Karissa Ella on the Lessons of Strength and Resilience Behind Her New EP, Growing Wings

Country artist Karissa Ella is one of the most exciting rising artists in Nashville, and her story just got even bigger with the release of her fourth EP, Growing Wings.

Consisting of seven gorgeous tracks, the EP puts all of Karissa's most irresistible abilities front and center as she pours her heart and soul into each one to weave powerful and relatable stories, made even sweeter by her captivating vocals. You might already be familiar with singles "Heartbreaker," "Last Call Cowboy," "Mamas Do" and "Hall of Fame," which put a modern twist on the classic country sound to bring her witty, raw and authentic tales to life. Together, they tell a story of overcoming even the most devastating heartbreaks and growing through them to come out stronger on the other end. Listen to the full EP HERE on Spotify and read our interview with Karissa below to dive even deeper into the new EP.

Sweety High: What does the EP title Growing Wings mean to you?

Karissa Ella: To me, Growing Wings is about stepping into who you are even when it's uncomfortable or uncertain. It's about a girl who's finding her voice, honoring where she's from, and chasing a dream. This EP captures that journey of heartbreak, healing and the moments where you have to trust yourself enough to take the leap. It's about learning to fly in your own way and on your own time.

(Growing Wings via Karlo Music)

 

SH: Why did that title track feel like it encapsulates this collection of songs?

KE: Every song represents a different part of the journey, and "Growing Wings" ties it all together. It's about becoming stronger through the highs and lows, and realizing that even when life feels uncertain, you're still becoming who you're meant to be. That title just felt like the perfect way to capture the heart of the EP—because no matter what season you're in, you're always growing—always finding your wings.

 

SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the EP? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?

KE: The overarching themes of this EP are growth, resilience and staying rooted in who you are. Each song tells a different part of that story—whether it's letting go of someone who wasn't meant for you, celebrating where you come from or honoring the people who shaped you. There's grit, grace, nostalgia and hope woven into all of it.

I hope when fans listen, they feel seen. Whether they're going through heartbreak, chasing a dream or just trying to find their way, I want them to feel like these songs are walking alongside them. My biggest hope is that it leaves people feeling a little lighter, a little braver and a little more like they're growing wings of their own.

(Photo credit: Oceanna Colgan)

 

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SH: How would you describe the EP's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

KE: The EP's sound is lively, modern, nostalgic and fun! My producer, Casey Wood, and I have spent a lot of time shaping my sound and with this project, it finally feels like we've tapped into something that truly feels like me.

We brought in some of the best musicians in town and tracked the entire project in one day at Casey's studio. It was a whirlwind—long hours, lots of coffee and so much creative energy. There's nothing like hearing a song go from a voice memo to a full production, and every track came to life in ways I never could've imagined. It was magic!

 

SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you are in life right now?

KE: This project came from a lot of reflection on past experiences, emotions and moments that shaped me. Each song holds a different piece of my story in ways and different phases of life! I'm in a place now where I feel more grounded, more sure of myself, and these songs reflect that growth.

(Photo credit: Oceanna Colgan)

 

SH: What is your favorite song on the EP? Why?

KE: It's hard to choose just one, but if I had to, I'd say "Mamas Do" holds a really special place in my heart. There's a raw vulnerability in that song that feels so honest and real. It's a thank-you to the women who raised us, shaped us and stood by us and I hope other girls and women hear their own stories in it too.

 

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SH: How do you feel you've evolved as an artist since It's Personal?

KE: With this new project, I've leaned deeper into vulnerability, allowing myself to write more honestly and tap into stories and emotions I might've held back before. There's more heart, more storytelling and more of me in these songs than ever before.

 

For more on our favorite recent releases, click HERE to read our interview with Gavin Copeland on his debut single, "Make a Million."