by Hanna Singh
One talented Ruston girl has performed her way from the living room all the way to the festival stages. 16-year-old Elise Clare Causey has always had a passion for music that has led to a blooming career before even graduating high school.
Growing up, Causey’s parents had always been aware of her musical aptitude. Her father began to introduce her to more music, supporting her passion and opening the door for something bigger in her future.
“I have been singing for as long as I can remember,” Causey said. “My mom says I started singing as soon as I could talk. She remembers first noticing me singing harmony when I would sing along to the Wild Kratts theme song.”
In recent years, Causey has sought out opportunities to perform professionally and build her musical resume. From performing at the local farmer’s market and local restaurants, to playing the stage the festivals such as the Chatham Festival of Arts and the Ruston Peach Festival, Causey has embraced the feeling of performing for crowds of all sizes. She especially enjoyed the recent opportunity to showcase some of her original work for her community at a musical competition.
“A big highlight so far was competing in Bayou Star Search last August and playing one of my original songs for the first time in public,” Causey said. “That experience left me craving more. A recent highlight has been recording an original song I co-wrote with one of my best friends, Leigh Johnson, called ‘Practically Glowing.’ We hope to release it to the public soon. The recording process was so much fun.”
Not only does Causey love the feeling that performing gives her, but she also finds comfort and creative fulfillment in the writing process. Although many smalltown artists stick to performing covers and mashups, Causey has put in the hours writing many of her own originals. The creation doesn’t come all at once but is a consistent thought process that sticks with Causey throughout every day and shapes her as an artist.
“It’s hard to put into words what music does for me,” Causey said. “It’s like it’s just part of me. I constantly have songs playing in my head, and I’m always thinking of new ideas for my own songs.”
The journey of becoming a young star has not been a solo one for Causey. With the support and encouragement of her parents, she has been able to embrace opportunities while still balancing high school commitments. When considering her role models in music that shaped her, Causey credits her father the most for passing on his love of music to her. Although he isn’t a musician himself, Max Causey has supported his daughter’s journey from the very start. Her mother, Magan Causey described her feelings while watching her daughter grow into the artist that she is today.
“It has been such a joy for me to watch Elise Clare’s talent unfold,” Magan said. “Music was a huge part of my mother’s side of the family. It skipped a generation though. I can’t hear harmonies or play by ear. I’m thankful all of that talent landed on Elise Clare. I’m soaking up these days of hearing her voice ring through the house because I know time is fleeting.”
As for her future in music, Causey isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After high school, she plans to grow her musical career and keep dedicating herself to learning as a musician.
“I plan to keep working hard creating original songs and seeking out opportunities to get as much experience as possible,” Causey said. “I’d love to pursue the music industry in college and beyond.”
Elise Clare Causey will be performing at the upcoming 2026 Peach Festival on the Railroad Park Stage from 2:00-3:00 PM. You can keep up with her music by following at @itseliseclaremusic on Instagram.
