Singer-songwriter Ellie Rollins performs at the Cinema Bar this week, so the artist told the News about what she has in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing? When did the band form?
I’ve been singing my entire life and started performing when I was nine years old. I studied classical voice in San Francisco, but my true foundation has always been storytelling and connecting with people through music. After spending much of my life on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, where I fell in love with the island’s country, folk, and paniolo traditions, I moved back to Los Angeles and found my sound in Americana, country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel-inspired music.
The band really grew out of a community I created called Cabin Creek Concerts. For three years, I hosted a concert every Thursday night featuring some of the most incredible musicians in the acoustic, folk, Americana, country, and roots music scene. Through those nights of music and connection, I met all of my current bandmates, and we’ve now been playing together for the last four years. I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships and creative family that came from that experience, and this iteration of my music feels like the sound and collaboration I want to continue for the rest of my career.
Describe your sound…
I’ve always considered myself a truth teller first. Most of my songs are autobiographical — they come from real moments, relationships, lessons, heartbreak, healing, and the journey of becoming who we are. For me, the story and emotional honesty of a song will always be the most important part. Musically, my sound blends Americana, country, folk, and bluegrass with hints of gospel and pop, creating music that feels timeless, soulful, and deeply human.
What are your career highlights so far?
My career highlights have really been the incredible musicians I’ve had the opportunity to create and perform with, and the rooms and communities where I’ve been able to share my music. Having Nate LaPointe, frontman of Cubensis, as my guitar player, and the fantastic Alex Balderston on bass as part of my band has been such a gift. Whether it’s recording with producer and pedal steel guitarist Marty Rifkin, having Chan Kinchla from Blues Traveler play guitar on my single “Little Moon,” becoming a co-writer and collaborator with Ted Russell Kamp, or playing iconic venues like The Viper Room — every chapter has been meaningful. Continuing to grow my audience and getting the opportunity to tell my story through music is truly the highlight. Being an artist is a gift, and I don’t think any future milestone will ever matter more than the journey, friendships, and musical moments that brought me here.
What recorded music is available?
Music is available everywhere you stream music, including Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms. My most recent single, “Here Today,” is a song I wrote during the LA fires — a reflection on impermanence, gratitude, and remembering what truly matters when life changes in an instant. I’m also getting ready to release my very first cover song, “Back in the High Life Again,” originally written and recorded by Steve Winwood, which feels like the perfect song for this next chapter of my life and music.
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before?
Yes, I’ve performed at Cinema Bar before, and I’m so grateful for what a special music institution it continues to be in Los Angeles. It’s a venue that has remained committed to supporting independent artists and creating a space where real, live music can thrive. My fans have always shown up for me there, which makes it even more meaningful. This will be my first time hosting the entire night and bringing a Cabin Creek Concerts experience to Cinema Bar, so I’m incredibly excited to create a special evening in a room that has supported me — and now share everything I love about music, storytelling, and community in that space.
One of my favorite memories there was when Alex Balderston started the bass intro to my song “Lay Your World Down.” The room went from a loud, talking, lively bar to complete silence — the only sound was his bass. There is nothing more magical than watching people stop and truly listen to something they’ve never heard before. For an artist who writes their own music, that moment of connection means everything.
This will be my first time hosting the entire night and bringing a Cabin Creek Concerts experience to Cinema Bar, so I’m incredibly excited to create a special evening in a room that has always supported me — and now bring everything I love about music, storytelling, and community into that space.
What can we expect from the set this time?
On the 26th at Cinema Bar, you can expect a true Ellie Rollins show — a night built around storytelling, connection, and the magic of live music. I’ll be joined by some new players and fresh energy, including Andrew on percussion, Alex on guitar, and a new face in the Americana scene, Ben on bass.
For the first time in a long time, I’ll also be bringing some carefully chosen cover songs into the set, alongside my original music. I’ve rarely performed covers live, so I’m excited to share the songs that have influenced and inspired me in a new way. There is a whole new excitement around this show, and I can’t wait to bring that energy into such a special room.
What else do you have coming up?
I have a really exciting run of shows coming up. On June 25, I’ll be performing at the iconic Hotel Café for a singer-songwriter in-the-round, followed by a full Ellie Rollinsshow at Cinema Bar on June 26. On June 27, I’ll be performing at Dogtown Coffee, and on July 2 I’ll be producing and performing at a Cabin Creek Concerts event on Venice Beach in front of Gingerbread Court, co-billing the evening with Ashlee E. Norton.
All upcoming shows, music, and everything Ellie Rollins can be found at ellierollins.com.
Ellie Rollins performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 26 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the venue.
Elsewhere this week
The next concert at Boulevard Music is on Saturday, July 11, with Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.