Filipino-Australian R&B artist Ellara is owning her sound and story with authenticity.
At just 18, Ellara Bazerghi – known simply as Ellara – is part of a new generation of artists redefining what it means to be young, independent, and honest in the Australian music scene. Blending soulful R&B with raw emotional storytelling, her music explores heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery drawn straight from her journals and real-life moments.
Her debut single Love Me Again marked the beginning of a career grounded in authenticity, followed by Never Felt Like This, a song that captures the rush of new emotion and the lightness of hope. With each release, she invites listeners into her world – one where vulnerability is powerful and being human is enough.
When Ellara walks into her lola’s house, the first thing that greets her isn’t just the smell of adobo simmering on the stove – it’s the warmth, love, and laughter that have quietly shaped her identity.
“Walking into my lola’s house always smells like food, love, and warmth,” she said. “It’s where my strong sense of family taught me to stay humble.”
That deep sense of belonging, rooted in her Filipino heritage, is the quiet force behind her music – a blend of tenderness and truth.
“I’m so proud to be 50% Filipino,” she says, and it shows. Her songs carry that same spirit – open, heartfelt, and grounded in honesty.
A Filipino heart in the Australian music scene
For Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Ellara, being Filipino-Australian is more than a hyphenated identity – it’s a rhythm that shapes how she connects with the world.
“Our culture is loyal, family-oriented and we show up for each other,” she says. “It’s given me a deep appreciation for connection and has shaped how I move through the world. That’s why I use so much emotion in my music and expressions.”
She compares performing to a familiar scene every Filipino knows: karaoke night.
“When I perform, I crave that same karaoke-night feeling… a room full of people singing, celebrating and feeling it together,” Ellara reveals.
That shared joy – that Filipino instinct to connect through song – has become the emotional DNA of her music. It speaks directly to both her Filipino roots and her Australian upbringing, where multicultural creativity thrives.
Family, the foundation
Behind her growing success is a close-knit family who serves as her compass.
“My family has been my support, my rock, and my greatest influence,” Ellara reflects. “Being so tight-knit has given me the courage to take risks in my career, knowing I have the support and love behind me.”
It’s a sentiment many Filipino families would recognise – love expressed through steadfast support, a quiet cheer from behind the scenes. It’s the same strength that has helped her navigate the unpredictable world of music.
Songwriting as therapy
For Ellara, writing music isn’t just about melodies – it’s about meaning.
“Songwriting is like therapy for me,” she shares. “I write first to process my own thoughts and feelings, and then gain inspiration. Some parts can feel too revealing, but I trust my intuition – if it feels right, it stays.”
She remembers her first full song vividly.
“I came into the studio with a really heavy heart,” she says. “I actually started tearing up while I talked about what I was going through. Right after that conversation, something clicked – the whole song literally poured out of me.”
Her writing process reflects the same honesty that drives her performances. Whether she’s on stage, at the piano late at night, or jotting ideas into her phone, she creates from the heart – inviting listeners into a space that feels personal, safe, and real.
Influences and inspirations
Her sound carries traces of global and Filipino influences – R&B with an emotional pulse. She draws inspiration from artists like SZA, Ariana Grande, FLO, Laufey, and Olivia Dean for their ability to blend vulnerability with strength.
On the Filipino side, she names Denise Julia and DEMI as inspirations.
“Seeing Filipino R&B artists owning their sound makes me proud of my roots and inspires me to create my own space in R&B,” says Ellara.
Before releasing her original songs, Ellara spent years in vocal training and live performance – from lead roles in musical theatre to local open-mic nights – experiences that gave her sound both depth and confidence. It’s this foundation that makes her voice as expressive as it is soulful.
Owning her journey
Ellara is part of a new wave of independent artists determined to protect their creative integrity.
“I don’t ever want to be taken advantage of,” she says firmly. “Growing up around strong, independent women taught me to stand my ground and know my worth.”
She’s clear about boundaries and independence – not from rebellion, but from wisdom.
“Seeing global stars speak out about ownership made me realise I need to set boundaries early,” she says. “From the start, I want control over my music, my image and my direction rather than being put in a box.”
Her growing confidence in navigating the industry mirrors her generation’s demand for authenticity and self-agency – values that resonate strongly with Filipino-Australians balancing tradition with modern expression.
Strength through connection
Like many young creatives, Ellara admits the journey hasn’t been easy.
“Honestly, how hard it is to gain recognition in the industry surprised me,” she says. “Australia’s music scene is so competitive that it was a shock at first to realise you constantly have to network and build your own community.”
Yet it’s that sense of community – so familiar to Filipino culture – that continues to drive her.
“It’s been challenging, but I’m so grateful for where I am and where I’m heading, that I wouldn’t have it any other way,” confides Ellara.
To young Filipino-Australians dreaming of following a similar path, her advice is simple but sincere: “Go for it! We only live once and life’s way too short not to chase what you love. Back yourself, always.”
On the horizon
Ellara envisions a creative journey that goes beyond music – one that embraces acting, storytelling, and perhaps one day, film. As her platform grows, she hopes to use it to open conversations around mental health and self-expression, especially among young women.
“Performing in the Philippines is definitely something I want to happen,” she says. “It would mean so much to connect with my roots in that way. And it would be an honour to collaborate with Filipino artists; they’re such beautiful, soulful musicians and I’d love to create something truly special together.”
Beyond the stage, she hopes her music becomes something more than background noise – a refuge for those who listen. “I want my music to feel like a safe space for people,” she says. “To feel like home away from home and a warm hug.”
In her message to Philtimes readers, Ellara shared a heartfelt note of gratitude: “Thank you for being a part of my journey. To every Filipino-Australian reader: your support means the world to me, and I am so excited to share more love, music, and stories.”
Her words echo what many Filipino-Australians will recognise – humility, warmth, gratitude, and heart. In every lyric she writes, Ellara carries both her worlds with her – the rhythm of her roots and the sound of her tomorrow.
Connect with Ellara
- IG: @ellara_music
- TikTok: @ellaramusic
