Ellen Alaverdyan was born to Armenian parents in Los Angeles, California, and later moved with her family to Las Vegas, Nevada. Her father, Hovak, is an accomplished musician, and her mother, Marine, is a skilled makeup artist. Ellen's talent and interests seamlessly blend with her parents’ gifts in music and art.
At age 8, Ellen watched Tal Wilkenfeld perform on TV and felt inspired. Later, she mistook a bass for a guitar. Upon trying it out, she was hooked. She attributes her passion for the bass to its versatility and its deeper, resonant notes.
Initially, her father Hovak taught her the basics of playing bass, including proper posture. However, Ellen soon turned to YouTube and Yousician to further her skills. While Hovak still aids her in mastering some songs, Ellen largely learns them on her own.
Victor Wooten stands out as Ellen’s primary musical inspiration. “He was there my whole life,” she shares. Ellen also considers her dad a significant influence. Despite being a huge fan of The Beatles, Ellen believes inspiration can be found everywhere: “Anything you discover can inspire you and make you want to play.”
By age 11, Ellen's videos have reached millions, and she’s amassed over 600,000 Facebook fans. Her parents play a significant role in her online presence, ensuring her well-being given her young age. Ellen remains grounded amidst her rising fame, prioritizing real-world relationships. She enjoys typical activities for her age – spending time with friends, exploring art and music, and “eating, sleeping, and watching YouTube.”
With recognition has come opportunities: she’s performed with renowned guitarist Steve Vai, appeared on Steve Harvey’s show, and played at a Golden State Warriors game. Her association with Steve Vai began when Vai's guitar tech, an avid fan of Ellen's, introduced her videos to the guitar legend. This led to a memorable performance in Vegas.
Ellen’s diverse range in her videos reflects her eclectic taste. She often chooses songs that resonate with her personally, occasionally drawn by a compelling bass line.
While her Armenian heritage plays a central role in family life, Ellen has yet to delve deeply into Armenian music. Hovak believes one needs to grow up with it to fully cherish its essence. However, Ellen's musical roots run deep, with her grandfather being a noted folk singer in Armenia and her two aunts also being vocalists.
Regarding her future, Ellen has a clear vision: “Just bass.”
Bio written by Corey Brown (No Treble, Ultimate Guitar)