All Elise Harper Needs Is A Little “Bartender Therapy”

From Memphis to Nashville, singer-songwriter and country recording artist Elise Harper releases one of her most impactful songs yet, "Bartender Therapy."

Coming in a 4'11", Elise Harper's presence in the musical world is substantial. With a background in country, gospel, and pop, Harper moved to Nashville in 2015 and never looked back. She's gone on to share stages with acts like Chris Janson and Jimmie Allen, discovering a deep passion for songwriting along the way.

She's now releasing powerful songs like her latest, "Bartender Therapy," co-written with Sarah Jones, Jason Lane, and the late Craig Wilson, who passed away unexpectedly in March of 2023. Now releasing the song in his honor, as it was one of Craig's favorites, Elise Harper also released a heartstring-tugging music video to deepen the experience.

Expanding on "Bartender Therapy," you'd think it would be an upbeat country banger with a name like that. But it runs much deeper. Elise Harper opens the song with lush, soothing instrumentals and vocals that express the story of a young woman navigating a tumultuous journey through love. It's heartfelt, honest, and perfectly expresses those personal emotions of post-breakup blues.

But what's eye-opening is how Harper ties in others' experiences in the song's music video. While she might be venting to the bartender over a breakup, someone else might have lost their job or, worse, a loved one. And this single perfectly honors those one-off conversations that feel like therapy sessions.

When no one else is listening, there's someone behind the counter who might. Find Elise Harper's stunning new single, "Bartender Therapy," on all digital streaming platforms.

Welcome to Buzz, Elise! You've truly moved us with your heartfelt and personal new single, "Bartender Therapy." What inspired you to create this unique song?

I wrote this song in the midst of COVID after my ex tried to come back into my life. I didn’t want to admit that I missed him but was intrigued that he kept calling and texting after proposing to the girl he cheated on me with. I was constantly talking to friends and asking their advice. But the truth is, all I really wanted to do was go to the local bar and drown my sorrows for the night. Even though it’s normal to miss someone, I didn’t want to let him back into my life, I knew he was toxic. Writing this song was so cathartic. It was a way to analyze and evaluate my feelings privately, without ever having to speak to him again. Writing a good song is a lot like a therapy session. It’s one of the reasons I love music so much.

What was your experience co-writing "Bartender Therapy" with the late Craig Wilson and other songwriters? What did you enjoy most about that collaboration?

I loved writing this song with my co-writers Sarah Jones, Jason Lane and Craig Wilson. We always had such a great time and work well together. We were on a writer’s retreat in Florida and some violent storms rolled through our area and the power went out. We sat there in the dark for a few minutes, rounded up some candles, and tried to come up with a plan. I pitched an idea I’d been sitting on for a while and behold “Bartender Therapy” was born. What I enjoy most about collaborating with these writers is how well we work together. Everyone brings different strengths to the table.

I like bringing the ideas and stories I want to write, along with vocals. Craig was a master at capturing my thoughts and turning them into lyrics. He was one of the most talented people I’ve ever known. I still can’t believe he’s gone. Such a loss for our community. I miss him every day. Jason brings the beats, melodies, and catchy hooks. And then there is Sarah, throwing out lyrics so good and fresh we must add them. She’s the glue that holds us together. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of folks to write with. I am blessed.

What was your vision for the "Bartender Therapy" music video? What visuals and scenes did you want to get across to viewers?

I wanted this video to stand out and really connect with the listeners. It had to be cool and unique, and I wanted a bit of a twist at the end. So, I made myself the bartender, finally revealing my face in the last scene. This song is important to me because it’s about events that have shaped my life and changed me forever. The video had to be great. There are hidden messages and meanings I wanted to share. I hope I am able to explain more about that someday in a longer interview.

The most important thing I wanted to mention in this video is that even if you are surrounded by precious friends and family who love you, you can still struggle and feel alone. I want people to know that grief and losing someone isn’t easy. It takes time to process your emotions. I want people to know that it’s ok to go to therapy and talk things out with a professional you trust and that you aren’t a weak person for doing so. Our culture doesn’t talk about grieving really. We should be able to just bury the pain and move on…right? That’s just not realistic or healthy.

How does "Bartender Therapy" stand out from your previous releases? What makes it different?

”Bartender Therapy” is different from any other song I have released because it is pure, traditional country. From the instruments to the lyrics to the vocals, this is a real, raw country song. The live piano and acoustic guitar begin the song standing out front, while the gentle percussion keeps the tempo. Then, the kiss of the pedal steel enters to tug at your heartstrings and make you feel like you are sitting in a rundown bar.

What did you want listeners to experience when hearing "Bartender Therapy"? What did you want them to take away?

I want the listeners to feel like this is a song they can relate to. We all have those friends that we confide in, covering the same ground over and over, hoping for new wisdom or insight. If you don’t have friends like that…get you some! Life is hard, so find a tribe that will support you, rejoice with you, grieve with you, but isn’t afraid to be honest with you.

If you can find that, and be that to others in return, you will have one of the most precious and valuable resources you can have here on earth. Sure, you can go to a bar and throw a little liquor down to numb the pain for a time, but it’s that community of friends that is gonna see you through. Finally, don’t call your cheating ex! They are like abusers. THEY don’t change, they just change the women they abuse.

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