We need more selfless creatives like Elizabeth Woolf. During this time of uncertainty in the face of COVID-19, San Fernando Valley raised singer, Elizabeth Woolf, shares the inspiration behind her latest song, her journey as a singer, and her fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO EMBARK ON A SINGING CAREER?

Since LA is so spread out, I spent a lot of my childhood in the car, listening to music and singing along. My first love was old Broadway show tunes. I used to listen to Guys and Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie, and Hello Dolly on repeat until I knew every single word and instrumental by heart. Nothing fills me more than immersing myself in the world of a song. The greatest highlight of my career so far has been completing my debut album. I couldn't be prouder of this collection of songs, and of the memories I share with my collaborators. I overcame a lot of personal fears throughout this process, and I am forever grateful.

JUMPING INTO A CREATIVE CAREER CAN BE A NERVE-RAKING AFFAIR. CAN YOU SHARE ONE OF THE BIGGEST PERSONAL BARRIERS YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

In college, I developed vocal issues that required me to take long periods of vocal rest (days of complete silence) and speech therapy to correct the hoarseness. There were moments when I thought I physically wouldn't be able to sing, let alone make a career out of it. These days, I treasure my ability to sing, and I remind myself to never take it for granted.

COVID-19 IS AFFECTING OUR SOCIETY IN UNIMAGINABLE WAYS. HOW DID YOU USE MUSIC TO CREATE A SPACE FOR SELF-CARE, FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS?

I wrote The Magic Toilet Paper Song because I needed something to believe in. Little did I know that it would become an uplifting anthem of sorts to my friends and family. I believe it to be a positive message for children of all ages, and families as well. We could all use a sense of community right now.  

YOUR LATEST SONG HAS UPLIFTED MANY PEOPLE, AND YOU’VE DECIDED TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO HELP CHILDREN DEALING WITH COVID-19. HOW CAN WE SUPPORT?

The response to this song has been so strong that I decided to do something good with it. I created a fundraiser through the Children's Hospital Los Angeles to raise money for children in need during this time. This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, as I was once a patient at CHLA. My mission is to use this song as a tool of empowerment and good action, by donating to CHLA. 

Want to support Elizabeth?

• CONTRIBUTE TO ELIZABETH WOOLF’S CHLA FUNDRAISER.

• CHECK OUT HER LATEST SINGLE VALENCIA STREET ON SPOTIFY.

• KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR HER UPCOMING DEBUT ALBUM IN SUMMER 2020.