Songwriters Tales with Elise Newman

The next feature artist for “Songwriter’s Tales” is the bubbly songwriter, Elise Newman. I met Elise when we were both having a “wing it” type of afternoon. It was my first time to substitute host for the “Livin the Write Life” round at The Stillery in midtown Nashville. I wasn’t even sure what artists were in the lineup. When Elise walked in with an energetic smile and a just happy to be here attitude. I knew immediately this was someone I wanted to get to know better. 

When I had the chance to interview her, I was eager to learn about her musical journey thus far. Here is what she said, “Music started for me at age 6. My parents enrolled me in piano lessons, however around 12 I developed a love for performing and acting. I eventually quit piano but came back to it in high school. During Covid, my family got pretty sick of hearing the piano all the time, so I found a toy guitar and taught myself how to play. My dad then bought me a real guitar and I started writing! I've now been writing for 6 years!” I love to hear another multi-instrument girl! 

When asking my next set of questions, Elise was more focused on one specific song called, “Different kind of Heartbreak” This song is a much more different tone than my favorite Elise song that has a line about an “achy liver”. If you do go see Elise, you’ll be pleased to get the chance to hear that one. We all have songs that are harder to sing because of the song's powerful emotions, and this is what Elise had to say about her special song, “ "Different Kind of Heartbreak" will always hold the most special place in my heart. I wrote it in 2022, shortly after my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I didn't understand I was hurting so bad, even though I wasn't the one going through treatment. That song became my way of coming to terms with the fact that it was okay to not be okay and strong all the time. I was allowed to hurt even though I wasn't the one who was sick. Even though this song is one I normally don't perform, it definitely means the most to me.”

It is so interesting to hear about the different experiences the songwriters have throughout their many travels. Here is what Elise said about a favorite moment in her musical journey. “When I came down to Nashville to record my single, "Different Kind of Heartbreak," my dad and I were making the 5.5-hour drive from Saint Louis to Nashville, when I realized my mom had booked the wrong dates for the hotel. We were about an hour out, and I had to frantically get my mom to get the hotel dates fixed. My dad never found out.” 

You can listen to all things Elise Newman below, but here is what she had to say about recording the EP “Lessons Learned” “My highlight was when my EP, "Lesson Learned" came out. That was a goal I had had for such a long time, and I was so grateful and proud to have achieved it. My parents came in town to celebrate the release, and it was the best weekend ever. These were five songs I had written over the span of August 2024-October 2025 that I felt deserved a spot on the record. That was such an important time in my life and a time of great growth, and I feel like the EP encapsulates that. “

I cannot wait to follow more of Elise’s journey in Nashville. Be sure to follow her too on Instagram @elisenewman