A lyric in Kathleen Elle's new single and album, "Brainwaves," is also the rule that has guided Kathleen's music career. 

Four years since the release of her multi-award winning debut EP “Helium,” Kathleen Elle launched her first full album, “Brainwaves.” This 10-track collection of stories about relationships and the joy, sadness, anger, regret, envy and laughter they bring, was released on all digital platforms at midnight on May 15th.  

Elle unexpectedly discovered her talent for writing music after taking a music writing course on a whim in high school. One of the first songs she wrote was an anti-bullying song “Don’t Let Them In” that filled a void in anti-bullying programs by speaking directly to the victim, instead of just to the bully (asking him to stop) or the bystander (asking him to stand up). The song’s message is to be true to yourself, don’t change for bullies, find those who accept you, and don’t let bullies’ hate into your heart. The song won multiple awards and scholarships from Seventeen Magazine, Abercrombie & Fitch, Campus MovieFest, and Lincoln Center. Most impactful though, was a message Kathleen received from a girl in the Philippines that she found it while attempting suicide for the second time due to bullying, and the song saved her life! Kathleen was also named a 2015 National YoungArts member for three other songs on her debut EP, “Helium.” 

Elle used her scholarship money to gain a degree in Music Composition from the prestigious Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts, which helped her to not only write all the songs on her new album, but also to arrange and self produce it. “Brainwaves” is a collection of personal experiences as well as observances of friend’s relationships. The album covers multiple song styles, from indie-pop singer-songwriter to dance funk to country, showing Elle’s versatility as a songwriter and artist. Elle provides all vocals, and plays guitar and keyboard, but also employed the help of talented musicians from Rutgers Mason Gross. “Brainwaves” is a 100% NJ project, recorded at Jankland Studios in Wall, NJ. It was engineered, mixed, and mastered by owner Steve Jankowski, a classically trained trumpeter currently touring with Hall of Fame Songwriter Nile Rogers, & CHIC band, formerly with Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears and more. Kathleen is honored that Jankowski also plays horns on the album. 

So far, the album has received positive feedback from reviewers, fans, and is played on internet radio stations around the world! It has acquired over 40k streams online so farElle's style and songwriting has been compared to artists like Joni Mitchell, Colbie Caillat, and John Mayer for her smooth vocals and grooving melodies. Stream "Brainwaves" on your favorite streaming platform here https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kathleenelle/brainwaves-2! 

Most recently, Kathleen was a semifinalist in the Grammy's and MusiCares sponsored Opening Act competition to be the opener at the Hollywood Bowl We Can Survive Concert for headliners Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, and Lizzo. She competed against hundreds of artists around the world and made it to the Top 32!

Here's the video that convinced me that I could make a difference in the world with a simple song. Click on the YouTube button below the video to go there and read bullying victims' comments on how the song has saved lives.