to where He points her. For Ellie, it seemed every time she'd create a plan, God would lead her somewhere else. And as His faithful daughter, she listened. Today, Ellie's songs are heard on K-Love, Sirius XM, and Air1, encouraging both the young and old to trust the sovoreignty of Jesus.

Having had the grand pleasure of chatting with Ellie, let me assure you her spirit is just as encouraging as her songs. She's happy, grateful, and one of those 'best friends you always wanted.' And dear Ellie is taking on a new venture this fall, releasing a children's book and EP of 7 songs, all founded on Scripture! (side note: "you go girl!")

Let's chat with Ellie Holcomb!

Have you always wanted to sing professionally?

I NEVER thought I would sing professionally! I sang a lot growing up – (in fact, my parents say I was a walking musical!) – and my dad was a producer in the industry, but I never anticipated this being my life. Actually, I told myself I wouldn’t do music professionally and I wouldn’t marry a musician, and God has a sense of humor because BOTH came true! But it has been truly wonderful. Growing up, I learned two things being around the industry: 1) music has the power to deeply encourage people when used correctly; and 2) music takes you away from home often. However, it has been such a sweet journey, I’m glad God has used my singing as a TOOL for His glory.

Your love story?

I met my husband in college, and he was my BEST guy friend, however we didn’t date! I dated a couple other guys and had gotten my heart broken, and meanwhile, he was always there as a great friend. We went on our first date, and for some reason, something changed for me. I remember on our second date, he told me: “Ellie, I am crazy about you and I want to love you really well. Yet I am only a man and I make mistakes, and I am never going to be able to love you like Jesus loves you, so I will need you to run after Jesus as fast as you can because HE will give you the love you deserve while we are together.” It was as if then and there, in my mind, I said “I do!” He pointed me to Jesus from the beginning.

How did you begin your music career?

I was a member of my husband's band for 8 and a half years while we were married, and when we had our first child, she tagged along for the first 6 months! In the first 6 months of my daughter's life, she had been to 30 concerts! It was then where I realized I needed to focus on staying home and raising her more traditionally. And when my son came into our life, I knew I was going to focus on raising them well home in Nashville.

However, I started writing music while at home for other artists, but I felt God tell me: “Ellie, I want YOU to sing these songs!” I was scared, I didn’t want to be vulnerable sharing my deepest feelings through songs to the public eye, and I was a “hesitant musician” to say the least. But I knew God was calling me, so I said yes. Since, it has been a glorious ride of trusting Him and allowing Him to work through me and in me. He has really paved the way for my “accidental” music career!

Have you always had a passion for encouraging children?

Encouraging children through music and writing was also something I never thought I would be called to do, yet here I am! It has been SUCH A JOY having my children because they’re so curious and always asking questions. Its helped me stop, slow down, and “smell the roses” a bit more, asking questions about things others may ignore. When my little girl asked me – “Mommy, who sang the first song?” – it sparked something in me. I did some reasearch, and that’s how my book was written!

I realized God was singing when He created the world. Genesis 1 was written almost as a poem that could be sang. He created the whole world for us to sing praises to Him, glorifying His workmanship and our lives. It’s been eye-opening and joyous to study the creation story about our creative God, learning how He made us to be creative in our own way, through love, joy, and peace. Together, our lives are one big song glorifying the One who sang the first song while creating the world!

Your new children’s book is coming out this fall! What’s it about?

The book is full of a lot of questions revolving around the question my little girl asked me once: “Who sang the first song?” It loosely follows the creation story and ends with the answer: God sang the first song, but he created all of us to JOIN IN and sing along! It’s been a sweet thing to share this book with my own kids, and myself, too!

Creation sings, and whether or not vocally – we all sing! I wrote the book at the end of winter when spring was coming to life., and it showed me how all of His creation sings – what a beautiful world He has given us. We just need to look a little closer. My hope is the book will be little breadcrumbs for children and adults alike to see the beauty outside, all around us. It helps us ask, “how can we sing along?”

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Can you tell us about your new children songs?

I created 7 songs, one of which is literally the book written into a song! The songs are all based in scriptures, and to be honest, they aren’t much different than the music I normally write! For whatever reason, my music connects with children already. Each song contains elements so kids can look outside and see tangible examples of what it’s about. I recorded in the spring and had a test audience of my 5 year old girl and 3 year old boy at home! I’d come home and sing just once to see if they would sing it later on that night! If they weren’t singing it later at night, I would realize I’d have to go back to the drawing board so it was deep in their hearts!

What age ranges are your new songs/book for?

It’s for both big and little hearts! They contain Biblical truths we all can easily forget. So, I say it’s for kids ages 1-92! We are all God’s sons and daughters, little children before Him, as Scripture explains. We can all learn from the simple, fundamental questions of our faith.

Favorite Nashville spots?

I love living in Nashville! I am born and raised here, and I love my city! I actually have an entire Word document for when I meet random people at airports and such consisting of all the coffee shops and places to see live music and shop.

The Blue Bird Cafe is the most quintessential music place; it’s not often major names, but instead its the people who write the songs for artists on the radio. It’s for storytellers, and it’s a beautiful experience.

And, of course, the Ryman Auditorium (formerly Grand Ole Opry House) is the birthplace of country music, and whenever anyone plays there, there’s always another artist joining them – there’s so many collabs! And, actually, it’s where my husband and I went on our first date!

Listen to Ellie's hit song "Find Your Here," featured on K-Love, Sirius XM, and Air1!