We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elise Solberg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elise below.
Elise, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I believe the first step is to show up as yourself. Being inauthentic is first and foremost a disservice to yourself. Conforming to who you think other people want you to be will erode your sense of self in the long run.
Step into each room confidently and be respectful of others, just as you wish others would treat you. If you walk in the room assuming people won’t value your input, you might either overcompensate by stepping on others, or shrink yourself down. You don’t want either of those scenarios. Walk in with a clean slate and confidence but don’t be phased that you’re the only different one in the room.
If people in the room are dismissing your input and/or makes you feel less valuable because you’re the only one in the room that looks like you, it’s a signal that these are not the people you want to work with. It can be tricky if you really need a certain opportunity to survive, but letting people continually make you feel small is bad for your mental health.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a musician (keyboardist, producer, songwriter, composer, flutist), and a nonprofit Executive Director. What excites me most about what I do is getting to meet and work with amazing people.
In my music career, I’ve had the privilege of working with artists, musicians, industry folk both on the live music and recorded music sides. Working with these people to make a show or a record come to life has been the most thrilling thing in my life. Getting to perform and make a show come to life is really exhilarating – if done with the right people! I’ve been fortunate to work with a music director like Derek Dixie for years now, and contribute to his and the artist(s)’ vision. Every musician that he calls is really talented so it’s always fun to walk into the first rehearsal and see how the show gets built from the ground up. We just did the Tiny Desk for Chlöe Bailey, and it was so fun to witness the arrangements Derek was creating. It was my first time playing keys AND flute for a gig so I was really thrilled on that end too.
Recently I was signed to Sir Nolan to Warner Chappell/Deep Cuts and it’s been so exciting getting to produce everyday. I love the feeling of walking into a session, starting from zero, and ending up with a fully realized song/production. Creating musically gives me so much joy. I co-produced a couple records that are now out with Sir Nolan – “AMBICION” by DannyLux and “Stranger” by Thomas Day. I’m so happy to be a part of those records!
It’s also been a great joy building a nonprofit from the ground up. I am the Executive Director of Turn Up Her Mic – a nonprofit working to increase the number of women in live music. We recently just completed the first in-person Mentorship Program in August. Connecting with young women through mentorship has been amazing, and it was a privilege to see the growth! Roles in mentorship included Music Direction, Touring Musicianship, Tour Management, Live Sound, and more.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the three qualities for me include resilience, open-mindedness and compassion and have been the most impactful. Resilience is built by all the rejection and hurdles you have to face. Ask any successful person in your industry, and they have heard a “no” at least once. Chances are that they heard it hundreds, if not thousands, of times. Not being rejected probably means you’re not trying. If you’re that passionate about your craft, your passion will override any rejection. It will still hurt nonetheless, but the “yes’s” will make all the rejection worth it.
Open-mindedness has gotten me a long ways in music. If you are bringing someone else’s vision to life, you may need to be able to draw from many sources of inspiration. I’ve had to learn entirely new genres mid-rehearsal or mid-session I’ve never played in my life. But I was open to try it. My open-mindedness was followed up by rigorous practice and effort, but being closed-minded usually doesn’t open up new opportunities.
You can develop compassion once you learn that everyone is going through it. Most of the time, how people treat you is not personal. Everyone is human. Of course, don’t stay in situations where people disrespect you. But compassion will help you appreciate the strength it takes for people to even show up.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with folks for Turn Up Her Mic! I would love to connect with more women and allies that want to see a shift in gender representation for the music industry. I am always looking for music industry pro’s in live/touring that would be willing to mentor up-and-coming women. I am also building the board, so I am looking to connect with women that are passionate about mentoring the upcoming generation of female musicians.
You can connect with me via Instagram @eliseyuka or @turnuphermic or LinkedIn (Elise Solberg and Turn Up Her Mic page).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elisesolberg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliseyuka
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elise.solberg3/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-solberg-36253415
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/eliseyuka?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRbIYr9fTqA0JfBx5DFDavQ
Image Credits
Brandon Fuller
