Dark-pop singer-songwriter crafting cinematic, eerie pop anthems that weave vulnerable storytelling with hints of her Assyrian heritage.
Hometown
Iraq
Age
25-34
Ellise Mariana Gitas, known mononymously as Ellise, is a first-generation American dark-pop singer and songwriter from Foster City, California, whose work often carries echoes of her Assyrian roots through her mother's Iraqi-Assyrian background. Emerging on YouTube and social media as a teenager, she built an audience with emotive vocal performances and original songs that blend glossy pop production, cinematic atmospheres, and lyrics about heartbreak, self-doubt, and haunted femininity. Since beginning to release music in 2016, she has developed a signature “pretty but twisted” aesthetic, culminating in projects like her debut album Chaotic and later releases such as Pretty Evil, alongside standout singles like "Love Made Me Do It" and the independently released "911", which has been certified gold and streamed hundreds of millions of times. Ellise frequently collaborates with her younger brother, a producer and musician, and has grown a global fanbase that connects with both her theatrical visuals and her willingness to share personal struggles. While her catalog is primarily English-language pop, she has spoken publicly about her mother's journey from Iraq to the United States and the complex, multiethnic Middle Eastern identity she carries. By succeeding in mainstream alternative pop while openly acknowledging her Assyrian heritage, Ellise offers quiet but meaningful representation for Assyrian and Middle Eastern girls who rarely see themselves reflected in Western music, showing that they can be both deeply themselves and sonically adventurous.
Discover related content and browse the community
Dark-pop singer-songwriter crafting cinematic, eerie pop anthems that weave vulnerable storytelling with hints of her Assyrian heritage.
Hometown
Iraq
Age
25-34
Ellise Mariana Gitas, known mononymously as Ellise, is a first-generation American dark-pop singer and songwriter from Foster City, California, whose work often carries echoes of her Assyrian roots through her mother's Iraqi-Assyrian background. Emerging on YouTube and social media as a teenager, she built an audience with emotive vocal performances and original songs that blend glossy pop production, cinematic atmospheres, and lyrics about heartbreak, self-doubt, and haunted femininity. Since beginning to release music in 2016, she has developed a signature “pretty but twisted” aesthetic, culminating in projects like her debut album Chaotic and later releases such as Pretty Evil, alongside standout singles like "Love Made Me Do It" and the independently released "911", which has been certified gold and streamed hundreds of millions of times. Ellise frequently collaborates with her younger brother, a producer and musician, and has grown a global fanbase that connects with both her theatrical visuals and her willingness to share personal struggles. While her catalog is primarily English-language pop, she has spoken publicly about her mother's journey from Iraq to the United States and the complex, multiethnic Middle Eastern identity she carries. By succeeding in mainstream alternative pop while openly acknowledging her Assyrian heritage, Ellise offers quiet but meaningful representation for Assyrian and Middle Eastern girls who rarely see themselves reflected in Western music, showing that they can be both deeply themselves and sonically adventurous.
Discover related content and browse the community
Debut single that launched Ellise's professional music career in 2018 and introduced her emotionally driven pop sound.
Independently released breakthrough single, certified gold with over 500 million streams, widely regarded as Ellise's life-changing signature record.
Featured and highlighted across a range of leading publications, including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Flaunt Magazine, TMRW Mag, OnesToWatch, and Nylon Magazine, recognizing Ellise's breakout success, distinctive songwriting, and growing impact in contemporary pop.
Selected as an opening act for Madison Beer's "Spinnin Tour" in spring 2024, performing across multiple cities and introducing original music to thousands of new listeners.
Wrote "In My Room" for global K-pop group TWICE, marking a significant international songwriting milestone and expanding their reach into the Korean pop market.
Joined Bishop Briggs' "Tell My Therapist I'm Fine" tour as an opening act in spring 2025, further solidifying their reputation as a powerful live performer and connecting with broader audiences.
Achieved RIAA Gold certification for the independently released single "911", a career-defining record that surpassed 500 million streams and marked a major milestone in Ellise's journey as both an artist and songwriter.
Ellise's first U.S. headline run, "THE PRETTY EVIL TOUR", spanning July-August 2025 with a second leg scheduled for January-February 2026, solidifying her evolution from streaming success to commanding live performer with a dedicated fanbase across major cities.
Debut single that launched Ellise's professional music career in 2018 and introduced her emotionally driven pop sound.
Independently released breakthrough single, certified gold with over 500 million streams, widely regarded as Ellise's life-changing signature record.
Featured and highlighted across a range of leading publications, including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Flaunt Magazine, TMRW Mag, OnesToWatch, and Nylon Magazine, recognizing Ellise's breakout success, distinctive songwriting, and growing impact in contemporary pop.
Selected as an opening act for Madison Beer's "Spinnin Tour" in spring 2024, performing across multiple cities and introducing original music to thousands of new listeners.
Wrote "In My Room" for global K-pop group TWICE, marking a significant international songwriting milestone and expanding their reach into the Korean pop market.
Joined Bishop Briggs' "Tell My Therapist I'm Fine" tour as an opening act in spring 2025, further solidifying their reputation as a powerful live performer and connecting with broader audiences.
Achieved RIAA Gold certification for the independently released single "911", a career-defining record that surpassed 500 million streams and marked a major milestone in Ellise's journey as both an artist and songwriter.
Ellise's first U.S. headline run, "THE PRETTY EVIL TOUR", spanning July-August 2025 with a second leg scheduled for January-February 2026, solidifying her evolution from streaming success to commanding live performer with a dedicated fanbase across major cities.
