Ellie Rizoa makes music that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly vibey. Working mainly with hip hop, lo-fi, and alternative textures, she builds her sound around the art of chopping samples, turning fragments into something whole, like thoughts captured in instrumental form.
Her work carries a spectrum of moods: some tracks are introspective, others playful, some heavy with atmosphere, others light as a breeze. Itβs music you can sink into, not because it tries to tell you exactly what to feel, but because it reflects emotions you already recognize.
I first connected with Ellie online, and what struck me wasnβt just her sound but her presence. Sheβs authentic, open about her process, and unafraid to share who she is as both an artist and a human. Watching her journey inspires me to keep pushing past my own comfort zones. She reminds me that being real, in life and in music, is always the stronger choice.
You can explore Ellieβs music here:
π SoundCloud
π Bandcamp
π§ Spotify
I wanted to dive a little deeper into her world, so I asked Ellie a few questions about her process, her influences, and the journey that brought her here.
How would you describe your music to someone whoβs never heard it before?
I create a blend of hip hop, lo-fi, and alternative sample-based music. I use a technique called βchoppingβ that I use in pretty much all of my music. They definitely vary in genre and mood. Theyβre pretty much my thoughts in instrumental form.
What track or project are you most proud of and why?
Hmβ¦ Iβd say the ones you hear on my EP βAnd So It Begins.β It features 4 of a few of my earliest releases. And producing music is something I never thought Iβd get into, let alone releasing it. So those few songs were a staple for what was to come later on for me.
Which artists or genres have had the biggest influence on your sound?
I grew up listening to all types of music. My roots carry hip hop and Latin music, but I explored pop and rock and alternative, and EDM. They all influence my sound. As for my influences, I can go on forever about who, but honestly itβs my peers and fellow indie artists that influence my music.
Was there a defining moment that made you say, βI want to make musicβ?
During the pandemic, I had just quit my job and was looking for another outlet. On Instagram, I started following the lo-fi channels like Lofi Girl and Chillhop and the algorithm eventually led me to people producing music. I was just a fan, but I eventually got inspired to venture on my own.
If your sound were a place, color, or emotion, what would it be?
Iridescent. OmbrΓ©. Gradient. My music reflect my moods, which vary all the time. Like a spectrum.
Do you have a ritual or habit that helps you get into a creative zone?
Coffee. π
Whatβs something surprising people donβt usually know about you as an artist?
I was a special education teaching assistant for 10 years before I decided to venture into my passion. I have a degree in human development. I genuinely love to help people.
How do you handle creative blocks?
Not well π π I will try and try and get upset. And eventually, I just have to step away until the inspiration comes again.
Describe your music in three words that arenβt music-related.
Healing. Introspective. Vibey.
Ellie, thank you for being such a genuine voice in this scene. If you havenβt already, check out her EP The Many Moods of Ellie Vol. 1. Each track feels like a page from her diary, revealing a different shade of who she is. Together, they paint the portrait of an artist unafraid to share the full spectrum of her emotions. It’s a reminder that music is one of the most powerful ways we communicate what we feel. Keep an eye on her journey, because her universe of sound is only going to keep growing.
Follow Ellie on Instagram and on Ko-Fi.
– Spacey Panda
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