Ever since her stint at the first season of The Voice under Christina Aguilera’s tutelage,  San Francisco native Lily Elise has been preparing to release her EP Taken. It’s chock-full of collaborators: Felix Snow (who’s worked with Gallant and Nicole Sherzinger), Dan Nigro (who’s written songs for Sky Ferreira, Aluna George and Twin Shadow), Mighty Mike (Kelly Clarkson) and more. She’s also sung on tracks for Dillon Francis and Felix Cartal. Elise says of her EP, “They tell a story of struggling to find myself in the midst of an unknown career path and a destructive relationship, from beginning to end. They are my babies and while I’m terrified to push them out of the nest, I’m also extremely proud and excited to watch them fly.”

Hometown: San Francisco  

Now lives in: Los Angeles

What's your earliest memory of music?

I always liked music and sang along with anything. It's just a part of me.  I was around seven when I started getting my own CDs and becoming obsessed with pop music. I think Spice Girls was my first CD.

Did you study music formally?

I've been taking voice lessons on and off since I was 11, so I got some basic music training that way. But I'm mostly self-taught when it comes to piano and writing.

When did you start writing and singing your own songs?

I can remember writing silly little songs as young as five years old, and started writing full songs in middle school. I never played them for anyone, my songs were just like my diary in a way. I didn't gain confidence as a songwriter until I was about 21.

Who did you grow up listening to?

There are sooo many! Growing up I listened to a lot of Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston. All my divas. Songwriting-wise I think John Mayer is a musical genius.

Where do you draw your songwriting inspiration?

I draw inspiration from anything and everything. Mainly my personal relationships with guys, friends and family. Sometimes I write about things my friends are going through, sometimes I'll get inspired just watching a movie, or overhearing a conversation. Is that creepy? [Laughs.]

Tell us what Taken is all about.

The Taken EP tells the story of a past relationship that was pretty unhealthy for me to be in, but for some reason I didn't want to get out of. The songs were written over the course of a year. I wanted to put it out there for anyone in a bad relationship — that you are strong enough to make the decision to leave, and you're not alone.

What's are you listening to now?

Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Jazmine Sullivan, Ariana Grande and a million others.

What's one thing you want people to know about you?

I'm inspired by sad or dark moments. Writing is my way of getting those feelings out and letting them live in the songs, instead of in me. … But I'm not moody and sad all the time! I like to have fun too.