We asked the award-winning singer songwriter from Naenae for some life advice.
She grew up in Lower Hutt and went on to win the Taite Music Prize in 2022, and on the way Vera Ellen has learned a thing or two about making music and finding balance.
After a stint in Los Angeles, Covid brought her home. Back in New Zealand, Ellen focused on her solo work, earning acclaim for her next two albums. It’s Your Birthday won the Aotearoa Music Award for Best Alternative Artist in 2022 (a prize she claimed again in 2025) and Ideal Home Noise, was awarded Taite Music Prize in 2024. She’s played Laneway, supported Crowded House and will soon join Aldous Harding on tour in the UK and Europe.
But first, there’s her new album, Heaven Knows What Time, written in Greytown during a residency two years ago and finally released on May 1 on Flying Nun records (and will be followed by a tour in July). The record’s largely inspired by the highs and lows of being a working musician in 2026, so we asked Ellen for some life lessons.
People would be surprised to know this about me: I’m working toward a diploma in hypnotherapy. I was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) a few years ago, and after years of being in and out of the hospital I went to a hypnotherapist. After only three sessions I ditched my walking cane. It was one of the most effective treatments for me, so I was fascinated to learn how it worked.
I’m most proud of: All the people I love.
If I could have a do-over I’d change: I would have woken up on the right side of the bed.
This gets me really annoyed: When the public get annoyed at other people’s suffering as though said person is choosing to be enduring said suffering. For example, someone giving evil eyes to a mother trying to get her baby to stop crying.
The great love of my life is: Corny but truly, music
When I was 8 I wanted to be: A rockstar. I was in a band with my cousins and we would perform in the garage every Christmas Eve. We were called Rock Solid. At the time, it was my mission to convince my older cousin that Hilary Duff did indeed make a rock album.
If I could reach back in time I’d give this advice to my teenage self: Don’t take life so seriously and just enjoy yourself a bit for Pete’s sake. I genuinely used to feel that fun like going to parties and things was essentially a complete waste of time because it meant I wasn’t writing songs or being productive. It’s something I still have to remind myself. Tranquilla.
In 10 years, I hope to be: On the timeline that’s not a dystopia.
The thing I really fear: Boredom.
The last time I cried: Two days ago. I love crying. More and more studies are coming out about the health benefits of tears. Our bodies are amazing. I also consider it a privilege because you don’t always get the time or space to feel your feelings and just let it out.
My controversial opinion is: Everybody is dehydrated.
This brings me joy: Knitting! I just finished making a scarf for my Nana. I only learnt to knit last year in Argentina. I joined a women’s group and learnt from this incredible woman who was so kind and patient with me. I cried during the first lesson because I was so angry at myself for getting it wrong.
I really shouldn’t do this, but… I resent this question
My advice for life is: Live and let your phone die
I recommend you read/watch/listen to (choose one of these) and explain why: I recommend you listen to Bank Woe by Albert River because it will open your heart and help you process grief.
