If there was only one word to describe Ellen, it would have to be "Real". Since she started writing songs at the age of 14, Ellen's music has been a direct look into her impassioned soul. While many musicians Ellen's age are striving to look and act like the latest trend, Ellen breaks the mold with her bold confidence and uncompromising faith. This has won her a following of equally passionate fans, as well as the respect of many in the music industry.
It is her music, however, that stops traffic.
Ellen has been celebrated as one of the most gifted musicians of her age. Born Ellen Jane Marvin on September 22, 1986 in Zumbrota, MN, she could literally sing before she could talk. It was in this simple little town she discovered her love for music, and grew rapidly in her musical style and skills. Within one month of deciding to become a professional musician, she gave private performances at Pachyderm Studios (Nirvana, Soul Asylum, Live), as well as for many other industry insiders. It seemed Ellen could not play anywhere without getting booked. All of this- within in one month.
At many concerts there are conversations going on during other bands. You may have even seen shows where this is common. When Ellen starts singing people simply stop. It is a fascinating phenomenon to watch, and underscores her unique vocal talent and God-given abilities.
THE JOURNEY:
In October of 2003 Ellen met her now-manager Justin Hawley. This meeting proved to be the beginning of Ellen's spiritual journey, as well as her musical career. Hawley had been in the music industry for 6 years, in every capacity from venue manager at Brick and Amp, musician, studio owner and producer, to employee at Absolute Records. Ellen was introduced to Hawley through his brother, Travis.
"I got a call from Travis one day asking me if I could record a couple of songs of one of his friends. I reluctantly agreed, and Ellen soon came down to do a real quick recording to get a few ideas on cd. The second Ellen started singing, I looked at my brother. He was just smiling and nodding his head up and down. I knew right then that she was something special. I had seen and heard hundreds of bands, and had never asked to manage any of them. I was, quite simply, blown away," said Hawley.
After that recording, Ellen and Hawley talked about God and music.
"Justin asked me if my music was Christian. I had to think about it... which sounds funny... but it was Christian music and I never even had realized it. God truly works in mysterious ways, because He had been preparing my heart. On that day my life flipped around, 180 degrees. I was saved. And now, all my music is Christian music, because that's all I really want to sing about. I know that God has given me many gifts, as He does for us all, and I completely and honestly want to use them to please Him. I feel very blessed to be ministering through something that I am so passionate about now- my music and my faith."
ELLEN'S MINISTRY:
It hasn't always been easy. In addition to music, Ellen has been a dancer for most of her life. Attending classes for so long without a personal relationship with Jesus took it's toll.
"It's easy to become consumed in what the world tells you to be. I've battled a lot of stuff... drugs, alcohal, impure relationships, eating disorders, depression...but there is really only one way to fill up the feeling of emptiness, and thats through the love of God. So many people are doing things just because everyone else is. I feel like it's my job to spread the word... Life's not worth living for the world, or even for yourself. If you're living for God, that's the way to true happiness. "
Since finding what she was searching for, Ellen's passion for Jesus extends into many areas of her life. In December of 2003, Ellen started what is probably a first in the music industry- a nursing home tour.
With a heart for those who are alone and hurting, Ellen brought joy to many of our precious elders.
Ellen also has a heart for purity in male/female relationships.
"It seems to me that there aren't enough good examples of how relationships are supposed to be. There are so many movies and t.v. shows that have people doing really impure things. I mean, it's all a matter of how much you want for your husband or wife. Your past doesn't matter, it's all about here and now. People can change. God tells us that no matter how bad things were, if we truely want to change He will wash all of our sins away. I believe that there's one guy out there for me. I've changed. I've made the decision that I want to give my soulmate all that I am."
We have an entire section on the forum dedicated just to Ellen's quest to speak out on topics. If you would like to learn more about Ellen's ministry or her heart, feel free to read them and discuss with others!
