Daily Inspiration: Meet Eliza Thorp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Thorp. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I come from a loud Irish family. At yearly family gatherings my grandmother, Peg, would always sit down at the piano. Family would gather around and join in on old standards. At a young age, it was deeply instilled in me how music can bring people together. I also deeply credit a piano teacher, Kaye Fairman, for seeing the creativity I had and really allowing me to be curious about my voice as a musician. 

Music has always been a voice for me. I’m a pretty introverted individual and music always let me say what I needed to say. 

Another instrumental (ah the pun) human on my music journey is a dear friend, Charlie Millard. At the point Charlie and I became friends, I’d been writing music for a while and playing it in the safety of my bedroom. He had created this wonderful music community at the old Beard’s Brewery in Petoskey, MI. He hosted this really welcoming open mic monthly. I would usually attend and just sit in the corner, listening. I had major stage fright when I first started playing for other people. He was persistent and insistent, eventually, I got behind the keys and played for that small group of wonderful humans. That moment really snowballed and brought me to where I am now. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh, absolutely not; nothing smooth about living. There’s such a learning curve, it’s all a work in progress. I’m still constantly learning and hope to always be. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Writing music for me is a very cathartic process. It really helps me to understand and process things in my world. It still amazes me every time and never gets old, the connection that music brings between people. I never really set out to write music that would connect people, but I write about my truths and experiences. I think because I’m so real with my lyrics and stories, a lot of people find themselves and their stories within my music. Creating those moments of connection is the coolest thing as a musician. It’s a feeling. Being outside is a big inspiration for a lot of the music I write. Lyrics will come to me while I’m out there on the trails somewhere. Connecting people to all the beauty outside is something I’m proud of. Bringing awareness to conservation, being a better steward to our home. 

I’ve built a bit of a reputation for having audience members cry. It’s humbling. In sharing my vulnerabilities through song, people are able to be vulnerable in a room full of strangers. Story is so powerful. Sharing. 

I’ve also been known to quiet a raucous basement party. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I recently released a new album titled “Stories We Told Along the Way.” 

It’s a collection of stories written over the past few years. A lens. Taking a step back, looking at my own life, my trail. The twists and turns. The loss. The inexplicable joy. The many lessons. Rising above, digging in. These stories have helped me to learn, heal, grow and keep finding the light even in all the darkness. My hope is that you can find your own story. To glean a little light or understanding to shine in on your own life. 

It can be found on most streaming platforms. 

Contact Info:

• Website: elizathorpmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizathorpmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizaThorpMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqUvczlL4W9HyeImQioDGRw